By Melvin
The Ministry Leadership Group (MLG) is indispensable to the success of a Lay Pastors Ministry. If a church desires to provide grassroots, one-on-one, ongoing pastoral care for God’s people, it must have a committed leadership team that shares both the vision and the responsibility for the ministry.
The MLG consists of 4 to 12 members who embrace the vision of Lay Pastors Ministry and are dedicated to creating, implementing, and managing it. These individuals take ownership of the ministry—not merely participating in it, but serving as its spiritual and organizational stewards.
It is called a “group” because it functions as a small group organized around ministry. Members are expected to:
- Build meaningful relationships with one another.
- Care for and encourage each other.
- Grow together in Christ.
- Share life experiences.
- Pray for one another.
As leaders of the Lay Pastors Ministry, they first pastor one another before leading others.
The Ministry Leadership Group functions as an official ministry within the church. It remains accountable to the appropriate church leadership while taking responsibility for the ministry’s organizational structure, spiritual health, quality, effectiveness, and long-term success.
Its primary responsibility is to create, implement, oversee, and manage the Lay Pastors Ministry by:
- Designing the organizational structure.
- Establishing policies and procedures.
- Planning and implementing the ministry launch.
- Monitoring and guiding the ministry.
- Managing and developing the ministry for long-term effectiveness.
Forming the Ministry Leadership Group
(See Can the Pastor Do It Alone?, pp. 56–59.)
1. Establish Qualifications
Throughout Scripture, God selected leaders according to character and calling. Moses, the apostles, and Paul all identified qualifications for those who would serve (Exodus 18:14–27; Acts 6:1–6; 1 Timothy 3:1–13).
Members of the Ministry Leadership Group should demonstrate the following qualities:
A. Committed
Committed to Jesus Christ, the local church, and willing to make a meaningful commitment to the Ministry Leadership Group.
B. Mature
Spiritually mature individuals who have demonstrated faithfulness in their Christian walk, relationships, and ministry experience.
C. Available
Not overcommitted to other ministries or responsibilities. Their personal circumstances should allow them to devote sufficient time, energy, and sustained attention to this ministry.
D. Creative
Able to appreciate proven ministry methods while also embracing new ideas and emerging principles. They should be willing to release outdated approaches when necessary and creatively develop effective ministry practices.
E. Communicative
Able to express ideas clearly, listen well, and engage in healthy discussion. They should communicate with confidence and humility—neither aggressively nor passively—and contribute thoughtfully when evaluating ideas and solving problems.
2. Select the Members
A. Pray for God’s Guidance
Prayer should be the foundation of the selection process. Seek the Lord’s direction, remembering that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing His disciples (Luke 6:12–16).
B. Identify Potential Leaders
As you share the vision of Lay Pastors Ministry, keep a list of individuals who demonstrate interest and possess the desired qualifications. Consult pastors, church leaders, and other trusted believers who understand the vision and can recommend suitable candidates.
C. Build a Balanced Team
Whenever possible, select members with a diversity of spiritual gifts, personalities, backgrounds, experiences, ages, and perspectives. A balanced team strengthens creativity, wisdom, and ministry effectiveness.
3. Invite the Members
A. Initial Contact
Contact each selected individual by letter, email, or another appropriate means. Inform them that they have been prayerfully selected to serve on the Ministry Leadership Group.
In your communication:
- Share the vision of the ministry.
- Explain why they were invited.
- Ask them to pray about the invitation.
- Let them know you will arrange a personal meeting to discuss the opportunity.
B. Personal Meeting
During the meeting:
- Share your vision for the Lay Pastors Ministry and explain how it can strengthen the church.
- Explain the purpose and responsibilities of the Ministry Leadership Group.
- Clarify expectations, goals, commitments, and time requirements.
- Pray together, asking God to guide their response and confirm His calling.
Conclusion
The Ministry Leadership Group is much more than an administrative committee. It is the spiritual leadership community of the Lay Pastors Ministry. Before caring for others, its members commit themselves to caring for one another, modeling the very ministry they seek to build. As they pray together, serve together, and grow together, they establish a strong foundation upon which the entire Lay Pastors Ministry can flourish for years to come.
