Chapter 3: Building Relationships and Finding Opportunities
If you’re called to speak God’s Word, it’s vital to recognize that ministry is all about relationships. Jesus Himself modeled this by connecting with His disciples, the crowds, and even those who opposed Him. Your ability to build trust and establish meaningful connections with church leaders will open doors for you to share your message. Let’s explore how to approach this purposefully and practically.
Networking with Church Leaders
Approach Pastors and Church Boards with Humility and Confidence
The key to approaching church leaders is understanding that they are often overworked and deeply invested in their congregation’s well-being. Humility communicates that you’re here to serve, not to demand. Confidence shows that you’re ready to take on the responsibility. When you approach, keep these points in mind:
- Pray Before You Start: Seek God’s wisdom and ask for favor before meeting with any leader. Prayer aligns your heart with God’s purpose and reminds you that He’s ultimately in charge.
- Do Your Homework: Learn about the church’s mission, community, and specific needs. Reference something you admire about their ministry to show you’ve done your research. For example, “I love how your church focuses on family discipleship—I’d love to support that mission.”
- Be Concise and Clear: When you meet, respect their time. Share your calling and experience briefly, and express your desire to help meet the church’s needs. For instance:
- “God has placed a strong desire on my heart to serve as a lay speaker. I’d be honored to help whenever there’s a need for someone to share a biblically sound message with the congregation.”
- Be Open to Feedback: Listen carefully to what they say, even if it’s not the response you hoped for. Their perspective might provide insights into what’s needed to grow in your ministry.
Offer to Serve Where Needed as a Starting Point
As Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Be willing to start small. Offer to:
- Speak at midweek Bible studies, youth events, or prayer gatherings.
- Fill in for Sunday School classes or volunteer for outreach events.
- Assist in other ministries, such as hospitality or administration, to build trust and rapport.
Serving faithfully in these roles demonstrates that your heart is focused on ministry, not just the platform. Remember, God honors humble beginnings.
Becoming Part of a Speaking Rotation
Propose the Benefits of Lay Speaker Rotations
Many smaller or underserved congregations struggle to maintain consistent preaching due to limited resources. A lay speaker rotation can:
- Relieve overburdened pastors by providing regular, high-quality sermons.
- Offer congregations exposure to diverse teaching styles and perspectives, enriching their spiritual growth.
- Create a sustainable model for churches that rely heavily on volunteers.
When presenting this idea to church leaders, emphasize that it’s not about replacing pastoral leadership but complementing it. Lay speakers can step in to support the broader mission of the church, particularly in times of need.
Ways to Demonstrate Reliability and Value
- Be Dependable: Always show up prepared and on time. Reliability builds trust faster than any words you can say.
- Seek Feedback and Act on It: After speaking, ask for honest feedback from pastors or congregation members. Adjust based on their input to show you value improvement.
- Be Consistent in Character: Let your words and actions reflect Christ both on and off the stage. Integrity will make leaders confident in recommending you.
Developing a Ministry Portfolio
A well-prepared ministry portfolio is your tool to communicate who you are, your message, and your capabilities as a speaker. Here’s what to include:
Sample Sermon Outlines
- Provide 2–3 outlines that showcase your ability to structure a clear, biblical message. Use the same principles outlined in The Purpose Driven Church:
- Start with a relatable hook.
- Develop a scriptural foundation.
- End with practical application.
Testimonials from Past Opportunities
- Ask pastors, ministry leaders, or congregation members to write short testimonials about how your messages impacted them. Authentic feedback builds credibility.
Statement of Faith
- Write a clear, one-page document summarizing your core beliefs. This assures church leaders that your teaching aligns with biblical truth.
Leverage Social Media or a Personal Website
In today’s digital age, having an online presence can expand your reach. Consider these steps:
- Create a Simple Website: Include your bio, sample sermons (audio or video), schedule, and contact information.
- Engage on Social Media: Share short devotionals, scripture reflections, or encouraging messages to showcase your heart for ministry.
- Record and Share Your Sermons: Post recordings of your messages on platforms like YouTube or Facebook to let others experience your teaching style.
By maintaining an online presence, you make it easier for churches to learn about you and see your ministry in action.
Building relationships and finding opportunities isn’t just about getting a foot in the door; it’s about aligning your heart with God’s purpose and trusting Him to lead you where you’re needed. Remember, every interaction is a chance to serve, and every opportunity is a gift from God. Stay faithful, stay humble, and watch how He opens doors in His perfect timing.
