Every Bible study small group should have one. Yet, many people in churches have no clue what a Ministry List is, nor have they heard of one. It is not a list of ministries. As I travel working with churches I seek to find out if the Bible study classes (Sunday School or other) take attendance, make a head count, or do nothing at all. Some people believe that taking attendance is a relic from the past and not necessary today. Others believe it may be okay for children’s classes but not for adults. Rarely is it ever considered that not taking attendance could be part of the cause of the decline in many of our churches today.
A ministry list should be present in every Bible study class. A ministry list is not only for taking attendance, it has many discipleship benefits for the class and each individual.
Minister To & With When your name appears on the Ministry List of a small group Bible study, you are agreeing to Minister To and With every person on that list. A ministry list is not only for one person to place a check mark in front of the names of all present. It is a list of everyone we agree to minister To in our group and that we also agree to carry out active ministry endeavors with, to others inside the church, community and around worldwide.
A second benefit is that disciple maturity comes through ministering & fellowshipping together. With a ministry list you can ensure that everyone is at least invited to serve together in ministry projects. We grow together in relationships and in spirituality when we serve together putting into practice what we study in our Bible study group.
Lessens the chance of Someone Falling through the Cracks A third benefit of a ministry list is it lessens the chance of someone falling through the cracks. With a ministry list in place and maintained properly, you can eliminate speculative conversations concerning absentees.
Not only for keeping up with and caring for absentees, a ministry list can assist the class in making sure no one is left out of planning or participating in class activities, caring for others, or class get-togethers. Too often those quiet or fringe people never get asked or included in participation in things he/she might enjoy and may have a special giftedness.
Gives Everyone Opportunity to Serve Tied in with the other benefits is the fact that a Ministry List gives everyone a place to serve and grow. If your name is on that list, you have agreed to minister To and With every other person on that list. Each person has gifts, talents, and treasures to offer. Not any one person has been called or gifted to meet every need or to respond in every situation. Yet, in your small group, there is someone gifted with meeting individual needs as they arise.
What will it take to activate a true Ministry list for your group(s)?
This post is excerpted from an upcoming book on 7 Essentials for every Bible study small group.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.