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Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 2:21:46 PM
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FroMan
Posts: 22
Joined: 4/26/2008
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I searched for a topic on this, as I'm sure it has been discussed before, but wasn't exactly sure how to put it in the "search box".
A problem that my pastor and I face at our church, is that so many of our people are perfectly fine and comfortable, coming to church on Sunday morning, sitting there for an hour, and leaving.
I guess they feel as if they have done their "duty" to keep God happy and "remain" a good Christian.
The current workers/leaders in the church do everything. The same 15 people do drama, worship team, children's ministries, outreaches, church maintenance, Sunday School, the whole nine yards.
Pastor and I are trying to get others involved in ministry so that we can reach people more effectively, but the only ones willing to do other new ministries are the ones presently engaged in ministry.
Pastor and me can't reach everyone for Christ. Our personalities, demeaner or past experiences may not connect with someone like another person's would. We are trying to multiply church output, but delegating ministry tasks throughout the church laypeople.
The congregation is older. Most are retired. We have a few young couples who are new to church and need more maturing before they are encouraged to partake in leadership ministry roles.
I thought that maybe, a way to get people from their complacent spot on the pew, is to preach on the value of each individual member of God's family. Use the "body of Christ" metaphor that Paul likened the church to. However, I don't feel as if this is enough.
How do we instill in our members, especially our middle-aged and older people that they are much-needed, valuable members of the congregation and help something "click" inside of them, that everyone in the family of God is called into ministry (although perhaps not full-time or part time vocational)? How do we make it click that the church exists exists for the lost and helpless? That the church is called to "go out", not just to sit on the pew and soak in teaching?
If you have sucess stories, I'd also like to hear them. How did you do it? Knowing that it can be done is uplifting.
God bless. Thanks for the help.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 3:08:45 PM
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lightshineon
Posts: 3320
Joined: 4/11/2005
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you have fifteen? wow. just kidding, I feel your pain, I do not understand it either.
_____________________________
Remember, whenever you have pearls, there are always plenty of pigs nearby who would be glad to step on them.
F.T., 2007
Be sure you vote for those, whose views you want your children to emulate.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 3:49:36 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 4702
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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The only thing that I have found that works is to teach what is expected of them. And to teach it hard and often.
To show the congregation the many instructions in Scripture where all Christians are told to minister, spread the Gospel, be witnesses, etc. etc. and then I hammer this one little verse;
(Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
seems simplistic, but it works for me.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 4:31:45 PM
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Focusing
Posts: 5254
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I agree that we all *should* be involved in a ministry of some sort.
In my experience, however, I found that by agreeing to be in one ministry (choir), it led to a desperate plea to help in the nursery, and those who were suppose to relieve me in the nursery so I could be with the choir to sing at the start of the service were unreliable, and then I had the choir folks angry at me because I wasn't there to help with my choir part (there were only 3 altos, and I was one of them), but I was unable to leave the nursery with 6 babies because I was the only one there. Then I bowed out of the nursery, thereby creating feelings of anger by those in the nursery ministry, which led to gossiping behind my back, which caused the feelings to spill out into some in the choir, which made it really uncomfortable for me during choir practice, and eventually I got so tired of it all that I just dropped out of the choir.
Being involved in the women's ministry was kinda fun ... until the 2 hours I was requested to help out turned into day-long events, and the other women (who were married and their husbands were taking care of the kids, doing laundry, paying bills, running errands) got their noses out of joint because I had to leave. As a single mother, I didn't feel it was appropriate to expect me to put all my time outside of working my full-time job helping out at church, running others without transportation around ... it left me no time to take care of my child or my own household, which caused an enormous amount of stress in my life. Again, I quit helping out in the women's ministry because others flat refused to understand that I had priorities that needed to be taken care of, and I had no one else to rely on to get it done while I was at the church doing stuff.
This was just my experience. These were some of the reasons why I ended up switching churches, and am now going to a larger church, with a ministry that's for - ready for this - single parents. It's really important to have a church that understands our unique needs and demands on time.
Now, really, my post isn't to complain about being involved in ministry ... I do think it's important, and I admit that I miss the involvement. However, when I have such a limited amount of time, and I agree to give *X* number of hours to help out, that's great, I do so with a joyful heart. BUT, when that timeframe is abused over and over ... I can't. I don't have the time. I have a child and a household that I need to run, and it's all on my shoulders, there is no spouse to share the burden with me. For me, personally, and I truly hope this helps to explain why some might shy away from getting involved, is because resentment built up in my heart and I was no longer feeling joyful at helping out.
