A small group at the 1992 Consultation on Ministry in Daily Life had as its focus the local congregation. Rather than starting with the many blocks that laity face and then problem-solving, we chose to share about what specific things we have tried that seemed to be life-giving for laity in our congregations. We then sought to identify the common elements in these courageous and creative efforts that provided real nurture for laity to carry out their ministry and some practical guides for helping laity cross that tough entry bridge of linking faith and daily life.

You are invited to add, subtract and modify these guidelines and then use them as a kind of "checklist" in your planning for new programs and initiatives. The challenges are daunting facing those of us trying to help established congregations make the profound shifts integral to the lay ministry movement. It is encouraging to see a rapidly growing number of pioneering congregations deeply involved in this process. With the open sharing so evident at the Consultation, we can learn from each other and facilitate bringing new life to our faith communities.

A "Starter" Instead of a top down imposition of a program, there is a basic need for a starter - someone who cares and has the vision for either a program or the overall movement.

A "Lay Ministry" Group There needs to be a small group that will shepherd the long term introduction of the movement and provide support for the lead person.

Being Congruent For example, if you are trying to encourage the congregation's prayer life, the coordinating group must be praying.

A Strategy of "Sleeping" In addition to creating new wine skins such as mission groups, house churches, etc., a practical strategy is to encourage existing boards and committees to incorporate some group building and personalized worship into what are usually task-oriented meetings. This is especially effective when people comfortable with the new model start showing up on traditional committees and can encourage this introduction from the inside.

Role of Clergy While "laity must be agents of their own formation" (Diehl), we need to get the early support and cooperation of the clergy or blocks will tend to arise later in the process.

Program is Not the Answer Although awareness and change will flow from programs of spiritual renewal, gift identification and discernment, and support for linking faith and the workplace, it is important that we do not allow the program to become a god. It is a means to the end, not the end. There is a need to allow for spontaneity and allowing pressing needs to take precedence over following a set program.

Inductive Approach In contrast to the clergy approach of starting with scripture and theology and trying (sometimes successfully) to make the link to daily life, the lay approach is inductive. It starts with our experience and is followed by theological reflection. Fundamentally, we start where people are, and in a relational manner.

Spiritual Renewal A prime focus must be on the formation of the Christian spiritual life. It takes much support for a person or group to shift from a "control" approach to a "discernment" and "trusting the Spirit" approach to ministry.

Institutional Survival The lay ministry movement is frequently seen as a threat to the survival of the institution. This powerful form of resistance can be reduced when laity are seen as becoming stronger church members after discovering their gifts and being empowered to do ministry.

Different Traditions Just because the theological stance of a certain church differs from ours, that should not prevent us from learning from creative strategies they employ.

Two Current Themes Many people are in dead end jobs and are searching for some meaning in their lives. Really challenging service, becoming part of an accepting community, and the reality of a loving God are still Good News for this search. Many people feel tremendous pressures on their time. Instead of time management, our faith can help us sort out what really needs to be done and what can be let go. Of course, it is better if the church is modeling this and not adding unneeded meetings.

Avoid Jargon Terms like ministry, spiritual disciplines, action-reflection and many others may have great meaning for us but may be unnecessary stumbling blocks to those beginning the journey. It is better to use questioning language.

Commitments We need to seek commitments to groups or programs that are specific and short term-say, six sessions, with an opportunity to recommit.

Expectations These must be kept as clear as possible.

Recruitment It is better for the planning group to brainstorm a list of potential participants, and personally invite them, than to rely solely on the newsletter. It may be wise to focus on those on the margins of the church rather than on the super active members.

Time and Place Being flexible on these two concerns is a key. Meeting in homes or in a conference room at the workplace, visiting members in their offices, meeting for breakfast, etc., can help.

Style While also true for those further along in the journey, entry programs must be especially exploratory in style, evoking more than teaching.

Let's try... Instead of trying to replace old wineskins, a better approach initially is to suggest experimenting with new forms.

Stages One six- stage model for ministry is: 1) prayer; 2) opportunity to share life experiences; 3) opportunity to look at the world; 4) listening to Scripture; 5) learning through conversation who we are and what we are to do; and 6) to do it. At this last stage, people gain entry. Identify gaps and stages where there appears to be a hunger, and focus there.

Adapted by John Hilpert based on the brainstorming and sharing of Tom Burlington, Kathy Crane, Ronald Eddy, Suzanne Farnham, Harold Jonson, Marnette Saz, Bob Sheehan, and Nelvin Vos Used with permission.

The Liberation of the Laity: Six Session Study Guide, by Anne Rowthorn, printed by Morehouse Publishing, contains a helpful section called "Checklists for Encouraging Christian Vocation in Daily Life." These checklists addresses congregations, education, liturgy, laity, and clergy. Please refer to the reference section of this book for order information.