The How To's of Prayer Ministry

3.1 Possible Job Description of the Prayer Minister or Pastor Might Include: / Getting Started

Organize a monthly prayer meeting in the local church as well as prayer room activities. Many ethnic gatherings may be meeting at the same church location. Each can contribute understanding to what an on campus prayer ministry will look like. We also recommend that prospective leaders be allowed to gather with other prayer leaders from other congregations so as to lend understanding to the realities of a local prayer ministry. In rural areas prayer ministries from several towns may occasionally come together for instruction and networking ideas. In large cities prayer ministries may choose to meet representing geographic regions and/or cultural or ethnic segments. A prayer agenda is simple, to pray in earnest for their perspective city, its leaders, and its churches, asking for renewal and healing, the salvation of individuals and the transformation of the moral and spiritual climate of the church and city. The meeting should not become bogged down in lengthy sharing of personal requests or socializing, but have a targeted agenda for concerted prayer and teaching. When time allows special planning and networking can be included to further the effectiveness of developing a city-wide movement as it is ultimately impossible to separate prayer from action (this point is well made by James 2:26 'faith not acted upon is dead faith'.
The prayer pastor or minister must be a catalyst for helping build friendship, trust, and a sense of partnership. The prayer minister must be able to cultivate unity while at the same time respect diversity. The key focus is not to abandon theological, cultural and denominational distinctive, but to de-emphasize them to the point where true cooperation and spiritual unity can be experienced. Particular sensitivity must be shown when the prayer ministry is composed of charismatic and non-charismatic alike. One form of prayer must not be insisted upon by everyone. Nor should one group overpower the other. This can be accomplished by grouping those to a prayer team that share similar prayer gifts and styles. In this manner those who travail or speak in tongues are free to express more charismatic styles of prayer while those who practice traditional forms of prayer can feel free to seek the Father at ease. Prayer styles should never be a point of contention in prayer room ministry. Nor should it be a hindrance to others.
The prayer pastor or minister should be able to work and feel that they are a part of the pastoral staff. To often prayer ministers, especially women are treated as second class citizens. They should have a clear understanding of the perimeters of their authority and accessibility to set up monthly meetings, teaching workshops, and prayer room schedules.

Getting Started

Remember small beginnings are the norm. Many of the greatest movements in the history of the church began in humble circumstances with only a handful of people. Never let numbers of people discourage you.

Be tenacious in emphasizing the importance of corporate prayer. Great power is released when we communicate an agenda truly from the heart of God. His anointing is there to further empower you and touch the hearts of people. So never give up.

Guard against the tendency to turn prayer meetings even prayer room ministry into eating and social times. Make sure that the majority of time is spent in prayer.

Have a written statement describing the purpose of the prayer ministry time, a prayer list of targeted requests with scripture references will keep the prayer in focus.