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BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPFocus on preaching and worship planningUtilize a wide range of input (music staff, worshipcommittee, creative congregants) to create a 12month worship plan overviewRelate preaching to a variety of backgroundsMaintain paid, part-time music positions whocollaborate in worship planningHost special music groups (choir, children’schoir, liturgical dance, etc)Ask congregants to share their faith stories in anaccessible, non-churchy wayNEW DISCIPLESBuild an integrated process that moves guests intothe life of the churchCreate space for evangelism/invitationConnect special events and social/fellowship toinvitations to go deeperSet up weekly meetings (1 on 1s) with differentcommunity leaders to discuss challenges and offersupportMake baptisms and rites of passage significant,memorable and invitationalLaunch one ministry that connects well withnon-church goersGIVINGContact the Stewardship Foundation for an initialassessment and to develop an action planConduct annual stewardship campaignDevelop a narrative budget to tell the story of ministryUse personal testimony (or video) monthlyto inspire givingEstablish an online giving programFor more information about these resources,go to www.gnjumc.org.SMALL GROUPSBudget for small group materialsProvide small groups intended to care for those outsidethe church, such as grief supportTrain a lay person to lead or co-lead small groupsCreate a system to keep the pastor connectedMeet at church and at homesOffer small groups that focus on growing deeper in faithForm affinity groups and task oriented groupsMISSIONSchedule mission trips each yearUse one sermon series focused on missionsWeave missions into children’s programmingBuild missions partner support into the annual budgetRESOURCES BreakthroughClergy CoachingCokesburyDays of LearningDiscipleship Ministries finance and stewardshipresources/ webinarsDiscipleship Ministries worship resourcesDiscipleship Pathways workbook and videoHope CentersIGNITE Youth ConferenceIGNITE Youth Leaders DayLaity Leadership AcademyLay Servant MinistryMiracles EverywhereMissionInsiteMission UNext Generation Summer Camp at PinelandsPaCE GroupsSmall Groups on GNJ web pagesStewardship FoundationTeam VitalVital Mission Partners for GNJ10.

PROGRAM CONGREGATIONAverage Worship Attendance 125-24952 or 10% of GNJ churches are program congregationsBenchmark progress and celebrate success for every 25 new worshipersCHURCH ARCHETYPEMultiple possible connection points for involvementHighly established systems and habitsQuality programs connect with peoplePrograms often led by long-time membersof the congregationLess commitment for average worshiperSTRENGTHSFinancial stabilityConnection points for a wide demographicPrograms make the church more resilientCONGREGATIONS GROW IN IMPACT BYPracticing “change”Shortening the time it takes to go fromidea to implementation to habitLaunching a new opportunity to connectStarting a new service with clear onramp to discipleshipImproving media, online and promotional presence11.PASTOR ARCHETYPEAdministrator who makes disciplesStrong coordinator of multiple leadersManages ideas through committees resulting in actionCHALLENGESPrograms are working and not changedIncreasing costs and limited resourcesLarge demand for programs but can’t afford all of themStructure makes change slowPASTORS GROW IN IMPACT BYWorking with existing leaders andbringing on new leadershipGrowing the vision to reach new peoplewith congregation buy-inUpdating policies to support visionFostering cooperation across multiple committeesDeveloping new and next leaders for smallgroups, worship and other new initiatives

BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPHire part-time, paid musician for each worship service,with regular participation from special musical groupsUtilize a wide range of input (music staff, worshipcommittee, creative congregants) to create a12 month worship plan overviewRaise new leaders to become next leadersUse new worship songs and sounds Raise up youngmusiciansSMALL GROUPSMake small groups a core part of church lifeInclude staff and laity as leadersMeet in church, at homes and in the communityMake small groups a lifestyleDevelop an easy process for joining a small groupHire a part-time youth director who develops a team ofvolunteers to maintain one adult for every 3-5 youthMISSIONNEW DISCIPLESBuild an integrated process that moves guests into thelife of the churchSchedule faith steps: profession of faith, confirmationprocess, baptism Sunday and testimony daysRegularly celebrate rites of passage in congregants’faith livesExperiment with creative venues for connectingwith new peopleConsider a new service like dinner churchMake it easy for visitors to get involvedGIVINGHave a strong 12-month stewardship planDevelop a narrative budget to tell the story of ministryDevelop a planned giving strategy that will ensureministry funding for the futureDevelop a stewardship team to focus on growinggenerosity and stewardship, not financesMap your community assetsIdentify a primary mission partner to focus impactLet small groups focus on smaller initiativesIncrease budget to support annual, hands-onmission experiencesRESOURCES Clergy CoachingCokesburyDiscipleship Ministries finance and stewardshipresources/webinarsDeveloping an Intentional Discipleship Systemby Junius DotsonHope CentersIGNITE Youth ConferenceIGNITE Youth Leaders DayLaity Leadership AcademyLay Servant MinistryMiracles EverywhereMissionInsiteNext Generation Summer Camp at PinelandsPaCE Groups Stewardship FoundationTeam VitalUMVIMVital Mission Partners for GNJFor more information about these resources,go to www.gnjumc.org.12.

