Articles

Working Together in Ministry

The Acts of the Apostles offers important insights about the formation of the first century church. It not only reflects beliefs, but also roles, tasks, and responsibilities. Acts 18:3 makes a simple but profound observation: “and they worked together.” The term “team ministry” is not found in the Bible, but it is implied through the actions of the Apostles. If we are to function as a team in the ministry of Christ, the truth we must embrace is this: all persons have gifts and graces that can be used to advance the work of Christ.

As a seminarian, I learned to be a “lone ranger” and taught what was expected of me as a pastor. I continued to seek to fulfill others expectations for many years. What an amazing awakening when I discovered that ministry is not about what I do alone, but what we [as a congregation] do together! Such phrases as “every member in ministry” and “partners in ministry” became themes to encourage team ministry between laity and clergy.  I began to search for persons with gifts who would help with the tasks of ministry of the Church. It became important to provide clarity about expectations through training.  I often found laity reluctant to take on roles because of unclear expectations, perhaps failing to see that they were a part of a team to help complete the work of ministry.  How does your church discover potential leaders and recruit them for leadership?

Team ministry doesn’t happen automatically. Many barriers prevent it from happening.  One possible barrier is the mindset of clergy. Some pastors continue to operate as “lone rangers,” preferring to go it alone, thinking that the work of ministry is easier that way. Another barrier is the reluctance of some laity to assume responsibilities. They have been taught that ministry functions are “the pastor’s (and staff’s) job.”  We have yet to fully embrace the concept that clergy (and staff) are to “equip the saints for ministry.”  Members of an effective team need instruction, guidance, encouragement, and affirmation.  How does your church train and sustain leadership?

We must affirm the concept of every member in ministry and encourage persons to assume their roles in kingdom-building.  To embrace such a concept is to take seriously the responsibility of working together as a team. What needs to be done to help members of your congregation hear their call and embrace the concept of team ministry?

Welcoming (Hospitality) Evangelism

There is in our churches a renewed emphasis on the importance of hospitality. Non-members are viewed not as visitors, but honored guests. The pastor of the church I attend says to our guests, “We welcome you who are our guests today and thank you for coming. You honor us with your presence.” With a few well-chosen words of welcome, gracious hospitality is expressed. Acts of welcome and hospitality take many forms. The following are some ways to express “Welcoming Evangelism.”

· Friendly and helpful greeters and ushers make guests feel comfortable.

· Open, friendly and caring congregation is attentive to guests.

· The worship is inspirational and uplifting, and worshipers are engaged as participants, not spectators.

· The printed worship order is “user friendly.”

· Bible-based preaching speaks to everyday life.

· Congregational music is sing-able and uplifting.

· Guests are welcomed in the greeting in a non-threatening way.

· There is a well-equipped and staffed nursery.

· Information about the church’s ministry is readily available through quality brochures, other handouts.

· Members’ actions toward guests express a desire for them to return.

· “For Guests Only” packet of materials is distributed.

· Guests are given a “token” gift as an expression of appreciation for their presence. (i.e., bread, mug, small plant)

· There is designated parking for visitors.

· There are exterior and interior directional signs.

· Facilities are maintained and show signs of “tender, loving care.”

· There is immediate follow-up by laity. (within 2 - to 48 hrs)

What is your plan for becoming a more welcoming and inviting congregation? What are the signs of hospitality in your church? What suggestions from the above list are in place? What needs to be done?

A Check-list for Initiating Change in the Church

Change is often difficult and if not processed with thoughtful and intentional preparations, it can lead to conflict. These questions are offered as a guide to help pave the way for change:

1. What or who is the source of the proposed change?

2. Is the change essential to advance the mission and ministry, and will it help fulfill God’s vision for the church?

3. Who claims ownership to the proposed change?

4. What are the factors (positive and negative forces) involved which related to the proposed change?

5. If the proposed change does occur, what specifically will happen which will enhance ministry?

6. If the proposed change does not occur, what specifically will happen to the ministry’s effectiveness?

7. What will be required to initiate the change?

8. Has support been developed among church leaders for the proposed change?

9. How has the proposed change been interpreted to the members to ensure their understanding and support?

10. How will the change be evaluated?

11. Is there a precedent for the proposed change?

12. Is the proposed change being undergirded by prayer?

Discovering the Power of Vision

In June 2001, our (Virginia) Annual Conference adopted a vision statement that provides local churches with a unified focus for ministry.  It is expressed this way: “We envision churches where all God’s people are welcomed at table, nurtured and transformed to be Christ to others in the world.”   In planning ministry, each church is asked to consider the implications of this conference vision statement.  Seeking vision for the Church is best determined by asking questions about who we are and what God has claimed us to be and do as the body of Christ.  The Conference vision statement is rich with symbolism and worth discussion and interpretation.  Church leaders should have conversations about the key action words.  For example, what does it mean that all God’s people are welcomed at table?  What must a church do to nurture and transform persons to be Christ for others?  In open dialogue each church must be sensitive to God’s unique vision and the unfulfilled dreams of its particular ministry setting.

A great challenge facing the Church today is to discover the power of vision.  The conference has provided a “yardstick” for measuring how we can become a visioning church.  The priority of visioning in the Church is not an option, but an imperative, for without a vision the church will have a limited future.

