We cannot deny the reality that church members’ active participation in the church ministry is a constant challenge for pastors and leaders.
Do you know how many or what percentage of your church could be considered as active participants?
Do you have data on the different levels of participation in your church?
Do the church leaders consider “participation” as one of their planning factors?
The 2014 Church Statistics of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand published reported that attendance in Baptist churches is declining, but “attendance”, whether it is declining or growing, is not an indicator of participation.
Your church might have a growing attendance, but if only a small percentage are involved actively, appreciating and participating in the church’s life, then it’s just a matter of time, and the membership will dwindle.
In a multi-ethnic church, everyone’s participation is crucial so that no one or no group is marginalised. A true multi-ethnic church captures and integrates the heart-worship of all ethnic groups.
If it’s difficult to command active participation in a mono-ethnic majority group, how difficult it would be if you’re pastoring a multi-ethnic congregation.
Yes, the church is always confronted with the issue of members’ participation.
There are two prevailing challenges on ministry participation that every pastor and leader is facing.
- How can I motivate the members to participate actively?
- How can I grow and sustain the active participation of the church members?
The first two goals of the MAP Toolkit deals with the appreciation aspect.
Goal No. 3 focuses on participation.
Thus, one of the MAP Toolkit goals is to develop the church’s dynamics from a pastor-centred (or leadership-centred) congregation to a participatory and empowered congregation. (Whew, this could be scary for many pastors and ministry leaders. 🙂 )
The participatory nature of the MAP Tools will change the atmosphere of the church. The more participative the members become, the more empowered they will be.
An empowered church member is someone who knows how to implement the MAP toolkit.
Are you a pastor who is happy to empower your members?
If your answer is “Yes” then the MAP Toolkit is for you.
MAP Toolkit Goal No. 2 – To Discover Faith-Wisdom
When a church engages in discovering her indigenous faith-wisdom, there would be much appreciation and participation in the ministry.
MAP Toolkit Goal No. 4 – To Realise and Affirm Gifts
Do you know the gifts that your members possess? How extensive is your church in realising and affirming the gifts of every member?
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