The common problem of church-worker burnout is often the fault of staff leaders afraid to let go and delegate. By switching from a staff-driven to a lay-driven church, pastors can equip the laity to use their talents and gifts.
In this way leaders make it clear, by teaching and example, that everyone is a real minister. Ephesians 4:12 says, "We are to equip the saints for ministry." Pastors need to preach equipping from the pulpit, and all leaders must accept the idea of the priesthood of all believers. Then the church walls will burst open as members begin to serve not only in church but also in the broader community.
How can you begin an equipping ministry? Catch the vision in Sue Mallory's book "
The Equipping Church." Her teaching on the process of empowering members is both pointed and exciting. [Editor's note: Sue Mallory is a member of the Church Volunteer Central Advisory Council and spoke at the Creating a Volunteer Revolution Conference in 2004 for the Willow Creek Association.]Enlist an equipping director
To become a lay-driven church, you need an equipping director. This person selects key influencers (not always title-holders!) who will sell the idea to the congregation. Although laying the groundwork takes time, it eventually pays off. After five years, our church's Equipping Ministry has five mission teams with more than 50 people. Our teams are:
Welcomeâ€â€This team proactively ensures that visitors feel at home every Sunday.
New Memberâ€â€We hold classes three times a year, taught by pastors and the equipping director.
Spiritual Giftsâ€â€Classes focus on understanding and evaluating one's calling.
Connectingâ€â€This is the heart of equipping ministry. Every new member has a one-hour discussion with a team member, resulting in an idea about where they want to serve.
Follow-upâ€â€This team calls to see if people are happily plugged into a ministry. If not, they help them get in touch with the right people.
By involving members in the work of Christ rather than having staff do most of it, the church comes alive and pastors have more time to tend to the congregation. More importantly, everyone lives the ministry for which God created them.
Jim Dees is the director of equipping ministries at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco.
Copyright © 2005 Group's Church Volunteer Central.
