Fall is a natural break point for ministry in churches. It’s a great time to kick start ministries and other programming. It’s a great time for invitation and developing new leaders. There’s really not another built-in season like it in church ministry.
Pastors and leaders should capitalize on something “new” this fall. People are attracted to new. It’s energizing, enlivening and exciting. Don’t be afraid of something new! Indeed it’s what Jesus was all about – new life, new hope, and new mercies. To this day, the power of His Spirit continues to make all things new. The church and church leaders should not fear taking a risk to offer something new.
Here’s something interesting about new – it’s not new forever. Have you ever been in a church that met in the “new” sanctuary, which was built 25 years ago? Or have the new fellowship hall – that is now 40 years old? We have to keep doing new things, trying new methods and risking new endeavors. We keep preaching and proclaiming this amazing story of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus, but we take risks, seeking to make it relevant and attractive for those who have not yet experienced it.
If you try something new this fall, and it doesn’t work out for the long haul, just let it fade away and keep doing the basics well! Launch to the best of your ability, make it as sustainable as possible, partner with others so you’re not doing it alone and pick two or three things (not 52 new things at once) to make new again.
Ministry is hard, but it can also be fun. Try something new this fall. Here are 52 ideas for you:
- new way to greet newcomers
- new ministry roles for members
- new outreach event
- new website / publicity design
- new Sunday morning worship service
- new process for leading
- new newsletter format
- new recreation opportunity
- new small groups or Bible studies
- new ways to involve new members
- new meeting time to develop leaders in the church
- new banners in the sanctuary
- new commitment to keep Sundays a sabbath with no meetings or ministries other than worship
- new songs
- new ways to accomplish volunteer appreciation
- new ways of training leaders
- new ways to electronically sign up
- new ways to give
- new sermon series
- new articles and writings from the pastor about church vision and purpose
- new community building opportunities for church staff
- new opportunities for your church to engage in mission
- new tangible mission giving opportunities
- new opportunities for corporate prayer
- new process for follow up with guests
- new landscaping around the church building grounds
- new signs in front of the church building and around town
- new ways to reach out to the community
- new Sunday welcome plan starting in the parking lot
- new worship order
- new staff position
- new way of opening worship each weekend
- new words to describe the mission of your church
- new outreach to children
- new “big” Sundays
- new fellowship opportunities for seniors
- new ministry to the community
- new processes for inviting guests and neighbors – new invitation cards, new tips and ideas
- new job descriptions for volunteer roles in church
- new instruments in the sanctuary and used in worship
- new advertisement in the community and area publications
- new bulletin boards and communication around the building
- new decorations in the gathering area
- new paint in the bathrooms
- new organization and cleanliness in the church offices
- new video of your church
- new guest musicians and concerts
- new campus
- new chairs or tables
- new church social media push
- new systems for a better schedule and flow for the church office during the ministry week
- new delegation of ministry tasks and responsibilities
What sparks your thinking? What are some other ideas? What will you try this fall?
OTHER POSTS:
The Importance of Discovering New Leaders
9 Proven Ways To Get A New Idea