How to re-vitalise your Church

Zomi churches everywhere suffer from their inability to utilize local talents effectively to re-vitalize the church.  The church services are predictable and monotonous.  There is apparent lack of creativity and resourcefulness in organising programmes and services. Its way of conducting worship services are more or less the same everywhere.

Acknowledging that different Christians do have different God-given talents and interests the Zomi churches can and should utilize these talents for the glory of God. Up until now, these ministries (see below) seem to be given less importance although they are the very ingredients that will revitalise and empower the church and its other existing ministries.

The running of the church can be enhanced and empowered by adding ministries/departments. But most importantly, it allows members to take a more active part in the ministry of the church, and it is absolutely voluntary. It is a way to serve God without being “fulltime missionaries”.  Hence, only the genuinely interested and dedicated folks will come forth and be part of these ministries instead of appointing en masse from the congregation which only results in mediocre performances.

Granted that these ministries are not as important as reaching out to the unsaved, however I do believe these ministries will complement and enhance that vital ministry of preaching Gospel to the unsaved, and not to forget, make the worship services a more pleasant experience.

Usher Ministry

Zomi churches can and should seek volunteers (on an annual or monthly basis) from amongst its congregation to form the Usher Ministry.

This ministry will provide ushers who will act as guides, hosts, stewards, etc to arrange seats, hand out programmes and newsletters, welcome congregation and guests, provide drinking water for preachers, look after the sound systems and mics, help the speaker set up presentations, and so on. In short, in the smooth running of church services.

Although ushers always exists in every church you go, they are more often than not, incompetent and ineffective.  Their incompetency however is not their fault.  It is simply because no proper guidance and direction exists. Not much thought and consideration goes into appointing ushers which results in ineffective ushering and stewardship.  Our worship services and fellowships will improve at least a hundred folds if the Chairman/Chairperson is helped by resourceful ushers who upholds the decorum of the church and maintains it.

Choir Ministry

Most Zomi churches still don’t even have regular church choirs.  Even when they do have one, they are totally unprofessional and a pain to listen to.

photo credit: shareski

If the Zomi churches are serious about praising and exalting the Living God one simple yet effective way to showing genuine care for the church choir.  The pathetic state of our choirs and our reluctance to spend much on choirs is anti-thesis to what we preach from the pulpit.

If developed with care and devotion a choir can become the magnet to attracting new church goers and members.  It will revitalise our worship services.  A church choir can also become the ambassador for the church by entertaining and performing in other churches and fellowships.

Publication/Publicity Ministry

Zomi churches can and should seek volunteers (on an annual or monthly basis) from amongst its congregation to form the Publication/Publicity Ministry.

In today’s world where we are bombarded with advertisements and promotions of products and services every second in every form vying for our attention, it is no wonder the church could hardly attract our attention anymore. The church should not simply assume its members and more importantly its non-members to know “what’s good for them.”  It should never tire of proclaiming the Good News, especially to those not listening.

It’s thus the job of this ministry to inform, inspire and even promote the relevance of the Gospel in this life of ours.

This ministry should be in-charge of the newsletter and content of the Fellowship website. It should be their aim to be relevant and timely with their articles and posts.

While contents for the newsletter comprises articles, news items and fellowship programmes etc, contents for the website can include apart from the above, videos and photos ie digital contents.

In conclusion, it’s my humble belief that by designating these functions of the church as ministries we are reinforcing their importance and their rightful places in the church. Although worshiping is a matter of the heart and a personal one, the right ambience can help in bringing you closer to your self and therefore God.  No wonder Jesus went into a garden called Gethsemane to commune with God in his last hours.