Ministry Toolkit
MERGING HEARTS Practical Tools For Church Ministries Finance - Music - Security - Youth - Media - Administration Dance - Culinary - Evangelism - Marketing - Drama - Ushers Women & Men - Decorations - Hospitality - Outreach
inspiring
TEMPLE of Praise
Contents INTRODUCTION Foreword About ITOP
ADMINISTRATION Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
FINE ARTS Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dance/Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SERVICE Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Armor Bearer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Deacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Culinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Usher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
LIFE ENHANCEMENT Women’s Ministry . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Men’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Evangelism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
SPECIALIZED SERVICES Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Public Relations/Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Decorations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Foreword “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
U
nity. It is perhaps one of the most critical instructions for Christians and churches. Throughout scripture we are constantly reminded of how vital agreement is in strengthening the body of believers and unlocking the power of purpose.
In 2009, our church theme was “Commanding The Blessing Through Unity: A Force of One.” Together, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish. Connected, we all win. This theme birthed a desire in my spirit to truly bring together the body, from the head to the feet, so we could all learn, grow and share as one. This year the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church (ITOP) held its first ever “Merging Hearts Pastor and Leadership Summit” in Fort Worth, Texas. The hope of the summit is to provoke continuity between pastors, secondary leadership and laypeople by equipping them with the necessary tools for interpreting the leader’s vision. Then, taking it a step further and challenging each individual to apply these skills to his or her area of ministry. From Fine Arts and Finance to Security and Marketing, each department strengthens the other and increases the efficacy of the overall ministry when properly aligned with the head. The “Merging Hearts Ministry Toolkit” is the informational guide for the summit. Each ITOP ministry leader has translated their experiences into easy-to-use reference materials that covers the major areas of church ministry. Our goal is to give you standards, hints, insights and key considerations as a resource for implementing in your own unique way. I pray that you will be strengthened to be a more effective leader and member of ministry. For we know that the sweetest fruit in the Kingdom can only be reached as one body working together in divine unity.
Blessed and highly favored!
Bishop Reginald D. Jordan October 2009
About ITOP
Bishop Reginald Jordan founded the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church, better known as ITOP, in 1996 with 12 members in the living room of his home. Since then, the church has grown to more than 1,500 members and become an influential part of the Fort Worth community. At ITOP, members experience dynamic worship, practical teaching, inspirational praise, ministry programs to meet their needs and engaging youth activities. The ministry strives to be a family where real people can expect real love. ITOP is a place for new beginnings where unity is a priority. In the words of Bishop Jordan: “Unity is the key in the kingdom that unlocks success, peace, prosperity, identity, purpose and power." The church mission is simple and God-inspired: To inspire the world through preaching, teaching, praise, worship, prayer and demonstration of heavenly things here on Earth. Every ITOP service is an encounter to worship and seek God. Each ministry program has been designed to empower the Body of Christ with the knowledge of God’s uncompromised gospel to accomplish the following:
To lead men, women, boys and girls to Christ.
To make disciples of them that are led to Christ.
To bring them into the unity of the faith.
To equip everyone with anchoring truth so that they’re no longer tossed to and fro, with every wind and doctrine.
ITOP started as one man’s vision to serve and glorify God. This has evolved into a number of ministry areas, including a full scale book store, state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities, drama and dance teams, dedicated administrative support, professional marketing and public relations management, executive level financial reporting and other areas of excellence.
Ministry Toolkit
Deacon And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:1 - 3
MISSION
KEY DUTIES
Our goal is to serve: The members and leadership.
1. Serve at the church forefront to greet, provide information, and security to those entering the church.
In their desire to: Be ministered to and receive support in times of sickness, death and need. By means of: Visiting the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, and the homebound, as well as serving during funerals and worship services.
2. Make hospital visits, pray, and offer support to individuals and/or family members of the church family who are ill. 3. Continually pray for the membership, family members, leadership, and the First Family.
INSIGHTS
“
The ITOP Deacons Ministry seeks to serve the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church family in any capacity needed, within the church during worship services or in the community, operating in unity and excellence to support, serve, and uplift those in need. The Deacons Ministry was first established in 2001, with the first ordination service held in 2003. Bishop Jordan asked me to consider serving in the position of deacon and after serving faithfully and completing the catechism, I was ordained as a deacon in December, 2005, along with two of my brothers and one sister in the ministry. When I joined the Deacons Ministry, there were six men already operating in the ministry. I was one of two females ordained as a deacon. From that time until now, the whole makeup of the ministry has changed. Of the original six, only three remain and of my ordination class of four, three of us remain active in the ministry. Also, deacons ordained in other ministries have come to join with the ITOP Deacons Ministry, for a total of ten ordained deacons at this time. For the future, I hope for the Deacons Ministry to continue to grow, both numerically and spiritually. I would like for us to become more indoctrinated in the ministry and take initiative on a more consistent basis. The Ministry supports the overall ITOP vision by availing itself to serving the needs of the people in unity and excellence. This ministry is the embodiment of “A Force of One.” Each deacon has his or her unique gifts, abilities, and expertise to offer to the Body of Christ, but we operate as a single unit. Whether serving during a funeral, overseeing building security, or making hospital visits, we work together to accomplish the established goals of the ministry.
