The How To's of Prayer Ministry


1.3.2.3 Understanding Ministry Policy

1. All written policy should indicate who has the authority to approve mediation and, how and where to inquire to address a questions or complaint.

2. Understand, when policies are not clearly communicated, assumptions arise between individuals that spell ‘unfortunate problems’. ‘Individual take matters into their own hands’.

3. There should be a specific location for discovery concerning all standing policies.

4. All documents should include the origination of all established ministry policies. Who drafted it. Who authorized it. The date of authorization.

A stated reference of origination is also wise--

‘our bylaws state’,

‘under the church constitution’,

‘the board has amended’,

‘It is the decision of the pastoral staff’, ‘

‘This is an executive decision by the senior pastor or ministry leader’ etc.

5. When a ministry encompasses a large regional area, it is wise to compose a ministry policy manual with specific instructions how to perform ministry.

6. Understand a failure to communicate standing policy will bring dissension and confusion, especially among leadership when something goes wrong.

7. Understand that an ongoing, on the spot decision making policy will open the door to vulnerability and resentment among the leadership because no one will know who has authority to do what.

8. A standing procedure should be in place to create or change policy when needed. Open round table discussions will allow a platform for creative non-confrontive solutions when a legal board is not in place. This format will defuse unwanted tensions among individuals laboring together in ministry.

9. A mailing notification should be addressed to all ministry participants concerning a change in policy. It is wise to have a identifiable location where changes are regularly posted with additional sheets for staff members and ministry participants.