How is the balance between project-based and relationship-based ministry at your church?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Project vs. Relationship Outreach
I think that we as church leaders have a tendency to do project-based (or event-based) outreach into our communities. It somehow seems easier or more convenient to focus on planning an outreach event or a community service project aimed at reaching kids than to work with them over the long term. When it comes to connecting with schools, our tendency is to do things such as organizing a school supply drive or a work day at the school. When it comes to evangelism, we are drawn to Vacation Bible School or Backyard Bible Club models. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these things. In fact, I have written on this blog previously a number of project-based ideas. However, what I am suggesting is that this approach is incomplete. The event or project ends, and then what happens? Lasting change happens in relationships.
Relationship-based outreach is harder in that it takes more sustained commitment, but it is easier in that it is slow and steady over a longer period of time. Relationship-based models of outreach would include things like tutoring or mentoring in a school, leading a Crossroads Kids Club program weekly, holding an Awana Club or Royal Rangers ministry at your church. Basically, it is a ministry that takes place consistently over the course of several weeks or months. During this time, the ministry leaders have the opportunity to work with kids in good times and bad—to really get to know them. As well, they have the opportunity to be transparent with kids and families and to really connect with them and point them to Jesus.
How is the balance between project-based and relationship-based ministry at your church?
How is the balance between project-based and relationship-based ministry at your church?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Interesting point Matt....the church where my husband & I serve now (he is the pastor) has a huge community ministry program, which covers a lot of the relationship-based ministry that you refer to...kids club weekly (at church..but we transport all the kids in); teen club; mentoring both in school & at church; Schools-of Hope reading program (where I teach). It's interesting to me because all the other churches where we have have served do more of the project-based ministry.... which is wonderful, but as you say, lasting change happens in relationships.
ReplyDeleteGlenys, thanks for sharing! Any thoughts on why there is such a tendency toward the projects and events? I am curious about that.
ReplyDeleteWell maybe because it's the easy option? Or maybe because it's what's expected? Or maybe because relationship based ministry demands more time & energy.....those are my first thought anyway!
ReplyDelete