If you have stumbled upon this blog, odds are you are involved in a ministry, possibly as a worship or music minister or even a Pastor. If so, this post is meant for you. Reaching out to people to get them to know Jesus can be challenging, and at times seem overwhelming, but there is no reason to despair. While we can rely on our Faith to help get things done, we also have to act as servants. It is up to the servant to enact the will of his or her master, which in this case means spreading His Word and His Love to everyone. Here are 5 things you can start doing right now to help your ministry grow.
Option #1 - Facebook
While this is pretty obvious to most, it still represents one of the most significant things that can be done to expand your ministry’s presence. Establishing a social media presence is essential. There are many ways it can be done, and the choices of platforms are seemingly endless. The most optimum starting point to maximize the amount of people in your community who are exposed to your message is to utilize Facebook.
One of the great things about Facebook is not only it’s worldwide reach, but it focuses heavily on promoting your information locally. A suggestion would be to join a few different local, regional, national, and even international prayer groups. Post often in those realms in order to stay active in the communities. Consider promoting a local event you are hosting once in a while in order to boost your following. It will take a while to grow your community, but if you stay persistent, growth in your following will come.
Option #2 - Community Participation
Much like Social Media, engagement in your local community outside the double doors and the steeple is imperative. A good way to get out there is to have a presence at grass roots events like local farmers markets, fairs, or festivals. Exhibits are typically not that much and are often free. Now the question may come to your mind: “What on earth should I have at a booth?”
There are many different options regarding what to have in your booth. One option could be to ask your congregation or group to offer their specialized goods such as music or crafts or religious offerings. This tactic would work twofold. It would provide community engagement in addition to the actual promotion of the community to others. Another idea would be to offer a no purchase necessary raffle (make sure laws and local ordinances are met first). Not only does a raffle pull in revenue for the ministry of the congregation, but it also creates heavy foot traffic, which is a great idea to bring His Word to the general public. Music is another method that can be used to draw traffic to your exhibit.
Option #3 - Special Events
Another great way to capture the attention of the masses is to host a special event. This could include offering a speaker from the congregation who is an expert in a specialized field such as helping people find new employment is another great way to outreach and meet the needs of the community. One of the easiest events to run is a praise and worship or concert with spirit filled music, an offering which would certainly bring many souls closer to the Holy Trinity.
Another really great special event idea is hosting a luncheon or potluck after a service once a month. This requires very little management, but can bring many people together as a community. Human nature dictates most people are more engaged when their stomachs are full. The options for this are truly endless. Special events can provide an amazing avenue for expanded presence for your ministry as long as they are properly planned and well organized.
Option #4 - Local Ads
Often overlooked, advertising in local establishments helps increase exposure to a large variety of comers and goers. Posting some business cards or flyers up at local cafes and gas stations even would begin growing a network of visual communications that would cultivate and increase attention. This can become costly, as not everywhere is free to advertise. The payoff can be great, as many people tend to notice a well- designed flier or business card, which will make more people aware of your organization as potential draws to your event or service. One way to potentially cut down on costs is to offer to partner or work with business owners within your community.
Option #5 - Networking
Nothing can spread a church or group's name more than some good networking. There are many ways to do this outside of just contacting people and talking to your congregation. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by updating Facebook content regularly. Be sure to post often on the platform to maximize the opportunity.
While on the topic of social media, a great way to reach more people is to work with your congregation and setting up a challenge to share your posts and links to as many different people and groups as they can. By doing this, you will not only do you grow your social media presence, you will engage with your community. Engaging with your community in this way is a great way to encourage an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Bonus!
If you are so busy trying to build His Kingdom and do not have the time or talent to put technology to work for you. contact us with your needs and we will work with you to tailor a plan to help you reach your goals. We do everything from setting up a website and support donations, to a content strategy that will reach a multitude of people. The processes are seamless with very little effort on your end. The opportunities for benefit are great!
In His Name
- The Ripple Effect Group