Understand Your Church's Calling to Holistic Ministry

Understand your church's calling to holistic ministry:

Why this step is important Not everyone in the congregation may be ready to embrace the vision for outreach. Lay the groundwork for new ministry initiatives with training that explains the theological basis for evangelism and social compassion. If the congregation is unclear on the concept of holistic mission, or unsure of its responsibility and potential for outreach, one of the best ways of convincing people is by immersing them in the Scriptures through a mission-focused Bible study. The word of God, "powerful and active," is given that the Christian "may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16). Encouraging people to read books about holistic ministry can also have a transformational impact.

Why it is helpful: Corporate study of the Scriptures on mission can strengthen the congregation's theological maturity, spiritual unity, and zeal for holistic ministry. God's Word provides guidance, motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for ministry. In addition to the Bible, there are a wealth of other materials out there on evangelism and social ministry. Each generation of Christians in ministry stands on the shoulders of faithful saints who have gone before. Reading can inspire, inform, and ignite the ministry imagination. Reading also improves the ministry learning curve by illuminating others' successes and failures.

Your church might benefit from this step if ...the church respects the authority of Scripture but is not familiar with all that it has to say about caring for the poor and seeking justice; the congregation is inward-focused or one-sided (neglects either evangelism or social action) in its approach to outreach; the congregation lacks a clear understanding of, consensus on, or commitment to holistic mission; you want to help the congregation grow in faith and gain a better understanding of how discipleship connects with outreach.