VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/15/13)—Community ministry and outreach are critical to local church relevance and growth. Many churches have identified needs and seek to engage with the community, but do not know how to get started. In 7 Creative Models for Community Ministry, author Joy Skjegstad outlines seven flexible community ministry models that can be tailored to each neighborhood and church.
7 Creative Models for Community Ministry outlines processes for churches to:
- Meet and learn about the community and connect with it
- Assess congregational gifts and passions for greater impact
- Unite congregation and community to form strong partnerships
In this practical guide, Joy Skjegstad offers step-by-step instructions on seven ways to structure transformational community ministry. The models featured include:
- Donate Goods or Money
- Mobilize Volunteers
- Partner with Another Organization
- Advocate around Public Policy
- Engage in Community Organizing
- Develop a Ministry Program
- Create a Church-based Nonprofit
For each model, Skjegstad identifies the pros and cons of that type of ministry, recommending plans to implement each one and featuring examples from actual churches.
About the Author: Joy F. Skjegstad has been designing and launching community ministry programs for more than 20 years, including serving as the Executive Director of community development nonprofits at Park Avenue United Methodist Church and Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis. Now as a full-time trainer and consultant, she works across denominations and cultures to help churches develop innovative initiatives that meet real community needs and tap into the passions and gifts of congregations. Joy is the author of two other books: Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church (Alban Institute, 2002) and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry (Alban Institute, 2007).
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, and cultures.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies —the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.