Ministry Clarity and Starting New
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“Gaining clarity” in an existing ministry and “starting new” may seem opposing, but -- whether you are doing one or both -- they share a single lens: a focus on “being a blessing” rather than gathering people or programs to support something that already exists.
This is no small re-orientation. Every leader daily faces the challenge of keeping eyes on Jesus who says, “Go make disciples.” This means living a life that fulfils His commission to be a blessing to people. Jesus counts one person at a time! Seeking to be a blessing is less about “what” and “how,” and more about “why” and “who.” Who is with us on this journey, and why are we doing it? Furthermore, it matters that a ministry seeks to keep a “physical footprint” in its community. We need tangible bridges. The job of the NOW District in “Ministry Clarity and Starting New” is to help you – working with other leaders – focus on being a blessing and maintaining and launching active ministry bridges.
The recommendation of the NOW District is that leaders consider these four interlocking categories as you enter processes of ministry clarity or starting new:
- Be a Blessing -- Focus on giving, connecting, and caring for your communities and neighbors rather than "filling the pews."
- Have a Plan -- Have a regularly-visited and adapted ministry plan that includes growth campaigns/markers for physical and spiritual development.
- Work Together – Create concentric circles of relationships built outwards from your "Jerusalem to Judea to the ends of the earth."
- Equip Leaders -- Have a robust identification and training pathway for leadership development.
Our expectation is that leaders interested in these processes are first and foremost participants in the NOW Start Network, a groundswell of leaders from across the Northwest focused on starting new (link below). Please reach out to us with further questions as you have need. We are here to coach and connect!
Six Drivers for Well-Functioning Team Ministry
- When conflict or challenge, members of the team talk directly about it (not to others).
- The members of the team are satisfied with their responsibilities.
- Members of the team agree with and understand one another’s roles and responsibilities.
- How well do you agree on the vision of the congregation?
- How well do the members of the team agree on how much each other should work and regarding time off?
- How often does the team socialize together?
LINKS TO GET YOU STARTED