_____________________________
Sam
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 4:33:47 PM
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zamdad
Posts: 1065
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We moved to our present location nine years ago. My wife and I had a burden to do a small group for married couples. One of the things that developed after we had been meeting for some time was to bring some of the older couples in to share their life experience with the younger couples. The older couples came and shared and then expressed how blessed they were to learn from us the things from the younger couples that helped them with their own adult children. The end result was that it helped create a multigenerational congregation.
_____________________________
You can take the man out of Alaska, but you can't take Alaska out of the man.
Me
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 4:57:02 PM
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pbaribeault
Posts: 1124
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I've found that the only way to get "people" out of the pews and into ministry is to pick a PERSON and minister to them until they achieve the level of spiritual maturity that gives them a sense of 'call' - then your example of serving in the Church is reinforces that message, and suddenly you are ministering with them instead of to them all the time. Then you chat about the topic and feel great about your kingdom impact. Then they branch out and do stuff that suits them better then it suits you. Then you pick someone else. (Lather, Rinse, Repeat.)
Continue to relate with all your new co-workers until they realize that there are others not attaining the opportunity to serve. (This might take the form of grumbling about others not joining the work.) Then you share this concept and confess that you raised them up on purpose, and that you think they might be able to do the same. (The ants go marching 2 by 2... Hurrah! Hurrah!)
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 5:43:26 PM
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ChoirDJ
Posts: 415
Joined: 6/15/2006
From: So Cal
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I have a different perspective then some of the those mentioned here but I'll start by offering some insight on what may be the true issue. One of the biggest mistakes we as ministry leaders make (myself definitely included) is to come up with our concept of what the ministry should be like and browbeat it into becoming this. To be quite frank, your post hints of a lot of reliance on self and not enough upon the grace of God and this only leads to frustration. The people in your ministry are the way they are because of a heart problem and no amount of prodding will change that. It will likely have the opposite effect in that they will become inbittered and set in their ways. Notice how Paul talks so much about the power of grace of God in his letters because a deeper understanding of God's grace and mercy is what will prompt a reciprocol love and subsequent desire to excel at the things that build up the church. You can preach long and hard on the major issues you see in you church and you may even see some positive changes. The changes will not last however because we have to help people change at a heart level and that takes much prayer, time and patience. My advice is to work with what you have, be devoted to prayer, and spend more effort inspiring people to change rather than using the pulpit to preach at them.
I can definitely relate and I hope this helps.
_____________________________
"I have so much to be grateful for I have no time to ponder over that which was denied."
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 6:05:21 PM
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Dakotasunbeam
Posts: 1151
Joined: 6/2/2005
From: Midwest USA
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Get rid of the pews.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 7:47:43 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2215
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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Trust the HS to bring the people. If he doesn't bring them could be a sign to end the program.
_____________________________
The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.
A. W. Tozer (1897–1963)
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/26/2008 11:56:17 PM
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elliemaejune
Posts: 121
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Dakotasunbeam
Get rid of the pews.
 Good idea!
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 12:04:30 AM
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elliemaejune
Posts: 121
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Well, if the people who are doing everything quit doing everything, then either others will take up the slack, or what was being done was not necessary.
You announce that Sunday school classes are needed for [insert age/grade here], and that after Sunday, June 1, the children in that class will be joining their parents in *their* Sunday school classes.
And if there are no adult Sunday school teachers, then you cancel adult Sunday school.
I can't get worked up over worship team; not everyone is gifted in that area to be able to lead. Maybe you should just have one person leading singing and one person playing the piano or guitar.
Church maintanence...well, you do what you can and let the rest go; if anyone complains, you point out that there are not enough workers to get it done. Or you pay someone to do it.
Outreaches...people who are called to do that, should. *All* members of the body of Christ are supposed to be doing "outreach." Others may be called to be missionaries, which is what "outreach" really is, isn't it? You can't *make* people want to be missionaries. Maybe the "outreach" activities y'all are trying to implement are not really what God planned for the whole church to do.
I'm just saying that if 15 of you are doing all the work, then either the work doesn't need to be done at all, or y'all are being people's mothers instead of letting the members do what they can.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 1:17:36 AM
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ladyingrace1979
Posts: 210
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I want to ask a question before I respond. Is it just the worship art ministry or is you whole church lacking people for ministry? I ask because we are not all gifted for the same ministry. The people must have a passion or a call to be in the ministry that fits them. At our church we offer a class called discovering your shape, it's a fancy title for finding out where you fit in church body life. Often people have served for years in ministries that just don't fit.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 8:06:15 AM
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Consecrated2God
Posts: 4861
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Jesus Land
Status: online
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We're working on an idea for our church to get people involved in ministry to the community. We're thinking of making Wednesday nights "Ministry Group" night and forming different ministry teams and sending them out to do ministry that night. Maybe one team could do a Bible Study at the nursing home, and another team could do door-to-door evangelism, and another could minister to the youth at the skate park we are hoping to build, etc. It might also be a good night for New Believer's classes. There are a lot of people chomping at the bit to go out and reach the community for Christ, they just need a little direction and the time to do it. I don't want all the ministry in our church to be in the church. There's still the Great Commission to fulfill, and that's where we want to put our energies. Children's church, etc--if we don't have enough workers we don't have it. We have a small church, so we don't have a lot of programs. We have to keep things simple.
_____________________________
<--My engagement picture. I was 16, he was 17 in this photo.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 9:21:13 AM
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Szaftoo
Posts: 941
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: So. Calif.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: FroMan
The congregation is older. Most are retired. We have a few young couples who are new to church and need more maturing before they are encouraged to partake in leadership ministry roles.
If you have sucess stories, I'd also like to hear them. How did you do it? Knowing that it can be done is uplifting.
It helps to know your congregation. Sometimes people who are retired feel that includes service to their church. They have worked their entire life and now want to rest and let others do it.
Young couples, especially those with children, need a break from their normal routine. They want to attend church and have someone minister to them.
Though it shouldn't be this way, people volunteer if it's something they like to do and if it's convenient. Serve the seniors coffee while they all stuff bulletins. Have the older women feel useful again by rocking babies. Look at the older men and what they did before they retired and use those gifts and abilities.
The younger people are usually interested when they all work together and can have fellowship while doing it. Suggest they rotate in working with the kids so they can still be in the service.
My church has many, many people who help and it's because there are so many ways to serve. People can work where they feel most comfortable, not where someone wants them.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 9:23:04 AM
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buckifn
Posts: 1695
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Jesus only had 12, (13 counting the betrayer) and that was enough to change the world. So I believe we don't look at numbers, we look to the Cross. If God is in us, He will send His Holy Spirit to accomplish His will .
Numbers are always depressing, but our God is an AWESOME GOD. He specializes in multiplication of small numbers....remember when He fed the five thousand?
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 1:14:19 PM
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HisCovenant
Posts: 4752
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
The only thing that I have found that works is to teach what is expected of them. And to teach it hard and often.
quote:
ORIGINAL: choirDJ
One of the biggest mistakes we as ministry leaders make (myself definitely included) is to come up with our concept of what the ministry should be like and browbeat it into becoming this.
What has worked at our church is a combo of doing these two things:
1. Teaching that each Christian has a spiritual gift and that they should be using that gift for Christ. Teaching that they are the church and if they expect the church to be a certain way, they have to examine themselves and be that way. This is taught in 1001 different ways... from sermons and sunday school lessons to personal mentoring. It premeates all teachings that God has a plan for us and church is not a spectator sport.
2. Allow God to call and dictate ministries. Let the church use their gifts as God calls them and help equip them to do so. Only put the stops on someones "call" if it is contradictory to the Bible. If a "call" is examined and lines up with God, let it continue. Don't put the stops on it because "we've never done it this way before" or because "all our resources need to be used in a ministry we already have going; we can't support anything new." Never forget that church is not a zero sum game; if God calls, He will provide even when we can't see how.
Also, remember that ministry is not all about what goes on under the church roof. God may be calling and using people throughout the week. And one other comment: you may want to get back to basics (prayer, teaching, mercy ministry) and let some other ministries, like a drama ministry, go (or restructure them to accomodate those who are called to them) if the 15 don't feel called to do certain things until you can get your church focused back on Christ and what living for Him actually entails.
< Message edited by HisCovenant -- 4/27/2008 1:39:13 PM >
_____________________________
-HisCovenant/ Zipporah
My friends call me Zippy!
