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Getting Started
Step One: Cast the Vision
During your church service on Sunday, February 18, 2007 (or at another date that better fits your church's calendar), share with the church family about the call to minister to those experiencing poverty. Use the Project HELP: Poverty Scripture verse as the biblical focus of the program. Use this opportunity to announce ministry activities related to poverty for the coming year, including the spring "Fun Day" (as suggested in Step Two).
Step Two: Asking
Your church or association can work together to hold a spring "Fun Day." Select a location for the "Fun Day," and include ministry booths such as free immunization shots for children, free haircuts, free oil changes, pet care, school supplies giveaways, and free food. Use this day as an opportunity to do needs assessments. Ask people what people in the community need! Be careful to inform individuals that the church is trying to better understand the needs in the community. Do not promise too much.
Step Three: Compile
After the Fun Day, look at the responses to the needs assessments. What are some of the greatest needs people have? Make a list of these.
Step Four: Inventory
Make a list of the ministries of your church and association. Then, make a list of the special skills and talents members have.
Step Five: Match!
Do any of the ministries or skills match one of the needs identified? If so, contact those individuals involved in those ministries to see how they can be expanded to meet the needs of the people. Be sure to begin slowly. Try to match one or two of the needs, as you have the resources. Use the needs you cannot meet at this time as a guide for future ministry opportunities.
Expanding
Take an existing ministry and expand it to involve those who can use it to meet their needs:
- Think about the vehicles your church has. Could they be used to help transport needy people to appointments, interviews, outings, and to church?
- Think about the senior adult or youth trips that your church takes. Could a free scholarship be offered to an unchurched needy senior or youth each time?
- Think of your kids' summer camp outings. Could a needy kid or two get to go every summer with your kids? Think of the impact on their lives.
- Think of all your regular weekly activities for children and youth. Could you bring in unchurched kids for choir, mission activities, or other special activities?
- Does your church have "Mother's Day Out"? Is there a way a scholarship could be provided occasionally for a low-income mother to have a day off?
- Does your church serve a Wednesday night meal? Are there people that could be brought in to that, and then they also could experience Bible study and fellowship with believers? Could your leftovers after a meal be sent to a shelter or other ministry?
- Does your church have a parent's night out or parenting seminars? Invite the community to come to these.
Going Global
Additional ministry opportunities related to poverty are available through WMU's Volunteer Connection®. Such opportunities include:
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