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Discover 10 New Rules for Ministry Today

NEW RULES

1. Teach accurately–with simplicity–from the Bible about topics that are relevant to people in our culture.

2. Care, really care, about people. They will know it if you don’t. The world cannot compete with real, authentic, loving relationships when they are centered on Jesus. Most churches are not as good at this as they think they are. They think they are loving people when, in reality, they are still much better at judging them.

3. Do something to enhance the quality of life in your community. Being social minded helps people feel good about their church and makes it easier for them to talk about it.

4. Use media without over-using media. Cool videos can reach into someone’s world if they identify with the people and storyline, but don’t rely on multimedia to build your ministry. The world will always have better videos than you. Don’t be in love with your high-tech gadgets.

5. Speak bluntly. Don’t offend people for no reason. But sometimes, you MUST say things to help them navigate the complexities of life. When you do that, some WILL be offended. Most will appreciate your courage to say what has to be said.

6. Involve the congregation in missions projects.

7. Change fast when something doesn’t work or as soon as you find a better way. No method is etched in stone.

8. Be authentic. People can smell phony a mile away. Be honest about your own failures.

9. Be practical. What you teach either works or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t, you will lose you audience and eventually your congregation.

10. Do something a little crazy. Shake up the status quo.

Some of these rules are newer than others, but all of them represent how ministry is changing.

I’m not sure that all of these changes are for the best, but one thing is certain. Ministry IS changing.

Editor’s Note: We encourage you to interact with these rules shared by Roger Fields. We also invite you to add the new rules you feel are relevant for ministry in your unique community.