5 questions to help you discern starting a ministry

There are a plethora of ministry opportunities at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, but what if you feel called to build God's Kingdom in an area that hasn't yet been given the attention of a specific ministry?  Great question!

1. Does this ministry already exist within the parish, either as a formal ministry all its own or as an effort of a particular ministry?
   Take a look at the Web site, pick up a ministries brochure from the church or church office or call the church office to find out!  No need to reinvent the wheel.
   
   
2. If not, is this a cause about which I feel very passionate?
   Starting a ministry can be very time intensive and an effort that might not show its fruits until further down the road.  Leading this type of project takes someone who will persevere and do all it takes to get a successful ministry off the ground.  If you're not sure you can commit to this type of requirement, reconsider starting an entire ministry.  Talk to ministry leaders who oversee a similar cause; they might be interested in adopting the effort as a focus of their ministry.
   
   
3. Can I put my energy toward something else in the parish?
   Think of the possibilities of what you could do with your time in the parish if you weren't busy starting a ministry from scratch.  What about a Bible study?  Or volunteering with your family in a ministry that has a similar cause?  Your time, especially that spent with your family, has value, too, and it's important to look at the cost of everything in terms of the ministries in which you volunteer and the time you spend doing it as well.
   
   
4. Have I prayed about the calling to start this ministry?
   
   
   
   
   Photo courtesy of Compassion InternationalA significant amount of time spent reflecting and going to prayer about this idea is essential.  You want to be sure that you want to see this idea through because you feel it's where God is leading you -- not because of any self-driven motives.
   
   
5. Am I a good leader?
   Leadership skills will be a primary reason this ministry idea succeeds or fails.  Dealing with conflict or anger, running a meeting, managing volunteers, building confidence and empowering small groups are tasks frequently practiced by ministry leaders.  Remember that good leaders are also good servants, and you will have to be willing to be open to different ideas and possibilities. 

Which of these questions is the most challenging for you?  Are there ministry ideas in your head that you need to give yourself permission to put aside?