What program are you using? It’s a question that anyone who works in lay ecclesial ministry hears regularly. I’ve found myself asking that question. It’s a fair question because it addresses the type of content, material, and strategy that many parishes use for youth ministry, faith formation, or small groups. It provides a tangible notion around ministry, and it’s easy for us to wrap our minds around because programs are familiar. But, as a friend recently told me, “Programs are one and done.”
Programs have a beginning, and they have an end. And while it’s great to have mile markers in ministry, programs always leave you with the question, “What’s next?” And if you can’t answer that question, you leave people hungry and searching for something more.
Programs also present the pressure always to offer something better. When we find program 2.0, sometimes we succeed, and other times we fail, but regardless of the outcome, we still want more. Programs do have a purpose, but they don’t always equate to healthy ministry. So instead, we have to:
THINK STEPS, NOT PROGRAMS
In other words, we have to think about where we are leading the kids, teens, and adults we are forming. What does it look like to be a fully-formed disciple of Jesus Christ? While that might depend on certain situations, it’s critical to develop habits, characteristics, and behaviors we want to foster in the faithful. Then, when we have a clear picture of the fruit we want to bear, we can create programs, opportunities, and strategies that cultivate it.
To get started with steps, think about what is foundational in a person’s journey with Christ. Then, look at what you can do consistently and regularly to encourage the right habits and behaviors. Certain programs might incorporate the knowledge and the activities needed, but don’t make your only approach.
CULTIVATE GROWING LEADERS
The formation of your volunteers is critical to the health of your ministry. Your ministry’s growth will stall if you do not have leaders who understand that they are growing in faith while accompanying others. Therefore, developing a formation calendar where your leaders are growing personally, pastorally, intellectually, and spiritually is crucial. Not only will they grow in faith, but they will understand that their role is to walk with others and not just provide services and information.
INVEST IN DIVERSITY
I’m all about age-specific ministries as well as opportunities for specific cultures and groups. But, when a church relies on programs, they are at risk of creating silos. The Church is meant to be diverse in addition to being one. Investing in a ministry that is intergenerational and diverse in culture can be challenging, but the results are beautiful. It allows the faithful to learn what it means to love their neighbor. Diverse ministry allows for difficult conversations to occur that can bring healing and restoration.
To cultivate diversity, considering extending the invitation to other groups, ages, and affinities. Work with your coworkers and fellow volunteers on projects that show collaboration and unity. It will take some work to get started, but in the end, it will continue to impact your efforts to reach others for Christ.
Programs have their place, but they should not replace the life of the Church. As you begin to look at planning, ask yourself, “What is the culture we are trying to cultivate?” and “Who are we trying to reach?” Remember, the Church’s mission is about proclaiming the Word and serving others with the love of God. The more we focus on steps, discipleship, and diversity, the better we can fulfill that mission.
How are you breaking free of the programmatic mindset that many churches face?