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Training that Equips the Congregation for Mission

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Training that equips the congregation for mission

Holistic ministry is not just the work of a pastor or committee. The whole congregation is called to share the Good News of Christ, to show compassion to those who suffer, and to work for justice. However, not everyone in the congregation may be ready to embrace the vision for outreach. Training be needed to strengthen the congregation's readiness for holistic ministry in one or two key areas.

Training lays a groundwork of spiritual vitality for new ministry initiatives, prepares the congregation for active involvement, and helps foster a sense of congregational ownership of the vision. Training can help to build the congregation's understanding of, capacity for, and commitment to holistic ministry, so that they are prepared to do the good works which God has planned for them (Eph. 2:10, Hebrews 13:20-21).

The most important question to discern is: What does your congregation need to help people respond to God's calling to share the gospel in word and deed? In particular, what will equip the congregation to support the church's unique ministry vision and carry out the ministry plan?

The type of training should take into account the insights of the church self-study report, existing training or discipleship programs in the church, the church's prior ministry experiences, the pressing needs in your community, and the gifts and interests of members, as well as the time and resources available to your group.

Potential areas of training include:

  • Evangelism (see Richard Armstrong, Faithful Witnesses)
  • Spiritual gift assessment
  • Outreach-oriented small groups
  • Education on a particular social issue (e.g. welfare reform or AIDS)
  • Cross-cultural / anti-racism training
  • Mentoring (how to become a mentor)
  • A biblical political philosophy

Consider building on existing strengths by starting out with training targeted to a particular group, rather than trying to reach the whole congregation at once. For example, offer evangelism training to those who are already involved in a social ministry, or training for small group leaders on helping small groups become more outreach oriented.

Options for the training format include:

  • Sunday school series
  • Wednesday night workshops
  • Intensive "immersion" weekend
  • Small group curriculum
  • "Lunch and Learn" seminars after church
  • Retreat
  • Guest speakers
  • Mission trips or ministry field trips

It may be that your congregation is not yet ready for ministry training, if there are significant internal needs to address. For example, it is not the right time to teach evangelism if you find that many people in the congregation are wondering if they are really saved, or to promote community outreach if families in your church are falling apart. (See How do we prepare our church for the ministry journey?) You may need instead to develop programs that deal with issues of personal, relational or spiritual health. Such areas might include:

 

  • Basic discipleship
  • Emotional healing
  • Family restoration
  • Conflict resolution and reconciliation
  • Relationship-building

Evaluate your training programs ... but have realistic expectations for what a single program can accomplish. At this stage of holistic ministry development, going through a training program is like getting on an entrance ramp to a highway — your congregation may not yet be up to speed, but what matters is that you are building momentum and headed in the right direction.

 

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