“ ►
26
Inspiring Temple of Praise
Service
Deacon
INSIGHTS (cont’d)
“
Deacons Ministry meets on the 5th Sunday mornings at 9am. During this time, we reiterate the vision and anything that has been discussed or taken place since the prior meeting. We make sure that everyone understands the vision, is operating in sync with the vision, and is encouraging others to do the same. I keep it alive by rehearsing it and demonstrating it in love. The single most important impact the Deacons Ministry makes on the overall church is to relieve the leaders and laypeople from the burdens of daily ministry activities. We do the legwork in the church and, oftentimes, sacrifice our worship experience so others do not have to. From securing the building to mowing the lawn to mopping floors, Deacons Ministry gets their hands and feet dirty to keep everyone else from having to take care of it. ITOP is our house and Deacons take care of the house!
“
Sharon Burkley Deacon, ITOP
SUCCESS How does this ministry measure success? What qualities contribute to success?
The Deacons Ministry measures success by accomplishing goals and not having anyone or anything out of place during a worship service.
Love of the ministry, leadership, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Unyielding belief in God and the vision of the house.
The gift of exhortation to help bring others up to another level of excellence.
Never stop learning and growing, never resting on laurels.
LESSONS
1. Working for the ministry is a 24/7 job.
3 things you must know
2. There is always something to do. 3. Leadership is often taken for granted in ministry.
LEADERSHIP
1. Strong work ethic
Skills, training and experience required to work in this ministry:
2. Spiritually mature 3. Good communication skills 4. Positive attitude
RESOURCES Websites:
www.diaconalministries.com – Deacons Ministry Information www.lifeway.com – Deacon Magazine, books & resources www.christianbook.com – Books & resources
27
Service
Ministry Toolkit
Deacon
TRUE STORY
T
he proudest moment I have experienced thus far in Deacons Ministry was when we had the Bishopric Consecration service in September 2008. There were a myriad of things that did not work as they were supposed to and the Deacons Ministry had to step it up a notch and do what we do best. Prior to the service, we had meetings both with Bishop Jordan alone and with the facilitating Bishop detailing what was expected of us. I was given the charge of meeting with the ITOP Deacons Ministry and also the CIC Deacons from several churches to bring us into one accord on serving during this time. It was an overwhelming task, but one that I accepted gladly.
The day before the service was to be held, things changed once again, and we had to move the location back to ITOP. On a Friday night, with a moment’ s notice, Deacons Ministry went to work transporting equipment, furniture, and supplies from one location to another and transforming the sanctuary, classrooms, and fellowship hall, into a place of service for the consecration. This included everything from cleaning, vacuuming, to moving chairs/tables, and setting up rooms. And then we had to return to the same place by 8 a.m. the very next morning. Did we do it? Yes, we did. Was it a major feat to accomplish? Yes, it was. Can Deacons do what needs to be done whenever it needs to be done? Yes, we can and Yes, we will! Deacons Rock! Sharon
Definition of A Deacon Here Am I Lord, Use Me! Deacon (Greek. diakonos): servant, waiting-man, minister, messenger
Unity The state or quality of being one; singleness; the state or quality of being in accord; harmony; mutual agreement
Service The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant; assistance; help; active devotion to God; work done or duty performed for another or others; friendly help
Excellence The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority; possessing good qualities in high degree; very good of its kind; eminently good.
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8
You don’t miss your water until the well runs dry.
28
Inspiring Temple of Praise
Service
Deacon
What Makes An Effective Deacon?
Know their area of "giftedness" in diaconal ministry and take the time to develop those gifts through study and training.
Commit a certain amount of time and energy to a ministry opportunity in addition to the time required for meetings.
Maintain a healthy balance between work, family life and church work.
Involve their spouses (if married) as partners in ministry where and when possible.
Renew themselves spiritually on a regular basis.
Pray often, individually and with the diaconate.
Celebrate regularly what God is doing. Source: www.diaconalministries.com
A Prayer For The Ministry Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to serve as deacons in the church, entrusting us to be Your examples of love, support, and peace to your people in their time of need. Help us to remember the vision and to work towards accomplishing it. Continue to keep us and teach us how to be patient, humble, and considerate of others, to think of others first and not ourselves. We pray that all that we do would be pleasing unto you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
29
Bookstore Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth . 2 Timothy 2:15
MISSION
KEY DUTIES
Our goal is to serve: The members, covenant partners, and guests of the church.
1. Provide customer service/support to church members, partners, guests
In their desire to: Seek the Word of God for answers, direction, and spiritual growth.