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/27/2008 1:27:25 PM
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CherishedbyGod
Posts: 2827
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: CherishedbyGod
quote:
ORIGINAL: ChoirDJ
I have a different perspective then some of the those mentioned here but I'll start by offering some insight on what may be the true issue. One of the biggest mistakes we as ministry leaders make (myself definitely included) is to come up with our concept of what the ministry should be like and browbeat it into becoming this. To be quite frank, your post hints of a lot of reliance on self and not enough upon the grace of God and this only leads to frustration. The people in your ministry are the way they are because of a heart problem and no amount of prodding will change that. It will likely have the opposite effect in that they will become inbittered and set in their ways. Notice how Paul talks so much about the power of grace of God in his letters because a deeper understanding of God's grace and mercy is what will prompt a reciprocol love and subsequent desire to excel at the things that build up the church. You can preach long and hard on the major issues you see in you church and you may even see some positive changes. The changes will not last however because we have to help people change at a heart level and that takes much prayer, time and patience. My advice is to work with what you have, be devoted to prayer, and spend more effort inspiring people to change rather than using the pulpit to preach at them.
I can definitely relate and I hope this helps.
I cannot say a loud enough AMEN to this post!
Get on fire for Jesus and that fire will spread and people will want to be involved because of the charm of our beloved Lord.
One live hot coal to another 
And leadership, don't quench the Holy Spirit. They have to me in the past and, if I had followed their advice it would have been a disaster and I would have missed my calling...........But for the grace of God
_____________________________
~For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ~
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/28/2008 5:49:23 AM
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maddog4god
Posts: 255
Joined: 5/30/2006
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One of the easiest ways to get workers is to personally ask individuals if they would like to help, an invitation if you will. Some people think, Oh I am so <fill in the blank> I could never work in ministry and if you ask, they think WOW I could so do this.
Some people are shy.
Some people have been wounded and rejected in church.
I find asking someone to so a specific task as part of a ministry is an excellent way to get workers. It probably sounds silly, but ti truly works for me.
_____________________________
Fifty Two Weeks to change the world!
http://www.50-two-weeks.com/
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 4/28/2008 10:49:29 AM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1044
Joined: 1/22/2008
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quote:
A problem that my pastor and I face at our church, is that so many of our people are perfectly fine and comfortable, coming to church on Sunday morning, sitting there for an hour, and leaving.
FroMan,
I have no success stories. I wish I had that to offer. But what I have found (and what you are finding) is that the model we have created for 'doing church' promotes spectator faith rather than people personally relating to a living Lord and participating because they are ALIVE!
When you are ALIVE, you threaten the 'pastor' or others who think they are the authorities on God. They don't understand people who really have a living, vital relationship with Jesus and share it. So the 'model' squelches the LIFE that it thinks it is promoting and encouraging.
So if you have a spectator church (which most do and most are), look at the model. Does the NT church look like a one man show? Does the NT church have one person do all the sharing, working, teaching, and ministry?
You are right to look at the NT. The body of Christ was meant to be operative and functional, a living organism! What we have 'nurtured' is more like a tomb.
There are ALIVE believers in every church. But they keep to their place. A little new wine is OK in the old wineskin. Too much and it bursts.
Hope I didn't 'burst' your bubble. But I've told you what I see. Nor do I believe it is what the Lord desires.
Thanks for asking.  LL
Now that I've read the other posters I want to add: I've been where many of you are at different times---earlier times. So I'm speaking from the place of BTDT. For me the 'church' is outside the walls or organization of any building. We attend a church but we minister to ALL we come into contact with. (That means at the gym, various community groups, work, etc.)
Getting rid of pews is an excellent idea. The most exciting time in one of our 'church' experiences was when the elders walked out. Those of us remaining pulled our chairs into a circle and asked "what is church and what do we do now?" My husband and I suggested we take our Bibles and begin studying Acts and Ephesians and find out what God says about church. So we did a SS class on Ephesians and a Wed night Bible study on Acts. However most just continued doing 'church'. I cried when on the following Sunday we had a bulletin. For some, this defines church.
Kathleen Norris says of church, "And then they wore hats." Yup, that's what it is all about for many. The wearing of hats and printing of bulletins.
Anyway, just sharing from my experience.
< Message edited by Liveloved -- 4/28/2008 11:07:46 AM >
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/4/2008 12:41:21 AM
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BibleL7
Posts: 441
Joined: 2/1/2008
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quote:
The current workers/leaders in the church do everything. The same 15 people do drama, worship team, children's ministries, outreaches, church maintenance, Sunday School, the whole nine yards.
First Drop the drama most churches did fine without that for years.
