Collection

Collecting ministry opportunities is an extremely helpful way to keep your ministries detailed and organized. I realize that the word “collection” may bring to mind images of trinkets overflowing from living room side tables and glass cabinets, or you might get chills down your spine when thinking of the threat of possibly inheriting Grandma’s candy dish collection. But actually, the basic idea of collections is a beneficial one if done well. If a collection is organized and receives frequent upkeep, it will maintain its usefulness. 

Relate that now to collecting ministry opportunities: How will you “build” your collection so that members will be able to quickly and easily navigate the waters of ministry and service? As an example, Saddleback has five collection builders. 

Champion your collection – If you are responsible for ministry at your church, it is up to you to champion the way you collect opportunities. 

Calendar your collection – Collect ministry opportunities on a regular basis.

Centralize your collection – Centralizing your collection will help you to decentralize your ministry, allowing you to maintain control of it. 

Capture vital data for your collection – Factor in time, talents, and training required for each ministry opportunity. Additionally, ask your staff for the specifics of their ministry tasks, letting them know that what they can “live without,” someone else will “love to do.” 

Clean house regularly – Put someone in charge of checking on your ministry opportunities on a regular basis so that you can make sure they are still “hot” opportunities. It is the “cold” opportunities that discourage members from getting involved. 

Along with collection builders, there are collection busters that can hinder smoothly functioning ministry. 

Controlling pastors and/or committees.

Complacent staff.

Confusing categories. Call it what it is! Don’t compromise clarity with cuteness. 

Inconsistent collection. 

Staying up to date on your ministry opportunities and how they are organized will result in a worthwhile collection that you will actually want to keep and use!