LARGE PROGRAM CONGREGATIONAverage Worship Attendance 250-3496 or 1% of GNJ churches are larger program congregationsBenchmark progress and celebrate success for every 25 new worshipersCHURCH ARCHETYPEGood quality in major programs: worship,small groups, music, hospitality, education,mission, children and youthMaintains 30 capable leadersPrograms mostly run by volunteersChurch council has long-term visionSTRENGTHSPrograms provide faith developmentDiverse groups of peopleGood quality for preaching, worship and hospitalityCONGREGATIONS GROW IN IMPACT BYEstablishing excellent, automated follow-up andintegration system for guestsIdentifying and leveraging key programs (in additionto worship) that attract first time guestsCultivating stewardship and budgeting habitsfor spending associated with growth13.PASTOR ARCHETYPEGeneralist with strong preaching abilitiesAssociates have areas of focus, but are still generalistsDoes not know everyone in the churchRecruits, develops and retains leadersCasts vision and garners enthusiasm from leadershipCHALLENGESFinding enough quality leaders in the congregationSetting a clear discipleship pathHiring excellent part-time staff specialistsPASTORS GROW IN IMPACT BYActively offloading responsibilities to well-trainedvolunteers and support staff as a way of freeing up timeto invest in new growthFundraising and building a budget for a staff/space thatis designed for a congregation that isn’t yet there

BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPFully plan worship services 3 months in advanceUse audiovisualsIncrease focus on great preaching and churchleadership, allowing staff and key leaders guidesignificant areas of church lifeConsider an additional service or second locationRaise up new, younger musicians andexperiment with new stylesNEW DISCIPLESEstablish an organized, automatedprocess for visitor follow-upPromote a clear, integrated discipleship pathwayInvest in a service that more easily connectswith unchurched peopleConsider launching a new worship siteEquip leaders to disciple and raise up additional leadersGIVINGEstablish a 12-month stewardship planDevelop a narrative budget to tell the story of ministryDevelop a planned giving strategyDevelop a stewardship team to focus on growinggenerosity and stewardship, not financesSMALL GROUPSHire a coordinator of small group ministriesEnsure groups vary in style, leadership and locationEmphasize small groups as a lifestyleEstablish process for formation, materials and leadersCreate system for leaders to report to staffMake joining a group easyMISSIONBudget for multiple multi-day mission experiencesIdentify a primary mission partner to focus impactLet small groups focus on smaller mission initiativesPractice long-range planning with missionpartners for lasting relationshipRESOURCES Clergy CoachingDeveloping an Intentional Discipleship Systemby Junius DotsonDiscipleship Ministries finance and stewardshipresources/webinarsHope CentersIGNITE Youth ConferenceIGNITE Youth Leaders DayLaity Leadership AcademyLay Servant MinistryMiracles EverywhereMissionInsiteHope CentersNext Generation Summer Camp at PinelandsPaCE GroupsPushpay or SubsplashRetreats at Pinelands CenterStewardship FoundationUMCORUMVIMVital Mission Partners for GNJFor more information about these resources,go to www.gnjumc.org.14.

