Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/92

Contributor - John Kapteyn

Title - Philosophy of Ministry: Useful or Museum Piece?

Topic - Church Growth

The idea of a "Philosophy of Ministry" may sound useless and a waste of time to many of us - especially to those who at one time were part of a group which went through the painstaking process of creating such a dinosaur. But bear with me and let me show you that there can be a place other than a museum for it.

What is a "Philosophy of Ministry"? C. Peter Wagner, a church growth guru, defines it as "A statement of purpose, priorities, emphases, and style which identifies how one church is unique and different from others; a reflection of the church's identity and image." ("Church Growth: The State of the Art"; Wagner, C. Peter. Tyndale House, 1986). If that definition does not excite you, do not be alarmed. It may be compared to a two-page description about yourself.

What does a philosophy of ministry enable us to do? It enables us to project a strategy or plan of ministry based on who and what we are as a congregation and who and what we are called to be.

The Experience at Christ Community Church in Welland, ON

Let me share my experience with a "Strategy of Ministry" to show how it can be a useful tool.

Preparing such a statement was one of the first priorities I had when I began my ministry at Christ Community Church. Although I did much of the work of formulating the strategy I had to ensure that it was approved and owned by the consistory and congregation.

To prepare the strategy, I had to do much research to determine:

a. Why God established the Church

b. His vision for this world and the church

c. The spiritual gifts, resources, and strengths of our local church of .

d. The description (age, type families, etc.) of the church population

e. Sociological breakdown of the people living in areas around the church and in Welland to determine their characteristics and needs

f. Needs as seen by local school and social agencies Based on Scripture, we formulated our church's vision, purpose, and mission. These were general statements which called us to worship and glorify God, to build up a community of believers, and to reach out in. love to others. Key phrases in these statements are "we obey His call to minister to and make disciples of all peoples, by going to them, by..", "to bring people into a new relationship with God and others", and "in the power of the Holy Spirit."

We then set goals within various areas which would enable us to fulfil our mission. These areas were worship, growth, fellowship, member care, education, evangelism, social witness, mission support , facilities, and healing. Each goal was supported by Scripture passages.

Much effort went into the so-called "Objectives and Action Plans". These were measurable and attainable objectives which stated what we would attempt to do to meet our goals. The goals and objectives for the area of growth were as follows:

To prayerfully and intentionally communicate our activities, ministries, and bridges to the unchurched. To motivate our members to achieve the following levels of growth:

Average Worship Attendance

Apr '88 65

May '89 90

May '90 110

May '91 130

a) Distribute newsletters to both sides of the Welland Canal (minimum of 4,000 to each) advertising the church in September, December and pre-Easter.

b) Socials, ministry, family needs, services, etc., promoted (details elsewhere).

c) Prepare welcome packet for visitors.

d) Include a welcome letter and pen in the Welland Welcome Wagon.

e) Develop a visitation list of contacts.

f) Send a letter to all home buyers in Welland area (obtain names from Real Estate).

As the pastor, I took on the responsibility for ensuring that the objectives were acted upon. After the first year we reviewed our objectives, the status of our actions, and revised them for the following year.

A Strategy for Ministry can be an effective tool for the local church if it is used as a basis for action. Annual reviews are imperative, yet easily overlooked. At Christ Community Church, our strategy enabled us to discern God's will for our church through His Word, the gifts He gave us and the needs He set before us. It gave us direction but most of all it gave us a vision. It did not lock us in to certain actions since we had to be open to the Holy Spirit throughout the process.

To prepare a strategy of ministry will not be a sure-to-succeed formula for your church. But it will create intentionality in your ministry and a realization that you need God's grace and power to be faithful to the mandate He has set before us. May you make a decision to seek God's leading as you plan ahead. Do so in prayer and "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)

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