3 Tips for Any Kind of Ministry Online

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Online ministry has become a way of life these days. Some of it will continue on for years to come so it is important we remember key factors that relate to how God wants us to do ministry.

Tips That Serve as Reminders for Any Kind of Ministry Online

1) Remember that love “always protects” (1 Cor. 13:7).

Any kind of online ministry needs to be done safely, with cyber security in mind. In addition we must always guard people’s privacy, time, contact preferences, etc. so as to respect and protect. We need to build parameters into the kind of interactions allowed so as to minimize negative and destructive commenting, etc. which tends to happen more freely when hidden behind screens.

Online Ministry2) Remember that behind every screen is a live person.

  • Meeting their needs matter. Sometimes it’s easier for people to mask what’s really happening in their lives through online platforms. How will you discern needs? If we rely on people to take the first step, many needs will undoubtedly go unmet.
  • Relationships matter. We cannot rely solely on streaming a worship service to follow God’s design for Body life. That takes relationships. Even if you have a platform wherein people can interact, how much relationship building really happens? What are you doing to follow up with people who attend digitally? How are relationships fostered?
  • Encouraging matters. We meet with the purpose of “encouraging one another” according to Hebrews 10:25. Is that happening through your online ministry? How do you know?

(Be aware that churches can fall short on the above even when meeting in person. We must always strategically work at meeting needs, building relationships, and encouraging one another but it becomes even more challenging with online ministry.)

3) Remember that it isn’t the same as meeting in person.

While meeting online might be considered connecting with other believers, the full intent of God’s command to meet together (Heb. 10:25) is that we physically gather. There are benefits of in-person that cannot happen as easily, as unencumbered, and sometimes never online. Ministry online can bridge some gaps and provide a temporary means of connecting but should not completely and permanently substitute for in-person meeting with one another.

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3 Tips for Ministry & Church Newsletters

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Many churches and ministries rely on newsletters of some sort to communicate.

Tips for Ministry & Church Newsletters

While there are many suggestions that could be given about using newsletters, here are three tips to give some broad perspective. The MinTools.com newsletter will be used as an example.

  1. Have a purpose for your newsletter.

Develop a newsletter for a good reason, not just because other churches or ministries do it. When you have an overall, broad objective you’ll have clearer direction for what content to include in it.

Ministry Newsletter
Click image to read the current month’s MinTools.com Newsletter.

MinTools.com Example:

At the start of every new month at MinTools.com an e-mail newsletter is sent to those who sign up for it. I praise God for the many people from around the world who have subscribed to it. These newsletters have multiple purposes:

  • They provide an update of new material on the site in both the online training and store.
  • They address a spiritual issue or ministry need relevant to believers in the Church.
  • They seek to encourage or challenge us to think about how well we are lining up with the character of God and principles from His Word, the Bible, in that area.

Please take time to read this month’s newsletter. You can subscribe to it on that same page. Please know that your e-mail address is used for no other purpose.

  1. Strategically determine the newsletter’s format and means of distribution.

If you have a primarily online ministry, a digital format of some sort may be the way to go for you too. But, if a church or ministry is not primarily online or worldwide, postal mail may be more of the way to go. If you decide to hand them out in person (i.e., at the doors on their way out, in their church mailboxes, etc.) to save money, you’ll need to accept the reality that many newsletters may not actually make it home and get read. You’ll also need to be aware that very likely not everyone will have attended the meeting during which you distributed them.

Remember, budget alone should not be the determining factor for the format you use. Always consider your readers. What will the people you minister to/with be most likely to read? A combination of e-mail/online and hardcopy might be necessary if you want to increase the number of people who read it.

MinTools.com Example:

Since Ministry Tools Resource Center targets believers around the world, the best format to date has been to use e-mail as the medium. Not only would the cost be prohibitive to send a hardcopy newsletters through the postal service, but it also would not be as conducive to directing people to updates on the site, one of the key purposes for doing the newsletter. In an e-mail newsletter, people can easily click on links to new posts and/or new resources. The newsletter can also be found online as well. You can freely sign up to receive these e-mail newsletter updates generally sent once a month.

  1. Don’t assume everyone will read it.

One thing you quickly learn in ministry is that no matter how purposeful and strategic you might be in using a newsletter update, not everyone will read it. And, while some may thoroughly read it, others will merely glance over the highlights.

If you’re using a newsletter to communicate something you don’t want people to miss, be sure to use other formats of communication. Also, figure out a way to highlight that information in the newsletter so it will less likely be missed.

