Preparing for Fall Ministry with People-First Planning

As fall approaches, it’s natural for church teams to focus on what to do: launching sermon series, programs, events, serving and more.

If we’re not careful, our fall ministry calendar can quickly become about activities and logistics more than people and purpose.

So as you look to the fall for your planning and communications, let's ask this question: Who are we doing this for?

Start with a People-First Focus

Instead of jumping straight to your ideas, programs or traditions, can you reflect on the people you're called to engage with and connect to Jesus?

Think about who your audience(s) are and what they are facing in this season:

• Parents juggling new school-year schedules
• Students transitioning into middle school, high school or college
• People who drifted from church over the summer
• Empty nesters or seniors asking, "What's next?"
• New families showing up for the first time.

Each of these groups is entering fall with hopes, questions, pressures and needs. As ministry leaders, we get to consider these audiences, their needs, and meet them right there.

Ask People-First Questions

Rather than, “What should we offer?” try:

• What are people in our congregation and community facing right now?
• What burdens are they carrying into this fall season?
• Who needs care or connection this fall?
• How can we align their real needs with our church’s mission and plans?

When we lead this way, we stop designing for attendance and activity and start designing for the people - their care and transformation.

Align Ideas With Impact

As you focus on people and their needs, review your ministry goals and ideas. Are your fall efforts positioned to help people take a next step with Jesus? Do your events and communications reflect your church’s unique calling with these people?

Fall ministry isn’t about having a full calendar and launching all the new things. It’s about being the most faithful and intentional with what you offer to engage in the most meaningful ways with the people of your congregation and community.

Start with people. Listen well. Then plan and communicate with great intention.

Watch for a second article in this series to learn more about people-first communications.