A lot of the churches here in NC do it this way. The men start the night before and burn wood (usually hickory) and shovel the coals under the meat. They "work" all night at the pits cooking the BBQ. Usually there are pits made for this. Really just pits with a roof. Chicken is usually served also. They do this in the fall around here. Once per year. But lotsa different churches to eat at. The women usually make homemade cakes to be sliced and placed with the meal. Love getting my BBQ (when I'm not making my own!).