Discuss with Other Leaders
Starting or Restarting a Ministry
Our church tried to develop a small-groups ministry in the recent past, but the attempt failed. What should we keep in mind as we try again?
Total Reader Responses: 6 (see below)
share this page
I am about to start the Christian Development Foundation Ministry -My approach is this -the town is in poverty ,youths on drugs and violence while there is much prostitution of school-age girls. i am about to launch a school-based HIV/AIDS education program ,this will host about 700 students i will also be sharing the gospel.Later using space donated by the school i will establish a Sunday session. I will also be pushing ,games worship and dance . For the adults i will launch a community agriculture and processing program ,same approach i have a church building to teach agriculture also to teach the scriptures.People need to know that you care about them ,not only on sundays and to start your church,remember people are the church .They need to feel cared for and loved. [let me keep you up to date ,email me -daly.anthony@rocketmail.com] i did this for two ministries in the USA and Jamaica.
The main thing you should keep in mind is that having the program is not the solution, or the end result you should have in mind. People coming together, learning about Christ, gaining relationship with Christ and each other is what is important.
Hi Jessica, That is a legitimate concern. I recommend that you try "semi-closed" groups. This is where a group is considered "closed" during the semester when it is studying together. But then the church also designates "open" times during the year (usually January and August) when new members can join existing groups. This allows new people to join a group eventually, but also preserves the intimacy of a closed sysstem.
Our community group ministry is currently undergoing evaluation. We are functioning under the open group model, but are beginning to contemplate the closed group model. I am struggling with the closed model because I feel that seekers or church members can feel excluded and unwanted. Is this a legitmate concern, and if so, how can I move past it?
I agree prayer is vital. I also believe that is vital to learn from people who know what they are talking about. Read books, a lot of them! There are a ton of great authors and books which talk about small group strategy and various approaches to developing that type of ministry. I envy you being able to start from scratch. I came in with an established small group ministry. While it may seem good, its very difficult to initiate change in strategy with people who have established ideals on what small groups should be. Most importantly, make sure the whole church leadership is behind your efforts. Without their support it will be very difficult to establish the minitry you desire. God Bless you and your efforts!
