MINISTRY “HELPER”

The Participants are ministry observers / helpers.  They are novices with little ministry background.  They are just beginning to think about the place of ministry in their lives.

The Objectives: 

1. Acquire a desire to be involved in ministry.

2. Establish a church home away from home.

3. Become excited about the fact that God can use their efforts in the lives of others.

4. Begin to identify abilities and spiritual gifts.

Ministry Projects:  Involvement in a variety of ministries as helpers with close coaching by strong ministry disciplers.  Possibilities would include Awana, S.S. or children’s church helpers; nursing home ministries; summer camp; various ministry teams; youth activities; etc. -- all without leadership responsibilities.

Evangelism opportunities should be entry level such as literature distribution, and inviting unsaved people to activities at which they will be exposed to the Gospel.

MINISTRY “DOER”          

The Participants are doers:  They already have a desire for ministry:  It is a priority in their lives, and they have demonstrated a degre faithfulness. 

The Objectives:

1. Identify their spiritual gifts and areas of special ability.

2. Gain a sense of ministry direction based on understanding of gifts, strengths, and abilities.

3. Identify and solve character issues that are an impediment to effective ministry.

4. Begin to see a connection between classroom material and ministry.

Ministry Projects:  A wide range of opportunities should be offered in which students can carry out aggressive ministry that is not leadership.  Ideas include teaching S.S. or children’s church; Bible studies; youth work;  ministry teams, etc...

In evangelism, they should further develop skills in personal evangelism through participation in regular outreach ministries.  Ideas include Word of Life Superbowls and Basketball Marathons; witness at work; church outreach.

These students need ministry coaches who will give continual feedback and encouragement.  This coach should disciple the student and release their potential and creativity, while giving them a framework within which to exercise it.

MINISTRY “DISCIPLER”          

The Participants are disciplers / trainers:  At this level students are already aware of their spiritual gifts, strengths, and abilities.  They have begun to focus on a specific ministry direction.  They are already responsible, teachable, and show a real burden for the people to whom they minister.

The Objectives:

1. To understand and exercise Godly leadership.

2. Identify and effectively use a leadership style that fits their personalities.

3. Know how to effectively deal with group dynamics.

4. Disciple students and others who are “helpers” and “doers”.

Ministry Projects:  Students should be involved in a ministry that allows them to gain mastery in the area of their ministry focus.  They should be involved in that ministry at a leadership level, having responsibility to disciple others on the team.

In evangelism, provide leadership to ministry teams involved in evangelistic outreach -- training others how to effectively reach people with the gospel.

The role of the ministry coach should be that of a consultant to help them process learning, and develop leadership skill.

MINISTRY “CREATOR”

The Participants are ministry creators / organizers.  Students at this level are effectively training and discipling others in ministry.  They demonstrate a high level of competency in their area of ministry focus.  They have a passion for ministry, and display a level of spiritual leadership that is not discouraged by others who do not share that vision.  Instead they have the maturity to lead others toward such a godly concern.

The Objectives:

1. To understand and effectively use principles of multi-level discipling.

2. Effectively move entire groups of people through godly leadership.

3. Able to disciple disciplers.

Ministry Projects:  At this level the student ought to be involved in overseeing ministry projects in the area of his or her focus.  He or she should be providing leadership over a structure that allows for students at all levels (helper, doer, and discipler) to be exercised.

At this level, students should be involved in creating new evangelistic ministries and developing student teams to carry out those ministries.  Evangelism training focuses on the preparation of leaders who are able to train and motivate others in personal evangelism.

Ministry coaches for the “creator” provide support, debriefing, and a sense of fellowship that allows the student to continue the learning process.