Second if the worship team is leading worship of others then fine if they are performing to the congregation drop it and appoint a worship leader to lead worship for all congregation.
Third Cut out Sunday school since it seems it is not maturing membership.
Fourth cut down on outreaches so those 15 aren't overtaxed.
As for church maintenance also cut down to what is needed and will not overtax the workers you have. Never hire someone for this as this should be done by congregation.
Go to Preaching the Gospel only and if anyone complains then tell them unless they do their part then they have no right to complain. This may cause your congregation to shrink yet so be it. What good is having a large number if only a few are doing any work? If you don't have a family where all help others then perhaps you need to thin out the congregation.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/4/2008 1:37:41 AM
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lightshineon
Posts: 3320
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Really BibleL7, what if the HolySpirit called you to work with children in Sunday Schoo?, I have did it for years, and many children have been saved in Sunday School love Jesus, learn about him and grow. Just because the adults are unteachable in SS maybe in your church, that does not mean the children do not mature. Drama is great, lets just put God in a tight little box. He is a creative God, looking at creation that is an easy one. I do not want to hear just the pastor do plain preaching, which is good at times but your comment makes it seem dry and dull to attend church, unless I am misunderstanding your post.
quote:
ORIGINAL: BibleL7
quote:
The current workers/leaders in the church do everything. The same 15 people do drama, worship team, children's ministries, outreaches, church maintenance, Sunday School, the whole nine yards.
First Drop the drama most churches did fine without that for years.
Second if the worship team is leading worship of others then fine if they are performing to the congregation drop it and appoint a worship leader to lead worship for all congregation.
Third Cut out Sunday school since it seems it is not maturing membership.
Fourth cut down on outreaches so those 15 aren't overtaxed.
As for church maintenance also cut down to what is needed and will not overtax the workers you have. Never hire someone for this as this should be done by congregation.
Go to Preaching the Gospel only and if anyone complains then tell them unless they do their part then they have no right to complain. This may cause your congregation to shrink yet so be it. What good is having a large number if only a few are doing any work? If you don't have a family where all help others then perhaps you need to thin out the congregation.
_____________________________
Remember, whenever you have pearls, there are always plenty of pigs nearby who would be glad to step on them.
F.T., 2007
Be sure you vote for those, whose views you want your children to emulate.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/4/2008 2:47:01 AM
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BibleL7
Posts: 441
Joined: 2/1/2008
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In my church there is not a problem with Sunday School at all we have childrens SS and adult SS I was replying to OP on that matter. As for Drama I dont see where it was used in any of the early churches nor do I find it recomended in the Scriptures. I am sorry if you feel that preaching the Word is boring I find it to be one of the best things in the world. I enjoy praise and worship when the whole congregation is participating. I worship the Lord in my thithes and offerings. I feel in my church as though we are a family who loves the Lord and cares and love each other. We have few problems in getting people to participate in ministry. Our main ministry is a pantry we give out food two days a week and though sometimes it is only a few of us the majority of the time we have pleny of workers there. We preach and teach the Word of God no gimmicks no dramas or plays just plain simple praise worship and Biblical teaching. You may think it plain or boring but then it worked for the early church and it works today at least in all the churches I have seen it done this way.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/4/2008 2:24:06 PM
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LinCO
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Joined: 3/24/2008
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I have a reply to those who think that Drama and Creative Ministries are a waste of time and resources. By saying that these ministries are not worthwhile, we cut out a great portion of the people in the church from excercising their God given talents.
I run a small creative ministry in my church. I have seen lives changed both in the church and outside the church by what we do. What the individuals learn in our group they can take to people in other lands as teaching tools (and have done so several times); or even implement their new found skills in a classroom assignment or school hallways that reaches those who never would have entered church doors (this has been done also).
I have watched the ones involved in Creative/Drama ministry over the years and am astounded at the impact it (plus the Holy Spirit) can have on those doing the ministering. They can be changed forever just knowing that God can use them to minister to others in creative as well as conventional ways, and it can be done by individuals of any age as long as they can communicate adequately.
As far as the comments made about drama never being used in the Bible: what do you call the parables and stories told by Jesus and the others in the Bible? They are stories used to illustrate a truth or principle in a format that the people could understand. That is all drama/creative ministry is.....storytelling in a format that people understand, can relate to, and holds their attention for a little while.
Our society is so incredibly overwhelmed with hi-tech images and activities that it can be hard to get peoples' attention long enough to minister to them. Many people today sit in a church service or Bible study and play with their hi-tech devices, and may never hear a word the pastor is saying. It is our job to get the attention of those individuals.
