Ministry Leaders: Do Something “New” This Fall (Here Are 52 Ideas)

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:

1. new way to greet newcomers
2. new ministry roles for members
3. new outreach event
4. new website / publicity design
5. new Sunday morning worship service
6. new process for leading
7. new newsletter format
8. new recreation opportunity
9. new small groups or Bible studies
10. new ways to involve new members
11. new meeting time to develop leaders in the church
12. new banners in the sanctuary
13. new commitment to keep Sundays a sabbath with no meetings or ministries other than worship
14. new songs
15. new ways to accomplish volunteer appreciation
16. new ways of training leaders
17. new ways to electronically sign up
18. new ways to give
19. new sermon series
20. new articles and writings from the pastor about church vision and purpose
21. new community building opportunities for church staff
22. new opportunities for your church to engage in mission
23. new tangible mission giving opportunities
24. new opportunities for corporate prayer
25. new process for follow up with guests
26. new landscaping around the church building grounds
27. new signs in front of the church building and around town
28. new ways to reach out to the community
29. new Sunday welcome plan starting in the parking lot
30. new worship order
31. new staff position
32. new way of opening worship each weekend
33. new words to describe the mission of your church
34. new outreach to children
35. new “big” Sundays
36. new fellowship opportunities for seniors
37. new ministry to the community
38. new processes for inviting guests and neighbors – new invitation cards, new tips and ideas
39. new job descriptions for volunteer roles in church
40. new instruments in the sanctuary and used in worship
41. new advertisement in the community and area publications
42. new bulletin boards and communication around the building
43. new decorations in the gathering area
44. new paint in the bathrooms
45. new organization and cleanliness in the church offices
46. new video of your church
47. new guest musicians and concerts
48. new campus
49. new chairs or tables
50. new church social media push
51. new systems for a better schedule and flow for the church office during the ministry week
52. 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

How To Tell A New Story For Your Church

Subscribe to Tim Price Blog Updates