MinTools.com Example:

In looking at the statistics about the MinTools.com newsletter, I realize that not everyone reads it — very common with e-mail newsletters. Sometimes the e-mail goes into people’s junk/spam folder. Sometimes the e-mail may not even get to people’s e-mail account at all. And, sometimes when it makes it, it still doesn’t get read, in large part because people are just so busy and/or they get so much e-mail they can’t look at it all. But, I also note that enough people do receive it and read it to make the newsletters worth the time and effort. At times people respond with positive feedback about how God used it to encourage and spur them on.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider (how often, who will develop it, layout, name, etc.). Rather than just do a newsletter the way you’ve always done it, seek God’s wisdom on how you can be more purposeful and strategic, increasing the potential of more people actually reading it.

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3 Tips for Ministry Use of Twitter and Other Social Media Platforms

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Be Salt & Light in Ministry Use of Social Media

As believers, we’re called to be salt and light in this world (Matt. 5:13-16), which should encompass the whole of our lives … even the kinds of posts and comments we make on social media platforms. The same holds true for churches and ministries. We need to consistently promote and model Christ-like attitudes and ways.

Tips for Strategic Use of Social Media by Churches and Ministries

Here are three tips churches and ministries, in particular, need to consider whether using Twitter, Facebook, or some other social media platforms.

  1. Be purposeful in the use of social media.

As churches and ministries, we have too much to do to merely jump on the bandwagon of social media just because everybody else it doing it. Why should YOU use it?

Obviously the idea behind “social” media is that we connect or interact with people. But, even this goal needs to be better defined. What kinds of connections do you hope to establish? Will it be a platform for merely airing opinions and thoughts or will it be used for discipleship and fellowship purposes?

Social media can also be used to inform and update. But, even this goal needs to be narrowed down. What kinds of events or content merits a post?

In addition, social media can be a means of encouraging and challenging people. But, even this goal needs to be thought through. How personal should you get to people’s needs and circumstances in an open setting?

Determine your primary purpose in using social media for your church or ministry and it will help you determine the main types of posts you will make.

  1. Build parameters into the use of social media.

Seriously think through the type of content you will post. Guard against that which is inappropriate, demeaning, or destructive. Also establish commenting policies that keep your church or ministry aligned with the parameters of true Body Life.

In addition, determine the amount of time you should put into social media. How easy it can be to get so consumed in it that other important responsibilities get neglected. We need to be wise in where we invest our time (Eph. 5:15; Col. 4:5) by setting some time parameters.

  1. Don’t rely on social media alone to connect and communicate.

To use Twitter, Facebook, and/or other social media platforms as your sole means of connecting, informing, encouraging, etc. could be a problem.

Not everyone may utilize the platform you do. You may need to use multiple platforms to increase potential reach.

Some don’t get on social media at all. Be sure to connect, inform, update, and encourage through other means as well.

Posts may not always reach everyone’s feed. You may need to instruct people on what to do to be more likely to see your posts. You may need to set up special groups or lists within the different platforms for people to join.

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Principles for Service-Oriented Ministries

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Training Category: Nuts & Bolts Ministries

Like nuts and bolts, service-oriented ministries hold church life together. Consequently, …

Sometimes it’s easy for people in service-oriented ministries to forget these truths.

Specific Principles That Will Help People in Nuts & Bolts Service-Oriented Ministries

Principles for Service-Oriented Ministries

We can pull some specific principles from Ephesians 6:5-8 that could very well apply to people in Nuts and Bolts Ministries since they are in service-oriented ministry.

These principles help us understand what it means to serve as unto the Lord.

Treat those you serve honorably.

… obey your earthly masters with respect and fear

Maintain integrity in your heart, not just in what you say or do.

and with sincerity of heart

Look at the bigger picture in serving.

just as you would obey Christ … doing the will of God from your heart

Be faithful in serving whether or not seen by others.

Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Make the good of others a priority in your heart and mind.

Serve wholeheartedly

Do what you do as if you were doing it unto the Lord.

as if you were serving the Lord, not people

Remember that we’re all accountable to the Lord whose reward should be enough.

because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

The overriding, key principle? — Read: Serve as Unto the Lord

The Nuts & Bolts Ministry Manual expounds on each of the above principles. It also provides principles for leaders and teachers overseeing people who do Nuts and Bolts types of ministries.

