Product Details
Together we're better! Listen for great ideas in making the most of your time, energy, and other resources.
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Guest: Matthew Schultz, pastor and ministry consultant, has successfully shepherded multiple churches through times of transition and change and has helped not-for-profit agencies and churches of all sizes reimagine their ministries. Matthew currently pastors a congregation in New York state.
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches have found it helpful—and a blessing—to coordinate their efforts in ministry.
Summary:
- Plan ministry together.
- Plan worship together.
- Build the “we’re working together” mentality and vision.
- Decide areas of responsibility—look at strengths and weaknesses of each established church.
- All will benefit from the strengths of each church.
- Acknowledge separate congregations but think about “one church” with different campuses.
- Here are just a few reasons to cooperate with other congregations:
- Finances
- Ministry expansion
- Effort and energy
- Team mentality
- Foster excitement in potential members
- Cross-cultural options, multiple offerings
- What if you’re the only church of your denomination? Here’s how to work across denominational lines:
- Join together for an event
- Join together for a cause, for service, for community engagement
- Consider what issues might arise; open up conversation about them!
- Set up a joint understanding. What will we tackle? What will we avoid?
- Cooperation gives unchurched people a view of the churches working together.
- Cooperation can breathe new life into your ministry and yourself.
Thought Starters:
- Is there a church or person in your community you might contact today to begin a conversation about cooperation?
Resources:
