Our team created the business cards below to promote our church plant’s small group ministry. They are full color, very attractive, and at least invite a cursory reading.
In the blank space on the back, a church member can write their name and cell phone number.
It’s very much like billboard advertisement that you can carry in your pocket.
Has your church done anything similar? Has it been effective?
Greatness is not related to your bank account, your IQ, your family dynamics, your position, your SAT score, your abilities, your giftedness, your temperment, your achievements, or your location.
Greatness is directly proportional to your closeness with God.
And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. Exodus 11:3-4
My wife and I are independent Baptist missionaries, and so we had the task of raising our own support for our ministry. We traveled. A lot. Airports, train stations, interstates, and back roads were our life for 18 months. Did I mention we had a newborn in tow?
Needless to say, it was a rewarding albeit admittedly grueling time. And while driving down the road for hours at a time, there was one sign that brought joy to our entire family: “Rest Area 2 Miles”.
Ah, the rest area. Food and facilities, grass and trees. Despite being government run it was quite the welcome site. We knew at the rest area we could retool, reboot, refuel, and relax. The rest area provided a mental release – in the present and in the future. Not only did we enjoy it while we were taking a break, we enjoyed the thought of the next rest area while driving. In short, it gave us hope to continue.
I take a day off every Friday. Or at least I make a solid effort. (Anyone in ministry knows you can’t plan for certain things). Friday is a time that I and my family look forward too, to be, you know….a family. It is a time to rest together; breathe together; laugh together; dream together.
As my good friend Ben reminded me the other day, some people in ministry take the view that “Satan doesn’t take a day off so neither can I.” Well my friend, you model your life after the devils pattern if you want. Let me know how that works out. I try to model mine after my Father and His Son. The former took a day off (and noted it specifically) and the latter often rested to recharge.
On Fridays, we exhale. And I think that’s how God intended it.
Do you have a weekly day off? Why or why not?
As a church planter and missionary, I am constantly practicing for retirement. No, I’m not fishing every afternoon or looking for vacation spots. But I am working towards my eventual departure.
My goal as a church planter and leader in several ministries is to make myself irrelevant; I’m working hard to eliminate my position. Working myself out of a job. I don’t know how else to say it.
You see, by practicing for retirement, I am giving those under me a chance to lead and use their strengths. The more they lead, the more I become unnecessary to the process. Delegating with a timeline in mind.
What would happen if you woke up every morning ready to practice retirement? Would it change the way you lead your people?
The Bible clearly teaches that Christ equips the local church for effective ministry:
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12
If an outside resource is used (Financial Peace University and Reformers Unanimous being excellent examples that I can highly recommend), it must become a part of that church. Cookie cutter ministries won’t last long, because there are no cookie cutter churches! Someone in the church must be responsible for adapting the particular ministry to the local body of believers.
We must have ministries, not merely rent, hire, or test them out.
And if Christ leads your church to adopt a ministry strategy, He has equipped your church with just the person to lead it!
Maybe….it’s you!
What ministries does your church utilize effectively?
Ecclesia (n): a congregation; church; an assembly
Mind (n): inclination or desire; attention; thoughts; purpose, intention, or will
Welcome to the NEW Ecclesia Mind. This blog exists to share thoughts and ideas about the local church. Book reviews, current events, church planting strategies, best practices, and church history will all be featured here.
I am a missionary, and my passion is the local church; specifically, starting new ones. My goal is to start conversations here that will get you thinking. Whether you are a pastor, Sunday School teacher, church leader, or church goer – I believe this blog will benefit you.
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