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Nuts & Bolts Ministries: Empowered by God

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Training Category: Nuts & Bolts Ministries

Empowered by God for Ministry Through Spiritual Gifts

God empowers people for ministry by giving them spiritual gifts. While personality can also affect how the work is done, spiritual gifts are special divine empowerments, not natural talents or inclinations.

In serving, however, no matter what we do, we should put all of who we are into all of who God is and let Him use us to His glory.

Spiritual Gifts Most Used in Nuts and Bolts Ministries:

The following spiritual gifts empower people to do clerical, communications, facilities and grounds maintenance, hospitality, staff support, technical services, and other service-oriented types of ministry. We’re calling these Nuts & Bolts Ministries because of how they tend to hold church life together.

Helps (1 Cor. 12:28)

People with the spiritual gift of helps come alongside of others in ministry to provide relief from certain tasks that frees them up to do other responsibilities. As a result, the other person’s ministry is enhanced.

Hospitality (1 Pet. 4:9-10)

Someone with the spiritual gift of hospitality serves people, even strangers, in ways that are warm and welcoming. As a result, people feel comfortable and like they belong.

Service (Rom. 12:7)

People with the spiritual gift of service tend to notice tasks that need to be done and do what they can, however simple or menial. As a result, undone tasks are seen through to completion.

The following gift might also be used when organizing, coordination, and planning are needed and not simply doing a task.

Administration (1 Cor. 12:28)

People with the spiritual gift of administration provide the guidance needed to accomplish tasks. They might do some of the tasks themselves but might also delegate responsibilities to others. As a result, these ministries are done in an efficient manner, most effectively using available resources.

Empowered by God through Spiritual Gifts

When we understand that spiritual gifts are special divine empowerments and that God has specific gifts to use in these kinds of Nuts & Bolts ministries, it should help us:

  • View these kinds of services as ministry.
  • Value those who do these kinds of ministries.
  • Recruit so appropriately gifted people are in these kinds of nuts and bolts ministries.

The Nuts and Bolts Ministry Manual contains the content in this post and also looks at how different personality traits fit into the mix of who can or should serve in these types of ministries.

 

 

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Nuts & Bolts Ministries: All Ministries Valued

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Training Category: Nuts & Bolts Ministries

All Ministries Valued - Nuts & Bolts Ministry
According to Ephesians 4:16, everybody has a part in contributing to God’s work through the Church. And, all parts should be valued according to 1 Corinthians 12, not just those with more visible, upfront types of ministries like teachers or leaders.

It also includes the more behind-the-scenes, less visible ministries such as clerical, communications, facilities and grounds maintenance, hospitality, staff support, technical services, and other service-oriented types of ministry.

All Ministries Valued Based on God’s Assessment

If we look at verses in 1 Corinthians 12 we see the value of all ministries based on God’s intent.

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (1 Cor. 12:18)

God knows what He is doing. He designed each one of us to serve where He deems important.

If we were to be able to do a cross section of the church at large in terms of the distribution of spiritual gifts, we would undoubtedly find a large percentage of people with the spiritual gifts of helps and service, two of the primary gifts used in these kinds of ministries. Yet, we tend to put more emphasis, or even more value, on those with the gifts of pastor, teaching, leadership, evangelism, or missionary. God, however, knew that the behind-the-scenes types of ministry would be important to holding church life together and that it would take many people to do it. Because of how they tend to hold things together, we’ll call their serving Nuts & Bolts Ministry.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable (1 Cor. 12:21-22)

God puts great value on the nuts and bolts kinds of ministries. According to Thayers Lexicon, the Greek word used for “indispensable” in the above verse signifies that which is necessary, what one cannot do without. Though we might put more emphasis on the upfront leadership and teaching gifts, God does not. In a very real sense, people involved in what we are calling the nuts and bolts ministries, are like the hands and feet of the church.

and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Cor. 12:23-25)

God is the One who has made these kinds of ministries honorable. If God considers people doing these types of ministries valuable, who are we to place less value on them? Rather, we should be protecting and affirming people doing nuts and bolts kinds of ministries. We must guard against elevating certain ministries as more noble.

Not only are the contributions of those doing nuts and bolts kinds of ministry to be valued, like other ministries, they are also essential to the big picture. (Click link to read more.)

The Nuts & Bolts Ministry Manual includes the above content plus implications of it for those serving in these ways, for pastors and leaders overseeing them, and for the Body at large. It also contains a page for each of the six broad categories of ministries, listed in the second paragraph above, discussing the value of it for the Church and implications for those serving in that way, for those overseeing them, and for members of the Body benefiting from their service.

 

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