Yes, the Holy Spirit does work to draw these people to God, but how many times have we seen those we know God is working in, resist and walk away, never looking back....especially the teens...simply because so many things are on their minds or it seemed boring? If God didn't want our help and was going to draw people to Himself all by Himself, He wouldn't have given us the great commision.
God has given some of us the ability to capture their attention, even if it is for only a few minutes, so God can use us to minister to them with the help of the Holy Spirit.
I am sorry some of you feel the way you do about this type of ministry, and it makes me very sad knowing that there are probably those in your church who would be excellent at this but are not encouraged to do so. I wonder how many lives will not make it to heaven because your church has "never done it that way"?
We need to encourage and help (not preach at) everyone to excercise their God given talents to be used both in the church and out. If we say these talents are not important, then we are telling people they and what they are good at are not important to the church or God.
Is that the message we want to convey?
God bless,
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/4/2008 10:22:10 PM
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lightshineon
Posts: 3320
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
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I did not say it was boring, I said it can be good at times, but why quench the Holy Spirit, who gives us uniqness in our gifts. I have seen many out of the box ministries, reach the unreachable. You in do respect make God seem like dry toast. God has called me, and I could not quit if I wanted to. Drama is great, we are all placed in the body, with such abilities when not quenched by leagalism. Ever heard the News Boys I like them because of their unique style and lyrics out of the box style of ministry. The Lord says in scripture how dare you judge his servant. It is the Lords business how he wants to reach others. Though bless you in the Lord, whatever does it for you, than it is right for you.
quote:
ORIGINAL: BibleL7
In my church there is not a problem with Sunday School at all we have childrens SS and adult SS I was replying to OP on that matter. As for Drama I dont see where it was used in any of the early churches nor do I find it recomended in the Scriptures. I am sorry if you feel that preaching the Word is boring I find it to be one of the best things in the world. I enjoy praise and worship when the whole congregation is participating. I worship the Lord in my thithes and offerings. I feel in my church as though we are a family who loves the Lord and cares and love each other. We have few problems in getting people to participate in ministry. Our main ministry is a pantry we give out food two days a week and though sometimes it is only a few of us the majority of the time we have pleny of workers there. We preach and teach the Word of God no gimmicks no dramas or plays just plain simple praise worship and Biblical teaching. You may think it plain or boring but then it worked for the early church and it works today at least in all the churches I have seen it done this way.
< Message edited by lightshineon -- 5/4/2008 10:51:17 PM >
_____________________________
Remember, whenever you have pearls, there are always plenty of pigs nearby who would be glad to step on them.
F.T., 2007
Be sure you vote for those, whose views you want your children to emulate.
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RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry - 5/5/2008 1:29:05 AM
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dramagal
Posts: 194
Joined: 10/23/2005
Status: offline
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Someone mentioned mentors and it made me think of this idea:
Instead of a series of sermons on "you're lazy and you need to get off the pews and serve!", how about some more positive encouragement? What if, during announcement time - or in the church newsletter (if you have one that gets read) - an individual or a couple is spotlighted.
For example, during announcements, Pastor Joe calls Bob and Betty Smith to the podium (this is previously arranged, of course!).
"Bob and Betty Smith run the drama ministry here. So, Bob and Betty, what do you do?"
Bob: "Well, we put on two youth musicals a year. We have a great time, and we've seen great results with the kids too."
Betty: "We have a team of adults and teens that work together - from sets to choreography to snacks - but we're always looking for more people to be involved."
Joe: "How do you think you've personally grown from doing this ministry?"
Betty: "It is wonderful to be involved in a ministry with your spouse. Since doing this, we've learned how to really pull together as a couple and a team."
Bob: "And we've made lots of great friends through this ministry too."
. . .
In other words, sell doing ministry as a great thing that you'll enjoy, that will help you grow spiritually, etc. Let people see the benefits of being in ministry. I personally love it, despite dealing with difficult people sometime, but it helps to have people model a love for ministry and communicate that love to others.
Another idea I have is sometimes leaders of ministries may complain of being overworked, etc., but the real problem is that they don't want to relinquish control. They don't want to delegate tasks to anyone one who might do it differently (aka, "wrong"). Perhaps they don't understand that part of a leader's job is to train people to take over someday.
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Who let the wild donkey go free? Job 39:5.
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