Our friends at the Association of Related Churches host an annual event, ARC Conference, around helping the local church thrive and not doing ministry alone.
The conference goal is for pastors, leaders and future church planters to build relationships with one another and receive resources that will help the local church thrive.
We loved that mission so much that we’re piggybacking off of their conference theme for today’s blog.
What is Shared Ministry?
Shared ministry is a way of organizing religious work that emphasizes collaboration and cooperation among different groups within a congregation or denomination. It is based on the idea that all members of a faith community have something to contribute to the ministry of the church, and that the church is stronger when its members work together.
Shared ministry can take many different forms. In some cases, it may involve sharing resources, such as buildings, staff, or finances.
In other cases, it may involve sharing responsibilities, such as planning worship services, leading Bible studies, or providing pastoral care. Shared ministry can also involve working together on common goals, such as reaching out to the community or providing social services.
There are many benefits to shared ministry. It can help to build stronger relationships among members of a faith community. It can also help to reduce the workload of individual leaders and volunteers. Shared ministry can also help to make a church more responsive to the needs of its community.
However, shared ministry also requires careful planning and coordination. It is important to have clear goals and expectations, and to make sure that everyone involved is committed to the process. Shared ministry can also be challenging, as it requires people to work together in new and different ways.
Despite the challenges, shared ministry can be a very rewarding experience. It can help to build a stronger faith community, and it can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Why Embrace a Collaborate Approach to Your Ministry?
When people collaborate, they can pool their resources, share their ideas, and learn from each other. This can lead to new and innovative approaches to ministry that would not be possible if you were working alone.
Collaboration can also help you to build stronger relationships with others. When you work with others, you get to know them better and you develop a sense of shared purpose. This can lead to deeper relationships that can be a source of support and encouragement.
In addition, collaboration can help you to learn and grow. When you work with others, you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives. This can help you to expand your own knowledge and understanding, and it can also help you to develop new skills.
Finally, collaboration can help you to be more effective in your ministry. When you work with others, you can tap into a wider range of resources and expertise. This can help you to develop and implement more effective programs and services.
If you are looking to improve your ministry, we encourage you to consider embracing a collaborative approach. It can be a great way to achieve more, build stronger relationships, learn and grow, and be more effective in your work.
Here’s a quick list of more benefits to collaboration.
- Diverse Perspectives and Experiences
- Supportive Community to Share Joys and Struggles
- Collaborate to Reach More People
- Model Healthy Community and Discipleship
- Reduced Workload and Stress through Delegation
- Improved Growth in Talents and Gifts with Feedback
- Increased Impact Through Empowering Others
How to Practice Shared and Small Group Ministry
To practice shared and small group ministry in a church, you should have a clear vision, build a team, create a structure, provide training, and be prepared to adapt.
Shared and small group ministry can be a great way to connect with people and build community. By following these tips, you can create a ministry that is effective and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Join a Supportive Network or Association
Connect with people who share your interests and values, and who can provide you with support and encouragement.
Seek Guidance from Mentors or Coaches
Learn from their experiences and get their advice on how to achieve your goals.
Attend Relevant Conferences or Workshops
Learn new skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your field.
Form a Prayful Accountable Small Group or Team
Forming a prayful and accountable small group or team can be a great way to connect with other Christians, grow in your faith, and support one another on your spiritual journey.
Delegate Tasks to Gifted Individuals and Professionals
Delegating tasks can be a great way to free up your time, get the job done right and build trust and rapport with your team. And we’re no strangers to delegation at BELAY.
BELAY has been working alongside churches and church leaders for quite a while, and we have seen how churches have flourished when bringing on fractional help.
In this episode of One Next Step, our Director of Marketing Ryan Fitzgerald talks about his experience with managing hybrid teams in a church setting and the various benefits of fractional, hybrid workforces for churches and nonprofits.
Business owners and church leaders who are on the fence about remote work should get a lot from this episode.
And we’re here cheering you on every step of the way.