Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/86

Contributor - Rev. Chester J. Droog

Title - How Your Church Can Develop A Philosophy of Ministry

Topic - Ministries

"This is our third congregation of 30 families," said the frustrated elder, as we discussed the problems of his church. Our first pastor worked hard and we grew to a little over 30 families. After he left, our second pastor came and we gained 30 new families. However, because he had such a different approach and appeal, we lost many of the original members. We now have a new pastor and I'm fearful we're in the process of forming our third new congregation."

If this were an isolated case we could dismiss it but I can list 10 congregations that I know of personally which have gone through a similar experience. How do we prevent this from happening.

I would suggest that what is needed by each congregation is a clear-cut philosophy of ministry. Every church needs a document which sets forth some general guidelines or principles that describe the life and ministry of their church. This could be shared with those being considered as possible candidates for the church. The candidate could then determine if his personal philosophy of ministry is compatible and if he thinks he could lead the church in its particular purpose and goals. You see, growing churches have a happy marriage of pastor and people. They are united and committed to the same aims and goals.

Let me suggest five areas which need to be covered in a church's philosophy of ministry.

Purpose:

A philosophy of ministry will state the purpose of the church. What is the reason for the church's existence? A church should have a specific purpose. This should be an honest, simple statement of what the church will seek to be and do. Naturally, every church worthy of the name should have as its purpose the preaching and propagating of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But such a purpose is a "glittering generality" that can be fulfilled by simply having a preacher in the pulpit every Sunday. A church needs to be more specific. What is its purpose? What are its aims as it seeks to be true to its calling.

Many an RCA congregation was started to the specific purpose of ministering to the needs of the Dutch immigrants.

There is nothing wrong with such a purpose (oh, that we had done it better!). Or a church may be started to minister to some other homogeneous population in a community surrounding the church. Some churches have had as their purpose the recruitment of missionary personnel and the financial undergirding of a large mission program. Others have thought of themselves as defenders of some particular system of theology.

I am not interested at this point in debating specific purposes, but wish to emphasize the importance of a church spelling out its purpose. Only in this way will it stay on an even course and not dissipate its energies in all directions. That the purpose of any church could change goes without saying, but such a change ought to be deliberate and be made by the majority of the members of the congregation.

Life Style:

A philosophy of ministry will say something about the life style which characterizes the congregation. Growing churches have a life style which is deliberate, consistent and obvious. Some of the elements that might characterize a church's life style would be the acceptance of diversity within the membership, grace in preaching, joy in worship, a caring atmosphere, involved laity and humanness of the minister. A church may describe its life style quite differently, but the important thing is that the elements in a church's life style be identified. The harmony and happiness of the congregation depend on their understanding of the life style which the church is seeking to model.

Expectation:

A philosophy of ministry will set forth what the church expects of its members. This expectation is usually found in the areas of beliefs, giving and conduct. It could state what is believed about the Bible, Jesus Christ, salvation, the sacraments, prophecy, etc. The area of conduct might include the church's stand in regard to alcoholic beverages, smoking and the observance of the Lord's Day. It might set forth some expectations in spiritual growth and attendance at worship services. The area of giving is also important What is the teaching of the church concerning financial support? How does it go about meeting its budget? Are pledge cards used and how? Such items need to be spelled out in a philosophy of ministry so that a church may declare its expectations honestly and openly and prospective members may know what is really expected before they make commitment to membership.

Plan for Ministry

A philosophy of ministry will state the church's plan for ministry. Is it the plan of the church to be a small neighbourhood church, a large super church, or somewhere in between? Is its ultimate goal to be a 200-family, 500-family or 3,000 family church? Does it see its ministry being carried on under a single professional staff member, a semi-multiple staff or a large professional staff. Will it use ordained or unordained state The choice of the plan of ministry will depend on a number of things such as the potential growth of the church, the needs of the people in the area and even the other kinds of ministries in the community.

It is important that a church think early in its life of its plan for ministry. First of all, ifs only fair for those who would join it. Many people join a small church because if s small, only to discover later that it is not the intention of the pastor and the church to remain that way. The result is a divided and split church. Secondly, it will determine the amount of land purchased for the church and the amount of resources which will be used for facilities and the local ministry. Thirdly, it will determine the method by which the church will seek to remain faithful to the great commission. A church which intends to limit its size will need a plan to mother and plant new churches once it has reached its predetermined size. A church which intends to have limitless growth will tailor its ministry accordingly.

Certainly a church can, because of changing circumstances, change its plan of ministry; in fact, circumstances may dictate that it does. But there ought to always be a plan and the total church body should have a voice in its making any changes in it.

Preaching Style

A philosophy of ministry will say something about the style of preaching which characterizes the church. Some churches are committed to a specific style of preaching which, if changed, would greatly affect the ministry of the church. Some churches are committed to a style of preaching which we might call "soul-winning preaching". In these churches evangelism is the theme of nearly every sermon. Another style of preaching could be described as "classroom preaching". These churches emphasize teaching. They believe that they best serve God when they become a school house for the training of Christians. A third style of preaching has been called "life-situation preaching". This kind of preaching style seeks to tailor the message to fit the daily needs of the individual. The sermon does not discuss abstract theological issues, but deals with the down to earth emotional and practical problems. The pastor speaks to the anxieties, hurts and needs of the people. The fourth style of preaching might be called "social action preaching". This kind of preaching appeals to Christians whose conscience has been pricked by social injustices; to Christians who wish to belong to a church that concerns itself with the needs of an unjust society.

Naturally, it is possible to combine these styles of preaching or even to use different ones at different times. However, a study of growing churches seems to indicate that usually the church has one predominate style. At least one style dominates the morning service, even if other styles are followed in the evening.

Other things may well be included in a philosophy of ministry, but let a church and its pastor think through these five areas, state them clearly and adhere to them consistently, and the people it will attract will be enthusiastic, happy and supportive of the ministry of that congregation.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.