Bringing New Excitement. to Parish Ministry 4/7/2014. Bringing New Excitement. to Parish Ministry. to Parish Ministry. Sower and the Seed

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1 Bringing New Excitement Sower and the Seed As for the seed that fell among the thorns, they are the ones who have heard but as they go along they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life and they fail to produce mature fruit. -Luke 8: 14 1

2 Sower and the Seed = Parish Ministry = The Enemy Know Your Enemy Dangerous Isms Materialism Relativism Hedonism Individualism Consumerism Learn From Your Enemy 2

3 Simple Formula New Options New Strategies + New Faces NEW EXCITEMENT Basic Reality Parish Ministry is NOTfree. It COSTS:»Staff time»volunteer time»facility time»calendar time»promotion time Is it worth it? YES!!! IF... IF We are accomplishing GREAT things for Jesus 3

4 Are you spending all your time and talent to raise treasure? Are you truly doing the work of Jesus? Are you building your own private social club? Are you stepping out into the world as the face, hands and feet of Jesus? Are you fulfilling the vision God has for your parish? Deeper spirituality More care for those in need More joy within our community More community building A witnessing of our faith outside of our community Deepening of the faith of young and old alike Evangelization Establishment of a vibrant and wellcared for parish facility Being catholic with a small c 4

5 Ministry Should NOT Be Private social club. Self-centered. Using all our time and talent to raise treasure. If your ministry is not what you want. Then it is probably NOT what your parishioners want either. New Options You don t know I don t know Who knows? 5

6 Three Groups of People Know the Answer 1. Your Staff 2. Your Parish Leaders 3. Your Community Active Parishioners Inactive Parishioners Non-Parishioners ASK THEM! Meeting with Your Staff Review parish statistics, realities and finances. Be open and honest about ministry strengths and weaknesses. Brainstorm and dream. Plan a meeting with parish leaders. 6

7 Meeting with Leaders Recognize and appreciate all they do. Educate them on realities of parish. Seek their input on new ministry needs and unserved members of the community. Ask for their support as you move forward to implement THEIR suggestions. Input from Community Mailed parish survey In-pew survey Open parish meetings Focus groups Meetings with community leaders Outreach to new parishioners A True Story = 7

8 After Your Meetings And Surveys To-Do for New Options Never stop looking for New Ministry Options Promote New Ministry Options Identify New Promotion Strategies Questions or Comments 8

9 Simple Formula New Options New Strategies + New Faces NEW EXCITEMENT New Strategies Think like a marketing executive! Promote the new before its even available. Highlight the new. Get your foot in the door anyway that you can. New Strategies After Mass Hospitality Sundays Facebook Website Every week 9

10 New Strategies Meet the Needs! Tell them this is what they asked for through surveys. Use testimonials. Use scripture to remind them this is what Jesus wants them to do. Display Your Product Pictures on bulletin boards. Posters for sign-up. Front page of your website. Notice on outdoor signs. Host a Trade Show (Festival of Ministries) Your Trade Show Team People who work and plan trade shoes People who attend trade shows People willing to visit a trade show 10

11 Trade Show Questions (Festival of Ministries) What booths attract attention? What makes the atmosphere fun? What makes you want to stay? What makes you want to leave? Was the event worth your time? Trade Show Planning (Festival of Ministries) Entertainment Giveaways Challenge to leaders Fun food Better time, place or collaboration Simple Formula New Options New Strategies + New Faces NEW EXCITEMENT 11

12 New Faces 71% will say YES Personal Asks from pastor or parish leader Nomination Committees (formal or informal) Every Member Ask One Sunday Gift Discernment Programs Who Do You Ask? YOUNG ADULTS Know every young adult who comes to Mass! Ask young adults for their input. Offer babysitting for Mass and/or events. Young adults love discussion opportunities. 12

13 Who Do You Ask? NEW PARISHIONERS Make the registration process easy and accessible. Have at least four welcome activities. Discover their interests. Pay special attention to out-of-towners. Who Do You Ask? THOSE WHO SEEK SACRAMENTS Discuss ministry opportunities in sacramental preparation. Host anniversary events. Encourage involvement for families and youth. Who Do You Ask? THOSE IN A NEW STAGE OF LIFE Empty-nesters 23% or people between the ages of 45 and 63 would like to volunteer Retired Widowed Grief Support Program 13

14 Who Do You Ask? ELDERLY Do not overwhelm them Two groups of elderly Very active and little free time Over 80 Frail and need support These are the ones who will give you the greatest financial gifts!!! Who Do You Ask? CULTURALLY DIFFERENT Those who reflect changing demographics They are critical on advisory councils!!! They can prepare you for the future They can suggest new ministries. A Spiritual Gift Discernment Program 14

15 A Spiritual Gift Discernment Program 1. Start small 2. Use a trusted resource 3. Realize this takes time 4. Be ready to use the gifts discovered Final Word Teach your people to be welcoming 15

16 72 Luke Parish Goal 72 10:1-12 Thank You! 16

17 Contact Information Sue Erschen