PARTICIPATIVE MINISTRY
STRATEGIC PLANNING
When setting out on a program of strategic thinking at the congregational
level (we will call this the Macro
level), one needs to begin looking at the ministries (we will call this
the Micro level) that the congregation
chooses to work with.
By ministries we have in mind the various aspects of congregation life
such as:
1) Worship
2) Education - Bible Class, etc
3) Benevolence
4) Evangelistic outreach
5) Missions
6) Youth ministry
7) Ministry to the elderly
What we are proposing here is a method of determining what ministries the
congregation feels like it should or can offer.
What we are proposing is a Participative method of ministry selection that
falls under a Participative Leadership Model.
For a study of a Participative Leadership Model, click here on
BIBM 101 - Leadership.
PARTICIPATIVE
MINISTRY PLANNING
In this model the congregation gets together in some form of meeting and
works together in selecting ministries for the congregation.
This is the beginning of strategic planning from below within the
congregation.
Whatever type of congregational meeting is planned it must be well
"advertised" and communicated.
Click here to go to some information on setting up such
congregation planning meetings.
"Pot Luck" Meal:
Possibly the best foundation for such a meeting is to plan a congregation
"pot luck" meal right after the Sunday morning worship service.
Announce that after the meal the congregation (all are encouraged to
attend) will do some planning for future ministries for the congregation.
After the lunch is over provide every person, adults, teens, and children,
with a sheet of 8" x 11" paper.
Ask them to write their name at the top of the paper.
Now ask the congregation to list (one below the other) about 10 ministries
with which they would like to see the congregation engaged.
You might need to "prime the pump" in the sense that you make one or two
suggestions so the congregation will know what you are looking for!
Example:
NAME
Worship
Education
Youth Ministry
Benevolence
Education (Bible classes, etc)
Evangelism
Missions
Benevolence
Ministry to the elderly
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After giving the congregation some time to
work on this, ask them now to prioritize their selection.
Example:
NAME
Worship 1
Missions 3
Youth Ministry 5
Benevolence 8
Education (Bible classes, etc) 2
Evangelism 6
Singing Ministry 10
Ministry to the elderly 4
Deaf Ministry 9
Fellowship Ministry 7
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Now ask them to indicate the top three with
which they would like to be involved.
Ask them to rank these in preference, 1, 2, 3.
Example:
NAME
Worship 1
Missions 3
Youth Ministry 5 1
Benevolence 8
Education (Bible classes, etc) 2 3
Evangelism 6
Singing Ministry 10
Ministry to the elderly 4 2
Deaf Ministry 9
Fellowship Ministry 7
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You now can tabulate in order of preference
the ministries the congregation would like to engage.
In a real case the sum total of suggestions may be well over the 10 you
have asked for.
That is fine!
Now you select the top ten (or six, depending on the size and ability of
the congregation).
You also know the order of preference they have in mind, so if the ability
of the congregation is limited to six, then you choose the top six.
In a real case, the congregation indicates by a distinct break in the
ministries listed, the top preferences.
You also know who would like to be involved in the ministries selected.
If no one selects a ministry this gives you a good idea who will be
involved in that ministry.
In such cases you either have to drop that ministry for a while, or see
whether someone can be encouraged to become involved.
This process is a good beginning point for Strategic Planning for
the congregation.
This process gives you an idea of the Vision (dreams) of the
congregation, and the people resources available for ministry.
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