Ministry Leadership Group Responsibilities
1. Group Leader
The Group Leader is responsible for fostering the spiritual life and unity of the Ministry Leadership Group.
Responsibilities
- Lead and guide the Ministry Leadership Group in its life together as a small group.
- Promote encouragement, mutual support, healthy relationships, regular attendance, active participation, spiritual growth, and group focus.
- Plan the meeting schedule and determine the meeting location.
- Work with the Ministry Leader to prepare the meeting agenda.
- Lead the worship, devotion, personal sharing, prayer, and fellowship portions of each meeting. (The Ministry Leader leads the ministry business session.)
2. Ministry Leader
The Ministry Leader provides overall leadership and direction for the Lay Pastors Ministry.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate every aspect of the Lay Pastors Ministry, including:
- Developing and implementing the ministry.
- Calling forth, equipping, and commissioning lay pastors.
- Communicating with lay pastors and the congregation.
- Providing ongoing training and encouragement.
- Conducting periodic evaluations of the ministry.
- Collaborate with the Group Leader in preparing meeting agendas.
- Serve as the primary liaison with the pastor, church board, church staff, congregation, and Regional and National Lay Pastors Ministry networks.
- Oversee the administrative and organizational functions of the ministry, including manuals, minutes, records, correspondence, budgets, and reports.
3. Secretary
The Secretary ensures that the ministry maintains accurate records and effective communication.
Responsibilities
- Record the minutes and decisions of each meeting.
- Distribute meeting minutes promptly to all members and other appropriate individuals.
- Prepare and distribute meeting notices and related information.
- Process incoming and outgoing correspondence.
- Establish, maintain, and retrieve ministry records, membership lists, and other essential documents.
4. Communications Coordinator
The Communications Coordinator promotes awareness of the ministry within the church and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Edit and publish newsletters for lay pastors and other interested individuals.
- Prepare or coordinate articles, announcements, and notices for church bulletins, newsletters, websites, and social media.
- Promote a positive image of the Lay Pastors Ministry.
- Coordinate communication and the exchange of ideas with other Lay Pastors Ministries, Regional organizations, and the National Lay Pastors Ministry Network (LPMI).
5. Calling Forth Coordinator (Recruiter)
The Calling Forth Coordinator identifies and recruits potential lay pastors.
Responsibilities
- Pray for and identify potential lay pastors.
- Encourage spiritually mature members to consider the ministry.
- Assist candidates through the discernment and application process.
- Work closely with the Ministry Leader in recruiting and selecting new lay pastors.
6. Equipping Coordinator
The Equipping Coordinator oversees the training and development of lay pastors.
Responsibilities
- Organize orientation and training programs.
- Coordinate ongoing educational opportunities.
- Arrange workshops, seminars, and resource materials.
- Encourage continuous spiritual and ministry growth among lay pastors.
7. Koinonia Coordinator
The Koinonia Coordinator strengthens fellowship and community within the ministry.
Responsibilities
- Foster unity, friendship, and mutual support among lay pastors.
- Organize fellowship gatherings and appreciation events.
- Encourage prayer partnerships and mentoring relationships.
- Help create a caring and welcoming ministry environment.
8. Evaluation Coordinator
The Evaluation Coordinator helps ensure the ministry remains effective and healthy.
Responsibilities
- Develop tools for evaluating the ministry’s effectiveness.
- Gather feedback from lay pastors, care receivers, and church leaders.
- Review ministry goals and outcomes regularly.
- Recommend improvements to strengthen the ministry.
- Assist the Ministry Leader in preparing periodic evaluation reports and future ministry plans.
Conclusion
Each member of the Ministry Leadership Group plays a vital role in building a healthy, effective, and sustainable Lay Pastors Ministry. While responsibilities differ, all leaders work together with a shared commitment to fulfill the ministry’s mission: equipping lay pastors to provide Christ-centered pastoral care through prayer, availability, contact, and personal example.