Planning and Organization for Member Ministry

Written by Richard E. Dodge

You wake up at 3 a.m. in a mild panic attack. Personal problems weigh heavy on your mind and heart, keeping you from sleeping. Is there anyone out there who cares?

There should be if you lead adults in transformational Bible study. The truth is, when adults are transformed to become more like Jesus, ministry to any need becomes a priority in a Christian’s life regardless of the time or convenience. Jesus practiced ministry at all times. Wherever and whenever He came to someone who needed ministry, or whenever someone came to Him, Jesus responded.

Christians who are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus will respond accordingly. However, just because we want ministry to become the overflow of the Christian life, ministry requires planning and organization.

Teach ministry as a lifestyle, not an event. A ministry attitude should permeate the Christian heart. Teachers who develop effective ministry climates find ways to include a ministry emphasis in their teaching.

Help learners find their spiritual gifts. Although all class members must learn to minister, some Christians are gifted by God to become specialists in ministry. They have something special given by God for a specific purpose. Unfortunately we seldom help people discover their gifts, much less challenge them to use their gifts. These gifts are given to enable Christians to do God’s work in a specific place and for a specific reason. 

Mentor others into ministry. Many people merely need someone to guide them into becoming a leader. This is true for people who want to make ministry a habit. They just need someone to take them under their wing and “teach them the ropes.” Mentors should have both natural skills in the area for which they are mentoring and basic communication skills to help teach and guide the apprentice - as well as a healthy dose of patience.

Establish a ministering organization. While some aspects of ministry just happen, others grow out of planned efforts or strategies designed to help in a variety of needs and circumstances. A well-organized class has designated leaders who coordinate the ministry activities - ministry leaders, care leaders, group leaders, and so forth - who know what to do and when to do it. Ministry teams or leaders are part of the recommended organizational structure for Adult Sunday School classes, but leaders in other study groups, including discipleship groups that are organized either for long- or short-term studies, should have a strategy for meeting special needs of group participants.

Train adults to minister. Sometimes some basic guidance in the do's and don’ts of ministry can help well-intentioned adults avoid the pitfalls of information shortfall. Discover how to meet the needs of people in various circumstances. Learn the basic skills of looking, listening, touching and affirming.

Seek ministry opportunities. Class leaders should contact other church leaders regularly to find out where ministry opportunities exist beyond class needs. Ministry can be one of the most powerful outreach and evangelism tools we can use, and often we discover prospects through ministry. At the same time all ministry actions should grow out of a heart seeking only to touch another heart with the love of Christ. Consider community ministry opportunities as well as those that come into learners’ lives.

Maintain regular contact. Probably the most overlooked group in a class is the group of people who come regularly. Whether learners are always there or miss two out of three Sundays, each person should be contacted each week. Doing so assures that special needs will not be missed. Ministry contacts to chronic absentees should be just as important. Regular contact assures that when absentees have a need, the need will be addressed.

Often heard is the adage: People don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care. Planning for ministry lets people know that someone does care, even if the call comes at 3:00 in the morning because someone has had a panic attack and just needs to talk.

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