As a new member of a church — or even for a member who has been attending for a while but wants to get more involved — it’s sometimes hard to get “plugged in” to the right group or ministry within the church.
Although it’s great to continue sharing announcements about Men’s Group or Ladies’ Bible Study in your church newsletter or Sunday morning bulletin, they may not include enough information to encourage a member to join.
Listing your ministries and groups in your church directory gives you a place to direct members to learn more and may break down any uncertainties that prevent a member from taking that next step to join.
What to list about a ministry or group to invite members to join.
When including information about a ministry, think about what a brand-new member or visitor will want or need to know.
Let me tell you a story from personal experience.
I once was invited to a Ladies’ Bible Study. Anxious about meeting new people, I walked up to the church to find the front door locked. I tried the side door, only to find it was also locked. I didn’t have a contact number, so I just went home.
A few weeks later, I ran into the friend who had invited me. “Why didn’t you come? We missed you!” she asked. “Well … I came … but the church doors were locked,” I meekly replied. “Oh! You have to come in through the Youth Door!” Turns out the Youth Door was in the side building to the right of the church, in the very back. Because I don’t attend this church, I never would have found that on my own.
So, although the information may seem trivial to a long-standing member, something as simple as knowing what door to use is key information for a new or visiting member.
Below are some key points or information you may want to include with each listing.
- When the ministry or group meets
- Where the ministry or group meets
- What to expect when you come or what to bring
- Who to contact for questions or more information
- If you can join or if the group is an assigned position in the church
- The purpose, mission or reason the ministry or group gets together
Here is an example of a listing for a ministry that is always in need of more members — the church choir!
First Any Church has a vibrant and joyful music ministry under the direction of Gary Allen, our Minister of Music, and accompanied by Carol Smith, organist and pianist. Our choir is vital to worship and is always looking for new members!
This is our primary adult choir that sings weekly in worship. We also do special music for Christmas and Easter, if you’re not able to participate every Sunday.
Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in the Choir Room and on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. before worship. Music experience optional, just bring a glad and cheerful heart!
To find the choir room, just following the sound of the music. Enter through the front door of the church off John Street and take a left at the first hallway. You’ll find us there.
Contact Gary Allen for more information.
You can also include a picture of the current ministry or group, just like you’ve seen in school yearbooks.
There is no doubt that the most effective way to build any group or ministry is a personal invitation. However, having these listed in your directory will allow members to make a copy or snap a photo from the directory with their mobile device to personally send to friends or members that might be interested.