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EC Ministry Action Teams (MAT)

MINISTRY ACTION TEAMS

MINISTRY

Ministry Action Teams are intended for outreach. The focus is on those who are not currently in the church. What is God doing in your community and how might you be called to participate in God’s work?

ACTION

MATs are hands-on ministries designed to be the presence of Christ in a particular time and place.

TEAMS

MATs are made up of laity and clergy and may be led or coordinated by either one. They may be a team of 2 or more UMCs. UMCs may also partner with churches of other denominations and/or community agencies, if this looks like the best way to accomplish the ministry. Make it work for your communities.

TIMEFRAME

MATs may become on-going groups or they may be time-limited (such as collaborating on a mission trip.) It takes time to discern where God is working and where God is calling.

SOME QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

What is God doing in our geographical area? (1)

What does God want to do here? (1)

Who are the people in the most pain in our community?(2)

Who else is working on these things?

What do we discern God is calling our church to do?

What are members of our congregation passionate about?

What gifts do we have to offer?

What would we do if we had more time, money, volunteers, energy, skills?

What might we be able to do if we worked together?
Who might partner with us?

(1)Adapted from Van Gelder,Craig (2007). The ministry of the missional church. Grand Rapids:Baker.

(2)Rasmus, Rudy (2007). Circuit Rider 31(5), P. 16.

QUESTIONS FOR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS

1. Identify two or three gifts, strengths, or passions of your congregation. What do you, as a church community, do well and enjoy doing?

2. What needs or opportunities do you see in your community? Where is there need for mercy, justice, or healing? Who are the outcasts, the ones who are left out or on the margins? Who is not currently connected to Jesus Christ through the church?

3. Who might partner with you in the ministry (ministries) you have identified?

If you are interested in forming a Ministry Action Team or seeking training for your existing Ministry Action Team, please contact our Field Outreach Minister, the Rev. Jill Sanders at Jill.Sanders@iaumc.org or 319-365-6273.