CORPORATE CONGREGATIONAverage Worship Attendance 350-4998 or 2% of GNJ churches are corporate congregationsBenchmark progress and celebrate success for every 25 new worshipersCHURCH ARCHETYPEProfessional and operationally soundCommitment to long-range visionExcellent volunteer systemsSmall groups drives connectionsSTRENGTHSVariety of excellent programsClear discipleship pathway for spiritual growthStaff leadership and ownership of programmingCONGREGATIONS GROW IN IMPACT BYLaunching a significant new faith communityMoving to specialized staffHiring a full-time communications personAddressing property needs to promote church growth15.PASTOR ARCHETYPEHead of staff who maintains focus on visionFundraiserMaintains an emphasis on discipleship processCHALLENGESAligning the budget and ministry and visionFinding and affording excellent part-time and full-timespecialized staffPASTORS GROW IN IMPACT BYInvesting significant time managing key lead staff toensure the mission and vision are being lived out in allareas of the churchSeparating preaching from executive workUnderstanding the culture and demographics ofthe region to identify a place to plant a newfaith communityShifting the focus of care to the staff teamand key lay leaders

BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPFocus on great preaching and church vision while otherstaff lead the remaining areas of church lifeHire professionals for music leadership and A/V staffInvest in cohesive, attractive brandingfor worship contentNEW DISCIPLESDevelop the core leadership to launch a newlocation or more servicesOffer a monthly inquirers’ class or dinner to invitepeople to take a step into the discipleship processActively “give away” your church’s best volunteers andactive congregants to new initiatives and planting teamsRegularly invite people to serve on volunteer teams(hospitality, music, children’s, etc) with trainingopportunities built into the rhythm of church lifeEach week, invite attenders into next step offaith or serviceGIVINGOffer a range of personal financial seminars includingdebt management, building a strong financial futureand, estate planning for different age levelsOffer small groups focused on living generous livesDirect stewardship communication todifferent generationsTeach and preach tithing as spiritual disciplineAddress summer slump in givingMISSIONEstablish an ongoing local or internationalmissions partnershipFocus on hands-on and not just financial missionHire a part-time director of missionsRefocus resources to invest in fewer thingswith more impactSMALL GROUPSHire a coordinator of small group ministriesCoordinate groups and curriculum materialsby a staff positionUse guidelines to maintain alignmentwith the denominationBudget 1500 per student per year for a youth groupfor staff, programming and retreatsDesignate time for small groups forchildren, youth and adultsDevelop and equip new groups as to not disruptconnections in established groupsRESOURCES Exponential.orgHope CentersIGNITE Youth ConferenceIGNITE Youth Leaders DayLaity Leadership AcademyLay Servant MinistryMiracles EverywhereMissionInsiteMultiplication CohortNext Generation Summer Camp at PinelandsPaCE GroupsPushpay or SubsplashReadiness360.orgRetreats at Pinelands CenterSpecialized Coaching for Large ChurchesStewardship FoundationUMCORUMVIMVital Mission Partners for GNJFor more information about these resources,go to www.gnjumc.org.16.

MID CORPORATE CONGREGATIONAverage Worship Attendance 500-7997 or 1% of GNJ churches are mid corporate congregationsBenchmark progress and celebrate success for every 25 new worshipersCHURCH ARCHETYPEExecutive team handles vision and strategic plansStaff is specialized and equips leadersChurch Council serves as board of directorsSub-groups drive connectionsIndependent campuses and departmentsSTRENGTHSDraws newcomers to high quality ministriesFacilities are maintained but not modernVision, mission and values drive the congregationCreative and excellent worshipGrowth emerges in different areas at the same timeStrong departmental leadershipCONGREGATIONS GROW IN IMPACT BYBuilding independent ministry teamsInvesting financially for future ministryWelcoming guests who are from your churchcommunity, denomination or even faithRelinquishing management to the staff teamFocusing on vision and direction17.PASTOR ARCHETYPEManager and communicatorClarifies vision and values to leadershipDelegates decisions to staff and laity leadershipCHALLENGESFacilities keep church from growingDifficulty finding like minded, similarly-sizedchurches in the UMCLaunch of new campuses can destabilizewhat is already workingPASTORS GROW IN IMPACT BYIncreasing accountability to financial stability andgrowthInvesting in multisite growthNarrowing focus

BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPFocus on great preaching and church vision while otherstaff lead the remaining areas of church lifeHire professionals for music leadership and A/V staffInvest in cohesive, attractive brandingfor worship contentNEW DISCIPLESDevelop leadership to launch a newlocation or more servicesOffer a monthly inquirers’ class or dinner to invitepeople to take a step into the discipleship processOffer multiple series that are specifically designed forpeople to bring an unchurched friend and roughlydesigned with the unchurched in mindLaunch a new site or partner churchConstantly train new leaders so that staff focus ondeveloping leaders instead of running ministriesEach week, invite attenders into some nextstep of faith or serviceGIVINGOffer a range of personal financial seminars for youngadults (debt management), young families (building astrong financial future), estate planning (tailor todifferent age levelsHave a strong endowment fund and teamthat manages the fundRun a ministry fund campaign to endow futureministries i.e. youth, music, missionsMISSIONEnsure mission is hands on and relationalHire a part-time director of missionsRefocuse resources to invest in fewer thingswith more impactSMALL GROUPSHire a coordinator of small group ministriesCoordinate groups and curriculum materialsby a staff positionUse guidelines to maintain alignmentwith the denominationBudget 1500 per student per year for a youth groupfor staff, programming and retreatsDesignate time for small groups forchildren, youth and adultsDevelop and equip new groups as to not disruptconnections in established groupsRESOURCES Exponential.orgHope CentersIGNITE Youth ConferenceIGNITE Youth Leaders DayLake InstituteMiracles EverywhereMissionInsiteMultiplication CohortNext Generation Summer Camp at PinelandsPaCE GroupsPushpay or SubsplashReadiness360.orgRetreats at Pinelands CenterSpecialized Coaching for Large ChurchesStewardship FoundationUMCORUMVIMVital Mission Partners for GNJFor more information about these resources,go to www.gnjumc.org.18.

LARGE CORPORATE CONGREGATIONAverage Worship Attendance 800 2 or 1% of GNJ churches are large corporate congregationsBenchmark progress and celebrate success for every 25 new worshipersCHURCH ARCHETYPEMultisiteExcellent worship experienceSmall groups drive connectionFull-time staff required for each ministryStaff recruits and leads teamsLeadership development is necessaryto sustain ministrySTRENGTHSFacilities are exceptionalExcellent programs and systemsHigh value on making new disciples and launchingnew communities of faithLeadership pipeline actively identifying andtraining new ministry leadersCONGREGATIONS GROW IN IMPACT BYBuilding a regular rhythm of planting newfaith communitiesDeveloping and hiring leadership for excellenceFocusing on strategic decision-making andaccountability for the staff19.PASTOR ARCHETYPEPublic face of church to the communityDynamic persona and excellent communicatorPreaches and casts visionLaunches major initiativesDelegates maintenanceCHALLENGESFinding and maintaining a space for everyonecan be a chronic issueDecentralized programming and leadershipLarge staff struggles to identify as one teamThe rhythm and resources for new faithcommunities is irregularPASTORS GROW IN IMPACT BYLeading the executive staff team, who takeresponsibility for strategic directionKeeping the staff and church leadership in the habit ofasking, “what’s next” in all areas of church lifeCreating and sharing resources for the broader churchthrough writing and publishing

BEST PRACTICESWORSHIPFocus on excellent preaching, the church’s vision, anddeveloping core staff membersEnsure music leadership and A/V staff arelifting up new leadersInvest in cohesive, attractive brandingfor worship contentNEW DISCIPLESSMALL GROUPSBudget 1500 per student per year for youth ministryto include staff, program and retreatsHire a small groups leader to train andkeep leaders accountableProvide guidelines to assure the materials reflectthe beliefs of the churchDevelop and equip new groups so to not disruptconnections in older ones.Offer a monthly inquirers’ class or dinner to invitepeople to take a step into the discipleship processOffer multiple series that are specifically designed forpeople to bring an unchurched friendLaunch a new site or partner churchConstantly train new leaders so that staff focus ondeveloping leaders instead of running ministriesEach week, invite attenders into some nextstep of faith or serviceGIVINGHire a part-time pastor of generosityRun a ministry fund campaign that will endow futureministries i.e. youth, music, missionsDesignate a budget line to explore thenext ministry possibilityMISSIONFocus on hands-on mission both locallyand internationallyHire a full-time director of missionsRefocus resources to invest in few

transformational leaders who make disciples who make disciples. This guide will assist you and your church in being authentic to who you are today, while . In these pages, you will find best practices on worship, small groups, discipleship, mission, and stewardship. There are resources