Are You Ready to Vision?
Questions for Church Leaders

Is your church ready to embrace a new vision?  The process begins with a commitment from its leaders. The following questions will help church leaders determine if they are ready to vision.

1. Do you understand the distinction between mission, vision, and ministry and how each impacts the church’s life?
2. Have you undertaken demographic studies and data gathering to help you understand your present reality?
3. Have you gathered data from the membership to determine their hopes and dreams for the church’s future?
4. Are you open to change and to doing “a new thing?”
5. Have you discovered what “drives” your church’s ministry?
6. Have you determined the church’s “vital signs” and what they reveal about the church’s overall health?
7. Have you identified your church’s strengths in ministry and are you ready to develop a plan to build on those strengths?
8. Have you identified the major areas of focus to effectively guide the visioning process?
9. Do you have a majority of the leadership willing to participate in a “spiritual experience” to discern God’s vision?
10. As a church leader are you willing to do what is necessary to enable such a visioning process to be successful?

Visioning for Ministry
An Event offered by
Four Seasons Ministry

The Event
The Visioning for Ministry Event is a training experience and discernment process for church leadership that helps interpret their roles as visionaries and decision makers who determine the church’s future.  The event focuses on the inter-relationship of mission, vision, and ministry and usually takes approximately five hours (which includes a meal). Suggested days and times include Saturday (9 a.m. - 2 p.m. or Sunday (4 p.m.- 9 p.m.).

The event incorporates media (video and powerpoint), an interactive workbook for participants, and group participation to fulfill its intended purpose. The event can be held in a local church or retreat setting in one day or overnight (Friday night and Saturday). Overnight is a preferred setting to accomplish more intentional objectives.  (A suggested overnight schedule is Friday 7- 9 p.m. and Saturday 9- 3 p.m. and for a one day event, Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., or Sunday, 4- 9 p.m.)  It is imperative for maximum benefit that participants commit to the entire event.

Purpose
To develop a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of church leaders in helping the church fulfill its mission; to discern and sharpen God's vision for this church, and identify steps necessary for planning ministries that will enable the vision to become reality. 

Proposed Agenda
Each event is unique to the local church and input from the pastor and leadership regarding time frame and desired outcome are included in the development of the final agenda. The following are topics essential to the event to discern vision.

Leadership for Ministry in the 21st Century
1. Qualities of Church Leaders
2. The Challenge of Leadership
3. Primary Functions of Leaders

Understanding Three Key Words
1. Mission
2. Vision
3. Ministry

Visioning for Ministry
1. Scriptural foundation for visioning
2. Defining vision
3. Functions of a vision
4. What vision involves
5. Some questions to ask
6. Focus areas for ministry
7. Questions to authenticate God’s vision

Discerning God’s Vision for Our Church
1. Data from the congregation to sharpen the vision
2. Vision development
3. Vision sharing and consensus building 
 
 
Next Steps:  Enabling the Vision to Become Reality

Closing Celebration

Money Matters

Occasionally, we have to talk about it!   It’s a topic we’d rather avoid, but money does matter in the life of the Church.  What matters most is how we use the money entrusted to us.  Jesus addressed money matters and possessions more than any other issue.  He knew that the greatest obstacles to overcome were greed and selfish desires. The decisions we make about money matters are a fundamental part of our discipleship.

When persons join our church they are asked this question: Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, presence, gifts and service?  This covenant is one of perfecting a lifestyle of stewardship in all areas of life.  Faithful giving as a steward becomes central to faith living.

I believe that one of our greatest needs is to reclaim the biblical concept of stewardship.  Someone has defined a steward as one who has been entrusted with blessings in order to bless others.  The following suggestions may help guide us in the process toward becoming more faithful stewards.

First, as church leaders develop budgets and plan financial campaigns, they should approach budget formation prayerfully and carefully within the context of stewardship.  Budgets are theological statements of what a church believes to be important.  We usually find money to do what we truly believe is worth doing.  A close examination of your church’s budget will reveal the level of commitment to mission, ministry, and maintenance.  How much does your church spend on self-preservation?  What percentage of the budget goes to support mission beyond the local church?  How much money is required to provide ministry to address persons in need?  Money is necessary for ministry, and enables the Church to fulfill its mission. 

Second, for a church to successfully fund the church’s mission and ministry, members must respond as faithful stewards, not as token givers. Stewardship is ultimately about one’s relationship with God and is based on an understanding of what God has done. Charitable giving therefore becomes an act of worship as a “thank offering.”  Giving is a reflection of spiritual well being and fulfills a basic need in our lives.  As disciples, our need to give is greater than the church’s need to receive.

Our churches are not to be monuments to the past, but centers for mission and ministry which address the needs of a hurting world.  Accordingly we must examine our theology of stewardship.  When we do, we will discover what it means to be faithful stewards and we will want to respond as cheerful and generous givers.  The next time you place your offering in the offering plate, consider not only what the gift will do to continue the work of Christ, but also how your gift defines you as a steward. When you are asked to pledge to the Church’s budget, remember that it is only though a generous response that the Church can continues its unique work on behalf of Christ.    Money does matter!