Some people are just getting started in ministry while others have been serving for years. They have been faithful in the area where they have been called, but now they feel that God is asking them to do more. Maybe it is time to start a new ministry.
You see an area of need with no available resources to fill that need. You want to do something. It is an ache so strong that it keeps you awake at night; it fills your mind even when you are busy with other things. Having that desire to do something is wonderful, but you have to know what the next step is to take.
Be Prepared
Don’t just jump into a new ministry. Do your research and find out as much as you can about what it will require. Even if the ministry you want to start is not currently available in your area, look for similar organizations in other areas. Talk to a leader and ask questions. Find out what that person did to start the ministry. Realize that starting a ministry doesn’t happen overnight. Get answers to the following questions:
- What education and training would be needed?
- What licensing or legal requirements must be met?
- What costs would be incurred and how would those funds be provided?
- How many people will be necessary to start the ministry?
Have a vision for your ministry, but then follow up with practical information.
Mentorship and Support
Find a good mentor, preferably someone in a similar ministry. Even if you can’t find anyone who is working in a ministry like the one you want to begin, try to find an experienced person in a leadership role in ministry to act as a mentor. Ask that person if he or she is willing to take on that role. Clearly define what you are looking for in a mentor so that both of you know the expectations. Maybe you want to meet with someone once a week or once a month or you might need someone you can call anytime you have a question.
You also need support from others. Even if you are starting out small and not taking on other volunteers, you need people who will be there for you. Get a prayer team together with one person as the leader. You can direct specific prayer requests to him or her and that person will pass it on to others. This is one of the most important steps, so don’t overlook it.
At the same time, you will need someone you can lean on. This is the person you will vent to when nothing seems to be going right or when you are feeling overwhelmed. This is someone you can be honest with, who will not judge you or tell you that you shouldn’t have gotten involved. He or she will understand your frustrations while also recognizing your dedication to the calling from God.
If you are ready to take that next step and build your own ministry from the ground up, get started. Consider the practical aspects as well as the emotional and spiritual support you will need. With the right foundation, you can follow God’s plan for your life and build a ministry that serves others and glorifies Him.
