Churches can become a beehive of activity for people of all ages. A healthy congregation can put a significant demand on church facilities and vehicles as they engage in a variety of activity. Activity is not a bad thing for the church. Activities provide connection points for members and prospects alike. But transformational leaders must evaluate the purpose and value of activities against the mission, vision, and strategy of the church. Here are some likely examples to consider.
- The student ministry plans a group trip to watch a major league baseball game.
- The children’s ministry plans a trip to an amusement park.
- The senior adults host a luncheon featuring a botanist who will speak about household plants and gardening.
- The men’s ministry plans an antique car show.
- An adult Sunday school class plans to attend a Christmas lights drive-thru show.
There is nothing wrong with church groups engaging in any of these activities. Groups do need to align their activities with the mission, vision, and strategy of the church. When planning these types of activities, they need to ask the question: How does this activity support our purpose to fulfill our purpose of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, worship, and prayer? The simple answer is that each activity listed in our example lists provides opportunity to fellowship. But limiting fellowship to members only, people already part of the group, limits the full effectiveness of the potential that could be achieved. Here are some thoughts to expand the purpose of the activities we’ve already identified.
- The student ministry plans a group trip to watch a major league baseball game.
- Students who bring a first-time guest received a 50% discount on their ticket.
- The children’s ministry plans a trip to an amusement park.
- Children who bring an unchurched guest receives a $5 concession coupon.
- The senior adults host a luncheon featuring a botanist who will speak about household plants and gardening.
- The luncheon is open to the public and registration is required.
- Non-church members are eligible for door prizes.
- The men’s ministry plans an antique car show.
- A driver on the NASCAR circuit will be on site to sign autographs and will share his testimony about his faith in Christ.
- An adult Sunday school class plans to attend a Christmas lights drive-thru show.
- Each person in the class must bring a friend (preferably one who is unchurched).
Providing oversight to the activities of a church doesn’t mean that transformational leaders become activity police, they simply look for ways to be more intentional about engaging in spiritual activity—creating an environment for spiritual conversations to take place. Engaging in activities that allow groups to only think internally is too easy and regrettable. Leaders who want to see their church transformed will discover ways to maximize opportunities for spiritual purposes.