Charles Arn shows church leaders how to identify members' individual priorities and passions, and then help them begin a creative outreach ministry around their passions. These "heartbeat ministries" take many creative directions, because they grow out of the unique interests, concerns, and life experiences of people.
Arn introduces the concept of "side-doors" as a proven strategy for churches to reach out into their community. Traditional "front doors" of many congregations (visitors to worship) are closing, while the "back doors" (death, transfer, reversion) remain open. Thus, side-doors become an increasingly key way to connect with unreached people. This book will, as Nelson Searcy says, "…put wheels on your missional wagon!"
A complete planning guide for a church member(s) to start a successful outreach ministry around their passion. The process begins with how to enlist a "Ministry Planning Team" and a "Prayer Support Team." In subsequent chapters, readers... "Research Similar Ministries," "Identify Their Target Audience," "Develop a Purpose Statement," "Plan Their New Ministry," "Prepare for the First Meeting," "Publicize the New Ministry," and "Plan for Long-Term Success."
How to Start a Heartbeat Ministry in Your Church will help your church broaden the number of "side-doors" through which newcomers will develop friendships with church members around a common passion.
This inspirational booklet plants a significant "seed-idea" in readers' minds and hearts. It is that the experiences, passions, challenges, and interests which God has allowed the reader to have…may be the basis for a creative new ministry waiting to be born. Designed for congregational members, You are Special! reminds readers that our lives are like snowflakes…each one of us have different histories, experiences, passions. And "God doesn't waste experience."
Readers are introduced to four people who began a new ministry around their own experiences, and are encouraged to contact their church office if they are interested in further exploring the idea of turning their passion into a new ministry.
What if a church member is curious about the idea of starting a new ministry around their passion…but not quite ready to commit? What’s the next step? It is to view this 10-minute video—“Do You Have a Heartbeat?” In the video, Charles Arn introduces the idea of a “Heartbeat Ministry,” and shares the story of four churches that encouraged their members to begin a new ministry around their passions. One church member began a motorcycle ministry…another a cancer care ministry…a third was an outdoor sportspersons club…and the fourth was a job placement ministry. All began out of the “heartbeat” of one or several members in the church.
Viewers are then encouraged to consider five “next steps” in considering the idea of starting a new ministry: 1) Reflect on your own experience and passion, 2) Pray for God’s direction , 3) Dream of what their ministry might look like, 4) Talk with pastor or staff member about the idea, and 5) Begin by reading through the guidebook and recruiting a support team.
