Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day — writing the sermon, preparing the choir, arranging the Bible studies, meeting with the stewardship committee, keeping the deacons happy — that we occasionally lose sight of the ministry opportunities outside the doors of the church.
There are obvious ministries. Someone is hungry? Serve a meal. Someone needs shelter? Provide shelter. A gentleman needs a ride to the doctor. Provide the ride.
But sometimes the needs aren’t so obvious.
Sometimes we have to take a serious look at our congregations or our communities to see the trends. We need to pray for God’s guidance and dedicate time to an in-depth analysis.
Maybe you meet with the superintendent of schools and find that kids in your part of the city have terrible grade point averages. Maybe those children need tutors. Are kids eating enough? Do they have access to the materials — school supplies and technology — they need to compete?
Maybe the director of the soup kitchen tells you just how high the rate of homelessness in your area. Or maybe yours is an aging community and there are challenges surfacing there. Maybe you learn from the fire chief that there’s one family who lost their home to a fire and they need absolutely everything to start over. How can your church help?
Once those needs and trends are identified, then you need to look at what God has provided you — manpower, equipment, organization, money. Do you have the resources to help, and do it correctly? Do you need to partner with another church or organization?
Once you’ve identified the need, and once you’ve identified your team and assessed the members’s strengths and gifts, you’re ready to build the ministry.
Take the time. Devote the resources. Understand the need. Be obedient and meet the need.
How does your church analyze and meet the needs of your community?
***
Hands and Feet Marketing can assist with your church marketing needs as well as church ministry and outreach development.