2. Oversee all financial and administrative responsibilities of bookstore (purchases, stocking, reconciling accounts)
By means of: Making available literature, reference tools, and study aids.
3. Service vending machine (stock products, purchase vending supplies, oversee maintenance/repair)
INSIGHTS
“
The Word of Life Bookstore was established in February, 1998, and I have been a part of the ministry since its inception. I became involved as a result of my leadership position within the ministry and was appointed to assist the Store Manager when ITOP first endeavored to establish a church bookstore. I was responsible for beginning the ministry, so where it was when I started was a concept of Bishop Jordan and the first Store Manager. It began as a small area in the prior location at 4733 E. Lancaster, with a library of donated books and products, and a few purchased books, Bibles, and videotapes. There was no cash register, counter, or much floor space. Since that time, we have grown to the current location (our 3rd), with the possibility of ordering and offering any type of product desired by our customers. We serve as the ITOP merchandise marketplace, utilizing a top-notch bookstore P.O.S. system, complete with the ability to process debit/credit cards. In the future, the hope is to be able to serve independently of the ITOP ministry and become a selfsufficient Christian bookstore; still on the ITOP property, but without having to use church financial support. We get it done! If there is anything any ministry needs as it relates to books or materials, the Word of Life Bookstore has established a reputation of being able to handle it. This impacts the ministry by making sure material are available in a timely and efficient manner to conduct ministry in excellence. I live Bishop’s vision and encourage my team to do the same. Constant focus on the vision and not allowing obstacles or situations to deter me help to keep the vision alive. As I work, they work. It is difficult to ask someone to do something that you, as a leader, are not willing to do. If no one else is passionate about the bookstore, I am, and I make every effort to pass that on to those who work alongside me.
“
Sharon Burkley Word Of Life Bookstore, ITOP 65
Specialized Services
Ministry Toolkit
SUCCESS How does this ministry measure success?
Bookstore
Success is measured for this ministry by the number of lives that have been impacted, the eyes and minds that have been opened by the enlightenment of the Word of God, and the increased support of our customers.
LESSONS 3 things you must know
1. Ordering a book and PAYING for a book are totally separate things. 2. Not everyone is as excited about the written word as you are. 3. Ministry can be very frustrating, but at the same time, very rewarding.
LEADERSHIP Skills, training and experience required to work in this ministry:
Administrative/Clerical
General Bookkeeping
Strong customer service
BUDGET Some of the major expenses required to launch and maintain this ministry:
Bookstore Manager
$79 / month
National Processing Center (debit/credit card)
$25+ / month
Vending Supplies
$75+ / month
Books & Merchandise
$200+ / month
Office Supplies
$50 / month
RESOURCES
Cbaonline.org—Christian Booksellers Association
Book Web Sites:
Christianbook.com—Books, Bible, Christian products Destinyimage.com Gospelpublishing.com Harrisonhouse.com-
66
Inspiring Temple of Praise
Specialized Services
RESOURCES (cont.)
ProForma
Vendors:
8800 East Pleasant Valley Road
Bookstore
Independence, OH 44131 No Name Ads (T-Shirts) Candee Henderson
(800) 825-1525 www.proforma.com
(817) 370-1919 Bookstore Manger—POS System Allen Display (Shelving) 14301 Sommerville Court Midlothian, VA 23113 (800) 999-2373
201 Fannin Street Abilene, TX 79603 (800) 997-6724 www.bookstoremanager.com
www.allendisplay.com Public Space Plus (stanchion posts, line control, signage) Brodart Library Supplies 100 North Road McElhattan, PA 17748
2436 E. Randol Mill Road Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 633-5001
(888) 820-4377 www.shopbrodart.com
Athletic Lettering (Customized Merchandise) 125 S. Jennings Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76104 (817) 338-0422 www.athleticlettering.net
Church Bookstore 3 Benefits
1. Helps to focus the local vision 2. Support church ministries 3. Encourage study/spiritual growth in ministry
To whom much is given, much is required. 67
Specialized Services
Ministry Toolkit
Bookstore
How To Begin 1. Seek support from Pastor 2. Consider requesting book donations from membership; establish library to share books 3. Set up book table in foyer, fellowship hall, available open area 4. Request seed donation from church ministry; utilize church support 5. Begin Book Club; access active readers in ministry 6. Collaborate with church ministries; order books for Women’s ministry, Education, pastor/ ministers 7. Book Tours; visit local area church bookstores of various sizes 8. Establish relationships with other bookstore managers 9. Attend conferences/training to educate yourself; seek knowledge 10. Check out bookstore websites 11. Do not despise small beginnings
A Prayer For The Ministry
Father God, I pray that you will always lead and guide the leadership, team members, and patrons of the bookstore in the path of righteousness. Keep us as we endeavor to seek your face, be enlightened by your word, and apply your teachings to our daily lives, continually striving to accomplish our predestined purpose. In Christ’s name, Amen.
68
Inspiring Temple of Praise