Do parachurch ministries help or hurt the work of the local church?
Today we speak with Sarah Carabetta, Director of ACTS4 on how parachurch organizations can form strategic partnerships to broaden the impact of your local congregation.
You can get more information about ACTS4 here.
Here is the free download, 5 Tips To Help Choose A Parachurch Partner
Transcript of Today's Podcast
A para church ministry by definition is an outreach that shares Christ via a specific service or benefit. They are distinct from churches, in that there is not typically a pastor, weekly services or an identifiable congregation.
Parachurch ministries can be small, medium or large. A Christian radio station for example is a parachurch ministry. Other examples include a Christ-centered Drug rehabilitation program, a Christian school, a soup kitchen, conferences on family or a particular focus, even Bible school or seminary are para church organizations. …the list is quite extensive.
Not a week goes by when I do not get contacted by a para church organization either inviting my presence at an event, or more boldly, inviting me to give an offering towards whatever need they are fulfilling. Pastors are inundated with requests for these type of needs and after a while, they don’t even get opened.
Their particular need may be great, but the average church already operates with limited resources.
Through the years, I have seen a lot of parachurch ministries come and go, so I’d like to share with you a few thoughts to help you make good choices for your church.
This may seem like I’m preaching to the choir, but para church ministries only have value to the exact degree that they assist local churches in fulfilling their mission. That may sound obvious, but I can tell you that often I encounter para church ministries that are all about self-perpetuation.
Recently, I was invited along with several other pastors to the unveiling of a new national para church ministry. I won’t mention names, but it is large and well-known. During the presentation, we were told that they had several pastors on staff to address those who contacted them and a variety of resources available for non-Christians.
During the question and answer, I asked how this ministry would assist local churches. The sound of crickets could be heard in the room. They explained that they did not come to talk about a partnership with the local church, but to just make us aware of what they were doing. I took exception and exited as soon as the presentation concluded.
Para church ministries only have value to the exact degree they assist local churches in fulfilling their mission. When a parachurch ministry is created to go around the local church, it is a failure.
That is a pretty outrageous thing to say, but I am happy to support that with scripture.
The church is the apple of God’s eye. Frankly, it does not matter how many mistakes she makes or even how dysfunctional she is, the local church has God’s full endorsement. When a para church ministry is formed to compete with or replace a local church, it never ends well.
I have witnessed national parachurch ministries that appeared successful for a few years and then disappeared. Ultimately they produce no lasting fruit. Why? The church is tasked with maturing the saints. That means the full interface of biblical leadership, gifts, teaching…etc., is required. A para-church ministry is not tasked or graced to accomplish that purpose.
On the other hand, para-church ministries can be a tremendous partner when everyone understands their respective roles.
For example, perhaps your congregation really has a heart to serve the poor, but your congregation does not have the facilities, time, resources or expertise. Partnering with a local Christian soup kitchen either financially or by supplying volunteers might be a great fit.
The soup kitchen appreciates the help to do their ministry. As a church leader, you are able to use the soup kitchen as an extension of your church to feed the poor and train volunteers to serve in practical ways.
Our church has entered a partnership locally with ACTS4 as I mentioned earlier. You can hear her interview here.
Two mistakes I see church leaders make all the time. The first is trying to do everything. One church I was familiar with had a congregation of several hundred. The pastor possessed an evangelist’s passion. He wanted to reach everyone, so the church started new outreaches almost every month. They had a clothing ministry, a Christian school, a soup kitchen, a counseling center and many, many other outreaches.
The church crumbled under the weight of all this activity. The pastor burned out and eventually left town. Those left behind were hurt and discouraged. The church never fully recovered.
What happened? The pastor had a good heart, but tried to make his local church all things to all people. That is not how God does things.
Each church leader needs to listen intently to the Lord of course, but then look at the people under his/her care. What do they have a passion to help?
As leaders, we need to begin seeing the church as larger than our own local expression. If another church or para church ministry is running an effective soup kitchen, why not come alongside with money and personnel and make it outstanding? If there is another church with a Christian school, is there a way to come alongside with support instead of creating two schools?
Many church leaders try to take on too much instead of thinking strategically and praying for real guidance from heaven. Competition in the body of Christ never ends well. We are co-laborers, so let’s co-labor!
The other mistake I see church leaders make is in the opposite extreme. If a church is small or short on funds they just avoid missions or para church ministries altogether.
That is a mistake because it creates a culture in your church where serving your own needs becomes the highest priority. If the church grows in number, it will grow with self-centered people always wanting to be fed. Ultimately, the church will become like so many others.
I’m not sure who said it, but one leader asked, If your church went out of business tomorrow, would the community even notice? We need to think long and hard on that question as leaders. Our churches may operate like a well-oiled machine, but if the community cannot see what you do to bring positive change, are you really having a meaningful impact?
An easy and cost effective way to get involved is to find a worthy para-church ministry that matches your mission and vision.
Do some research. Invite their director out to coffee. If their heart matches yours, invite them to speak. Challenge your people to give an extra 2,3 or $5/week. You’d be surprised, but that can add up to a missions budget of several thousand in a year. Our congregations need to be taught to give beyond themselves and to make sure their Christianity lives outside of our church buildings.
On a side note for you pastors who are paying attention to the next generation, young people are extremely motivated to impact their world and make a difference. If you look at churches that attract young people, you will always see an emphasis on one or more service projects like building wells in foreign countries or helping out at a homeless shelter.
Para church ministries can really become a strategic partner to fulfill God’s mission and purpose for your church.
Hey, thank you for listening today. I hope it was helpful.
If you have an interest in connecting with Sarah, go to Acts4.org. The free download is entitled, 5 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Parachurch Partner. You can download that here.
We always end with a quote. Today is from Henry Ford:
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
