We often think of growing a church as a concern solely for pastors or ministry leaders, but you don’t need a leadership title to foster growth and serve your church’s goals. If you’re eager to be a valuable resource for your church and community, below are 7 steps to follow.

1. Invite people to join you for worship and other events

All churches want to grow and expand their reach. People who are willing to share their church’s message both in person and virtually are vital to its long-term impact!

Additionally, sharing your church’s social media posts and engaging with their content is an easy way to help your church reach more people online.

2. Establish a relationship with your church’s team

The ‘church’ is composed of the people who come together to fellowship, strengthen their faith, and help one another, so the first step to investing in your church’s future is by getting to know its people! By knowing what is happening at the church, you will quickly recognize where you can be of assistance.

3. Look for pain points and offer solutions

Does your church often cancel events because of a lack of resources? What makes it difficult for the church’s team to do their job? Take time to fully understand the needs of your church before jumping into action.

Another great way to learn about a church’s needs is to simply ask your church’s leaders and volunteers, as the people who work within the church are the best source of information. From there, you can brainstorm potential solutions and offer meaningful help.

4. Determine what you are able and willing to offer

What unique skill sets do you have? Do you have a job or hobby that has taught you useful information that you could share?

It’s perfectly okay to have trouble coming up with ideas or to feel as if your gifts aren’t worth sharing. God sometimes brings us to moments of uncertainty for a reason, so allow yourself a chance to really think about your options and ask family and friends for insight on what your strengths are.

5. Determine if it’s better for you to do something or teach others how to do it

If you have valuable industry knowledge or a skill, below are some examples of how you can use it to help others.

Examples of when it’s best to use your skill set to act:

• You’re a skilled photographer, so you take photos during events that the church can share in newsletters or on social media
• You’re handy and know how to build things, so you either volunteer to make repairs on the church’s building or construct something new, like a garden bed or a fire pit
• You love knitting, so you create baby blankets to gift to infants who are born into the church

Examples of when it’s best to use your skill set to teach others:

• You’re a tax professional, so you help senior citizens prepare their paperwork correctly during tax season
• You’re very creative, so you host an event teaching members how to create something together
• You’re an avid gardener, so you teach other members about how to grow their own food

6. Give to your church outside of monetary offerings and tithes

Churches regularly reach out and help their community, but many are not able to execute all the ideas they have because of a lack of resources. Aside from the tithes and offerings that you give to your church, there are physical things you can donate as well. Next time you are decluttering or replacing something in your home, consider what can find a new home at your church. Some examples are:

• Art supplies and costumes for Bible School or plays
• Supplies for their kitchen (serving platters, tablecloths, etc)
• Gently used appliances that are still in great working condition

Another valuable resource you can give to your church is your time and effort. Finding an opportunity to help could be as simple as joining an existing network where you can be of assistance, like your church’s small groups and ministries. Churches also make it known when they need volunteers to prepare for an event or serve the community, so be sure to offer a helping hand when you can.

Additionally, if your church sends out a survey or questionnaire, make sure you respond! Your church wants to act in their congregants’ best interests. Providing insight or suggestions impacts the decisions your church makes for its members and community.

7. Make sure your church is working together in the right direction

Once you’ve established yourself as a dependable part of the church, you’ll have the opportunity to suggest additional training that can improve your church’s long-term strategy and growth. Consider discussing The D’ART Collective Pathways with your church’s leadership.

The D’ART Collective has created a set of training and development courses that any Christian can take. These courses, referred to as Pathways, serve as a curriculum for leaders, staff, volunteers, and congregants who are invested in their church’s success, and they yield the best results when taken as a group.

These 6 Pathways teach teams how to strengthen their ministry and bring the church into a new era. You’ll have access to doctorate-level research and insight from Christian thought leaders with decades of experience. To learn more about the courses or how to get group pricing and bundle discounts, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.

Conclusion

Being an active member already does so much for your church and that is not to be overlooked. As you grow and change over time, the role you play in your church may change as well. As long as you serve with good intention, your efforts will not go unnoticed.

The D’ART Collective desires to help congregations thrive by strengthening their ministries to better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world.

To learn more or purchase the courses, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.