The future of lay ministry as SJN grows

Have you checked out the progress of the construction of our church?  It seems like every day something new pops up!  It's been so exciting to witness, and everyone around the parish community has been buzzing about eventually moving in there.  The reality of it all is coming to beautiful fruition!

One thing that's been on my mind amidst the excitement of it all is how large the parish community will grow in parishioners once the church is open!  We have no doubt that large numbers of people will be joining the parish and, inevitably, getting involved.  This is, no doubt, a blessing in which to look forward, but, at the same time, are we ready?

Between religious education programs, our Mother's Day Out preschool program, sacramental requests and lay ministry life, there's a lot to prepare and make ready for the increase in participation.  There are a plethora of ministries to which we can invite new families to affiliate.  I'm certain the current 59 parish and partner ministries leap with joy when visualizing the increase in numbers, but we do have to remember the logistics of successful growth.

Things that will be important for ministries and their leaders to remember include:

• Recommitting to the ministry's vision.  Know from where the ministry has come and where you believe God is taking the ministry.  Be able to clearly communicate this vision to new members and allow participants to own it.
• Equipping volunteers for the work of the ministry -- recruiting, training and motivating.  Delegate and job-share!  Someone who just attends meetings is not being challenged or engaged enough -- allow and encourage them the opportunity to be an active builder of the Kingdom of God.
• Being open to doing ministry a new or different way.  Step outside that box and let go of tradition.  Make sure people feel comfortable suggesting new ideas and then empower them to follow through and see where it takes the ministry.  Ministry is attractive when it's innovative, changing and current.
• Keeping a positive, faith-filled, can-do attitude.

Lastly, I've always believed that successful ministry must be so in God's eyes -- not our own -- and that service is not about quantity, it's about quality.  Regardless of numbers, whether it's three people or 50 people, the most important things are that the work of God is getting done and that people feel loved.  In so doing, we are successfully serving as the hands of feet of Jesus Christ.

Church construction, May 6, 2010