Ministry Core Meeting – 18November2024

GCJ: “A loving, vibrant, spiritual community where people from all walks of life can find belonging and purpose”  

GCJ: “To glorify God and make disciples, equip believers, and serve our neighbors”   

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Make song lyrics more visible during services

Consider upgrades like refreshments table, information desk, mother’s room, children’s area, etc.  (facilities that will make the worship environment more welcoming and accomodating)

Maintain contact with attendees at funerals and weddings … for follow-up by pastoral team and/or Love Avenue personnel 

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

visiting program to connect with members — Develop more detailed plans  – schedule, logistics for 4-5 min visits. 

weekly Bible studies

small/connect groups to build relationships 

A large annual social event for members. Determine date, venue, activities for members + community invitees. 

Sabbath school

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Building genuine friendships in the neighbourhoods around us … without agenda … leveraging existing connections through sports programs (and funerals)

Incorporate character development program into community activities

• Develop compulsory spiritual training program 
• Plan weekly sessions with ministers present.

Monthly social event, one Saturday per month (eg. Domino competition)

Start an educational facility

• Test Preparation Centre
• Skills Training Centre
• Academic Institution

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Thanksgiving Service and Luncheon — annual event ???

Organize Fundraisers

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Research effective men’s ministry models (small groups, mentoring, service, events, outdoor activities)

Opportunity for intergenerational mentoring between older and younger men

establish clearer purpose, vision, and structure for men’s ministry

Research Promise Keepers organization … probably using local chapter structure/activities for men’s ministry

Consider starting a Spokesman Club

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Help youth deal with negative influences, especially on social media, even as we implement an effective social media program

Plan youth-oriented Bible study … teaching youth how to apply Bible principles to their lives

more social events to engage youth … with non-traditional gathering options beyond services … to build authentic relationships and friendships

Arrange service activities (e.g. beach cleanup) for youth to participate in

Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Meet more regularly to …

• Discuss ministry action plans and priorities for 2025 across different church areas.  
• Summarize key points from meeting for pastoral team review

Focus on “low-hanging fruit” like engaging neighbors and community members near the church

• Prioritize youth engagement and develop authentic relationships with young people

Importance of visiting members, both active and less active

Consider Convention — Annual ???

Recognition that limited resources require prioritizing key initiatives across ministry areas

Brainstorm ways to engage youth and young adults

Shorter, more-focused sermons (25-30 min) … for younger persons  (and newer persong

• Begin identifying potential ministry teams and leaders for different areas

Develop plan to grow online ministry

• Outline strategies for promotion, increasing attendace and engagement
• Consider how to use online meeting for teaching, fellowship, and outreach

Consider how to use online ministry as “feeder” for in-person church

Develop more structured format for different online meeting types (Sunday, Wednesday, Friday)