Lay the Foundation for a Prayer Ministry

Written by John Franklin

Laying the foundation for your church's prayer ministry may seem like a daunting task, but remember you are not alone. However, it's important to understand what your role is and that your pastor's support is critical.

Anytime a church member receives a burden from the Lord to start a ministry, its success will depend in large measure on the pastor's backing. Since prayer plays such a vital role in the lives of God's people, do everything possible to secure pastoral approval and commitment to see that this ministry thrives. Use the following ideas to help get you started:

 

Make an appointment
Be sure to prepare for the meeting by praying. While sharing with the pastor, gauge his receptivity.

Be ready to respond
If your pastor has a heart for prayer or is favorable to a prayer ministry, you will both rejoice to learn that you have the same goal. Your job is to explain the benefits of this ministry. Also tell your pastor ways God has been working to bring you to the point of approaching him with this idea. Your goal is that he understands God's activity in your life so that he will know your heart.

Dream with your pastor
Let him know what you see and ask him as the leader of the church what he sees. Hopefully, this will help both of you see God's vision for prayer ministry in your church.

Suggest a concrete plan
Only share a concrete plan if the pastor is ready to enact the ideas you have suggested. Over exuberance could make him hesitate. If he is ready to move, then you will have already worked through the logistics and ideas. The key in knowing whether to suggest a plan is determining whether his heart is ready to do something.

Define Roles
When the pastor is ready to move on a definite plan, his role will be to stir the congregation and to raise awareness. Your roles will be those of an administrator and a committee leader.

Secure Commitments
Ask the pastor to commit to a sermon series on prayer or to have lessons in Sunday School classes. Also, secure a commitment to budget support for the ministry. If your pastor is unwilling, you need to consider whether the ministry has a chance of succeeding. Securing these commitments up front creates the best climate for launching the ministry. Also, concessions are easier to obtain on the front end than later.

Consider Ramifications of a Lack of Support
What's the next step if your pastor doesn't respond? Your relationship with God will help you determine your next move, but you can still encourage others to catch a heart for prayer. Your faithfulness has the potential of swaying your pastor when he sees the benefits.

Your job is to be faithful, regardless of how long the process takes, and to maintain a genuine love and respect for your pastor. Be patient and keep bearing witness during the next few months.

Keep praying.

John Franklin lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a former Prayer Specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. Franklin travels and speaks extensively calling churches to seek God's face in prayer. You may contact John Franklin by email or learn more about John at www.johnfranklinministries.org.

He is the author of And the Place Was Shaken: How to Lead a Powerful Prayer Meeting, A House of Prayer: Prayer Ministries in Your Church, By Faith: Living in the Certainty of God's Realityand co-author of Spiritual Warfare: Biblical Truth for Victory. 

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