Power of a Map, Not a Menu: Transforming Ministry Strategy with Mariners Church’s Jared Kirkwood
Dec 12, 2024
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Jared Kirkwood, Executive Pastor at Mariners Church Irvine, shares his insights on ministry strategy with over 16 years of experience in pastoral roles. He discusses Mariners’ 'transformational loop’—a four-part discipleship framework aimed at aligning all ministries to amplify impact. Jared emphasizes the importance of a 'map' over a 'menu' for guiding church members through their spiritual journey. He also delves into strategic leadership in multi-site settings and the significance of engaging the online community for ministry success.
The transformational loop strategy at Mariners Church focuses on discipleship through its four key components, fostering alignment among ministries.
Leaders are encouraged to prioritize relationship-building and community understanding over merely managing programs to achieve genuine spiritual growth.
Deep dives
Overcoming Facility Challenges to Enable Growth
Many churches face limitations with their physical facilities that can hinder ministry growth and outreach efforts. These constraints can create overwhelming challenges for church leaders who struggle with the complexities and costs of building projects. Addressing these facility issues is essential for expanding ministry capabilities, as improved spaces can enhance community engagement and support the church's mission. Leaders are encouraged to seek professional guidance to transform their buildings into effective ministry multipliers that better serve their congregations and local communities.
The Transformational Loop: A Strategic Framework for Ministry
Mariners Church implements a strategic approach known as the transformational loop, which consists of four key components essential for discipleship: follow Jesus, grow together, serve one another, and change the world. This framework allows the church to effectively manage its ministries and ensure that all activities align with its mission of inspiring people to follow Jesus. By focusing on these components, church leaders can avoid becoming mere program managers and instead prioritize true discipleship in their communities. This passionate commitment to a clear strategy facilitates both numerical growth and spiritual deepening within the congregation.
Collaboration and Alignment Across Multiple Campuses
In a multi-site church environment like Mariners, maintaining alignment across various campuses is crucial for success. The church achieves this by establishing clear tiers for events, with Tier A being all-church initiatives such as rooted courses, while Tier B includes context-specific activities tailored to individual campuses. Additionally, Tier C events allow for local innovation while ensuring that any new initiative aligns with the overall strategy. Regular meetings and collaborative planning help maintain a successful balance between church-wide objectives and localized ministry efforts.
Refocusing on Discipleship and Intentional Leadership
Effective church leadership requires a focus on discipleship rather than the continuous initiation of new programs and events. Leaders are encouraged to invest time in understanding their communities and nurturing relationships, rather than chasing after the latest trends or shiny initiatives. By promoting a culture of shepherding rather than mere management, pastors can ensure that their teams remain connected to purposeful ministry efforts that yield true spiritual growth. Ultimately, leading with an eye towards Jesus and fostering genuine relationships can transform the ministry landscape and inspire congregational engagement.
Thanks for joining us at the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re talking with Jared Kirkwood, the Executive Pastor of Ministries and Lead Pastor at the Irvine location of Mariners Church in California. A church’s mission isn’t much without a strategy. How are you aligning, training, and equipping people at your church to take their next steps […]
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