Everyone has an idea for a ministry that the Church should start. All of us see a gap in what the Church could and should be doing. And most people have some idea of how they would fix it. Unfortunately, most of the ideas and suggestions are based on what we have seen in the past. It is suggested that the Church add a children’s program or a Sunday school class or some other tried and true method.

For me there is a ministry question we need to ask, “Is this the best way to accomplish our goal?”

Before we can answer that question we have to ask the big ministry question, “What is our goal in this activity?”

Those are two different and unique questions. First we need to be very clear on what we are trying to accomplish. Are we trying to educate new Christians or are we trying to reach the unchurched? Are we trying to connect with children to reach their parents or to educate the children themselves? Are you teaching senior citizens or twenty-somethings? All of those tasks are very unique.

Before a ministry gets started make sure you are very clear on what you are trying to accomplish. Then ask if this is the best way to do it. It sounds simple, but it is vital to always be asking.