Church Ministry Ideas That Could Start a Healthy Trend
Mark A. Taylor challenges churches to consider fresh ministry ideas rooted in Scripture rather than simply chasing the latest trends. From prayer services to fasting from television, the article encourages congregations to try meaningful practices that deepen faith, service, and community.
- Churches can model healthier trends by grounding new ideas in biblical priorities.
- Prayer, communion, generosity, spiritual discipline, family time, and mutual care are practical starting points.
- The article invites churches to try a new ministry idea and share the results.
By Mark A. Taylor
Sometimes church leaders are more like followers. As Paul Williams wrote, “Like lemmings, churches follow one another into the latest trends, whether proven or not, desperate for that bump in attendance and increase in per-capita giving.”
It’s true there’s no new idea under the sun, including the ones I’ll share below. And there’s no virtue in ignoring a successful method or ministry just because it’s new. But the Bible suggests dozens of ideas that could breathe fresh air into our ministriesโand set a good example for others to copy.
Wouldn’t it be great, for example, if one of these became a trend in our churches?
Prayer Instead of the Usual Service
No sermon, little musicโjust prayer. A prayer service, perhaps unannounced ahead of time, where folks can share personal needs and requests with designated leaders. Pray individually, as a congregation, or in groups throughout the auditorium. Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray (James 5:13).
A Lordโs Supper Celebration
Focus on his love: an hour-long celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Relax and revel in Christ’s gift to us. Explore and expound on it through the music, drama or monologues, creative Scripture readings, room arrangement or decoration, and the sermon of the day. Allow time for thoughtful meditation as individuals partake of the emblems. We, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17).
Spontaneous Offerings for People in Need
Spontaneous offerings to relieve suffering in African or South American slumsโor communities in crisis much closer to our church buildings: Empty your pockets right now for God’s glory! He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done (Proverbs 19:17).
A Congregation-Wide Fast from Television
A weeklong, congregation-wide fast from television and a tally of Bible chapters read with the time saved. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
A Month Without Church Programs
A month of NO church programs or activities (outside of weekend worship services) with a long roster of ideas to help families and couples communicate and serve with each other. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
Helping One Another Carry Burdens
Bear one another’s burdens. Attendees write down their names and personal needs on a form, including contact information. The same form provides a place for attendees to list needs they could meet: free babysitting, transportation, auto mechanics, house repair, financial planningโthere are dozens of possibilities. Volunteers match needs with servants. In this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Which new ministry idea will your church try this year? Be sure and tell us so we can report it here. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start a trend!
Author: Mark A. Taylor
Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).
