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Welcoming is a lifestyle. If you're just getting started, Igniting Ministry
might seem overwhelming but there is an intentional path. To help you begin
this path, pay special attention to the five components (below) as they provide
an easy way to remember the depth of this ministry.
Stop a minute. Pray first. Go no further until you pray with your church leaders
for God's guidance through this process.
It's a lifestyle - not a program. Many people think Igniting Ministry is just a
media effort. Although it does include media spots, it's much more. It also
offers tools and resources to support a complete church lifestyle that invites,
welcomes and includes newcomers no matter the size or site of your
congregation.
As a ministry within The United Methodist Church,
Ignitng Ministry is uniquely designed to help local
churches understand the "unchurched" ---
people who have not attended a local church, except
for a wedding or funeral, in the past six months.
Igniting Ministry is an interrelated process that
links major parts of a local church's ministry together.
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Take a look at how all the pieces fit together:
(national advertising > local advertising > invitation outreach >
welcoming/worship > discipling > repeat) |
STEP 2: GETTING SOME HELP
The newly-updated Planning
Handbook (free,
click here) lays the foundation and includes basics
to help sharpen your church's hospitality skills and
launch a local advertising campaign. Once the foundation
is laid, Beyond
30 Seconds provides an excellent study program
for small groups. The
MediaWarehouse lets you preview all the TV spots
and puts dozens of ads, graphics and help guides at
your fingertips for free download. The
MediaWarehouse offers graphics across a variety
of formats useful to churches and vendors, alike.
STEP 3: STAYING CONNECTED AND UPDATED
Check this Web site often for articles on local church successes, welcoming
tips, FAQs about Igniting Ministry or for email addresses to ask specific
questions.
A helpful email news update is produced free monthly and you can sign up from
our home page (top/left).
STEP 4: GETTING SOME TRAINING
Several training choices:
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"First Step" training - IM-sponsored regional events
based on the Planning Kit.
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"Second Step" training - IM-sponsored regional
events based on Beyond 30 Seconds
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Local Training - Local trainers/local groups
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Individual & Group - self-study
NEXT: BUILDING A PLAN (STEPS 5-7)
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