Creativity in Ministry

As we seek to do our task of reaching people for Christ, building the Christian community, and ministering to countless needs in our society we need to be as creative as possible in order to do it well and avoid serious mistakes. Creativity is not necessarily something that is taught in seminary but every effective pastor has to learn how to be more creative.

I’ve found that one of the most creative groups in our society the Walt Disney Company. Disney is an example of magnificent creativity. That’s why for the last 8 years I have had a Creativity Conference in Orlando Florida for clergy and laity, which is held in cooperation with Disney employees. Many of the teachers for the conference are Christian Disney staff or executives. Their teaching provides one of the best resources in developing creativity in all areas of life, especially in ministry. 

Our next Creativity Conference is on January 20-22. We will be meeting at Winter Park United Methodist Church for workshops, keynote speeches, and discussion panels. We will do one day of the conference at Walt Disney Theme Parks. 

For more information please visit our website or email me for any questions. I hope you will join us!

Reaching the Large Number of Singles in America

Approximately half of the adult population in the United States today is single. Yet, as we examine the attendance in churches we find that our churches are not reaching that half. How do you minister to singles today?

As I provide training for Singles Ministry, I’ve found that this ministry fits into several obvious demographic categories:

Young singles, just out of college, twenty-somethings:   They are much more secular than older age groups. They have issues they are dealing with as part of being a young adult today and being single that are complicated. Relationships are very important and precious to them and yet sometimes are difficult because of our skeptical society. We must find a way to help these young singles and help them know about Jesus Christ.

Single because of divorce:  The ministry to reach those who have gone through divorce needs to be done in a very caring, recovery type ministry. It can be one of the most productive ministries that a local church can do. Because there are so many people with this need, it can be a significant way that the Church not only ministers to people today but leads them to an active participation in God’s Church. I have found that one of the most productive ways in building new attendance in your local church is Divorce Ministry.

Older singles mostly due to death of a spouse:  Most of these older singles are financially stable with retirement funds and inheritance. However, some who have had some financial struggles in life find those difficulties magnified at their older age and they are stressed intensely.  Most churches have nothing directed toward this single age group such as a Widow and Widower Ministry, Older Divorce Ministry, etc. in which these people could be reached.

In each case, the Church across America is not doing a good job in ministering to and reaching any group of singles. With our attendance waning and our membership declining, Singles Ministry can be one of the most effective evangelism approaches a local church can have. The prospects are unlimited. We need only to be sensitive to their needs and we can reach them for Christ.

Because this is complicated at times, I’m regularly offering training in Singles Ministry. The next Creating and Effective Singles Ministry Training will be done February 21, 2015 in Tulsa Oklahoma at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Visit online to register or for more information.