Many people resist accepting ministry responsibilities because they feel special gifts or skills are needed. While some people have been gifted to minister, everyone can minister simply by developing five simple skills.
Plan a fellowship meeting with members. Focus on developing basic ministry skills. Here are some skills that all adults can develop.
Learn to listen
Everyone can be a good listener because no words of wisdom or other actions are needed. Good listeners, in fact, use their ears more than their mouths. As we listen, words of affirmation and encouragement will come to mind as the Holy Spirit guides our thoughts.
Learn to share emotions
Allowing people to express their emotions is important. When you sit with people and encourage them to express their emotions, your actions say that you care. Never discourage people in crisis from expressing their emotions. The message that you really do care becomes more visible when you find yourself crying with the person in crisis, if you really feel moved to tears. One note: Make sure your expression of emotions is sincere and not contrived or artificial.
Learn to remember
We all have special days, whether they are good days or are reminders of losses in our lives. Visit with each member of your Bible study group. Ask about special events and dates in their lives. Then create a calendar for all who accept ministry assignments. Encourage ministry team leaders and members to send cards, letters or other appropriate expressions of concern to members at significant times. Again, verbal contact is not necessary every time contact is made.
Learn to be present
Everyone in your group experiences significant events that mark transitions in life. Some events are related to children - sports events, school events and so forth - while other events are passages in the course of adulthood. Invite yourself to accompany adults in your group when they attend some of these special events or when transitions occur in life.
Learn to connect
Too often we think we have to do something big every time we minister. In fact, merely calling or visiting with no set agenda can minister. Connecting with members in simple ways says that we really do care. Sometimes ministry leaders can invite members to their homes for coffee and snacks and fellowship.
Minister when families join or leave your church family. And just as some families are leaving, many will be moving into your community. Discover ways to minister to newcomers to the community. Bible study group members can offer help with unpacking boxes, providing meals, or caring for small children. Sometimes emotional encouragement is very important, too, for people who have made painful transitions from a community in which they have lived for a long time.
People often don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. You don't need special degrees or gifts to let someone know you care. Just let God help you see doors that open for you to touch another person's life.