Congregational Transformation – How Hands-On Ministry Became the Defining Moment for a Congregation - By: jackauthors

It was two retired guys in the congregation that ignited the ministries of the church and created new energy, excitement and commitment. It was truly a defining moment in the history of the congregation.

In the life of every congregation there are defining moments. Some defining moments create a foundation upon which strong, lasting ministries are built. Some defining moments come with an expanded vision for the ministries of the congregation in the future. Regrettably not all defining moments are positive. Some decisions undermine the ministries of the congregation.

It is not always easy to see that a decision or series of decisions represent a defining moment for a congregation at the time that they are made and implemented. Often it is only with the passing of time that we are able to see that certain decisions profoundly impacted the future of a congregation. By the time that the full implications of past decisions are realized, the die has been cast. A congregation may have entered a time of struggle or visible signs of decline. If the decisions of the defining moment were positive, Christ-centered and other-centered, the congregation may be experiencing healthy vibrant ministries and worship.

So how could two retirees create a defining moment in the life of a congregation? They went to the pastor and asked what they could do to help out. The pastor said that there were several older couples and additional widowed members of the congregation that could use help with their yards and home maintenance. One of the guys had a Ranger pick-up so the two retirees put their tool boxes in the back of the pick-up along with a lawnmower and a rake and were soon helping the elderly members of the congregation with their yards and home repairs. But soon they were being referred to friends and families who were not in the congregation. Their desire to help out was important but it was the decision to reach out and minister to those beyond the immediate congregation that was critical.

Here is how this simple act of hands-on ministry became a defining moment for this congregation. The impact of the ministry of these two retirees was reflected in many ways. They were making a difference in people’s lives and that was consistent with Christ’s teaching and commands. Members got more involved and others came to visit and see how they could get involved.

The impact of this ministry did not stop there. Other members of the congregation saw what was happening and how the simple ministry of these two retirees was making such a powerful impact on people’s lives and they too wanted to get involved in hands-on ministry in a new and creative way. So, additional ministries started to spring up. A few guys who enjoyed working on bicycles started soliciting old bikes and repairing them and then getting them to children in families that could not afford bikes for the kids. They worked out of the basement of one of their homes. Some other folks decided to take in old furniture and refinish or re-upholster it and then give it people and families that could not afford furniture. Men and women were coming up with simple, creative, need-meeting ideas for ministry. Every new ministry was hands-on. Every ministry was reaching out beyond the congregation. Every new ministry was making a real difference in people’s lives.

The defining moment for this congregation came when the decision was made to personally do hands-on ministry for others beyond the congregation. When congregations begin thinking about congregational transformation, church renewal, congregational renewal, revival or whatever terms they choose, it begins by seeking to deepen their understanding of Christ’s teachings, commission and commands.

About the Author

Additional information on congregational transformation can be found. Dynamic Christian Initiatives is a ministry dedicated to helping congregations reach their full ministry potential. It specializes in helping struggling congregations turn their ministries around and become healthy and vibrant.

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