Someone commented on a previous post about ministry training that they want to train leaders but find it overwhelming on where to start. Though training should be tailored to specific needs in one’s church or ministry, the response given to this comment may prove helpful to all. It suggests a starting point for training ministry leaders applicable to all of us wherever we’re located, whatever the size or makeup of our church or ministry, and whoever the leaders might be.
Make the Big Picture the Starting Point for Training Ministry Leaders
While we should provide training specific to the ministry leader’s area of oversight, it can be helpful to first provide the framework on which to hang the particulars. The big picture lays the foundation for what we do. Here are two factors that should infiltrate and guide all we do as leaders.
1) Our Purpose
Individual ministries will have specific purposes for which they exist which must be understood. But, God provides an overarching purpose that applies to all ministries — to love God with all of who we are and to love people (Matt. 22:37-40). Our purpose to love is so important that no matter how spectacular our ministry might seem, we gain nothing without love (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
The following links will take you to resources for a group of up to twenty-five so you can provide training for all ministry leaders at a greatly reduced cost. They are also available for a single copy.
- Church Purpose Ministry Manual
- Steering the Church Toward God’s Purposes Leadership Guide (This resource contains a section showing the practical outworking of this purpose in various leadership responsibilities and tasks.)
- Church Purpose Bundle (contains both of the above resources)
2) Our Standard
Of utmost importance, is that we learn to do ministry God’s way. He is our Standard. The Word provides overriding principles that should be applied in whatever capacity we might serve. These are principles leaders should apply in their leadership but also should encourage both paid and volunteer staff to pursue.
Resource: Key Elements to Doing Ministry God’s Way
These two factors are important for leaders to effectively oversee their own areas but also to pursue a coordinated effort among all leaders so the whole Church heads in these directions.
Also Provide a Broad Look at Biblical Leadership
Who does God tend to call into leadership positions? How do our spiritual gifts affect the way we lead? How do the basics of our life in Christ affect the way we lead? What challenges might we face? How might we as leaders affect the church’s culture? How do we measure ministry success?
Resources:
Then Help with Training Related to Specific Areas of Oversight
Once again it might be helpful to begin with the big picture for that particular area of ministry. What are some of the specific tasks and needs? Where should the focus be? What is the potential?
Check out the Ministry Manuals Related to the Following Ministry Areas:
Christian Education
Nuts & Bolts, Serving Types of Ministries
Outreach
People Helping Ministries
Prayer Ministry
Shepherding
Staffing
Teaching
Worship
If it seems too overwhelming to provide training for all the different ministry areas, start with the greatest areas of need. As you are able, provide training for other areas. Sometimes you just need to start small and build on that.
Leadership Training Also Needs to be Tailored to One’s Setting and Leaders’ Needs
At some point, you would need to provide training that would be tailored to your specific ministries and leaders’ needs. However, beginning with the big picture, as well as a broad understanding of biblical leadership and specific ministries, often gives leaders sufficient foundation upon which to build and head in the right direction. During that kind of training, specific needs tend to surface, making the next step or direction for further training obvious.
If you’re interested in developing future leaders, go to: Developing Future Church Leaders: The Training Process