MAP Toolkit Goal No. 3 – To Develop Ministry Appreciation and Participation

It cannot be denied that the active participation of church members 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?

Does 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 are 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 life of the church, then it’s just a matter of time and the membership will dwindle.

In a multi-ethnic church, the participation of everyone is crucial so that no one or no group is marginalised. A true multi-ethnic church is one that 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.

1. How can I motivate the members to participate actively?
2. 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 goals of the MAP Toolkit is to develop the dynamics of the church from a pastor-centered (or leadership-centered) congregation to a participatory and empowered congregation.

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.