What our program is About
The INGAGE program is designed to assist churches launch one outreach/service project. These are sustainable projects led by volunteers with very small budget requirements. This unique program combines volunteer discipleship development and community outreach/service in a very challenging and rewarding manner. Senior Pastors are encouraged to identify a champion for this new ministry that has a passion for community outreach/service and INGAGE will develop a leadership team that will develop and sustain this new ministry project. The program moves the ministry volunteers from deepening their faith, to living their faith and culminates in sharing their faith.
Touching all Kinds of Need
There is a widespread misconception in our society that any reference to “taking care of the poor” means we are going to help people who are in financial need. There are at least seven categories of poverty in every community. INGAGE defines poverty as “having a little of something you really need”
Financial Poverty
Relational Poverty
Emotional Poverty
Spiritual Poverty
Crisis Related Poverty
Physical Poverty
Generational Poverty
Each ministry project includes meeting more than just the financial needs of the individuals you serve. Many of your new friends will be lost and lonely. You will need to help your church understand and support the poverty needs you will be addressing.
The first six categories are rather obvious. Generationally poor involves the wide space that exists between generations. This is particularly difficult for aging adults who are physically separated from family and have outlived many of their friends. It can also be true for children who need a “grandparent” type of relationship in their lives. The longer we live and the more rapidly the world changes, the more this poverty will increase.
Our Four Ministry Project Opportunities
Churches are given a choice of four different ministry projects to implement in their communities. These ministry projects include significant relationship opportunities. Building relationships is an important element in developing ministry sustainability.
- INGAGE a school (reading mentors, care for teachers, school supplies etc.).
- INGAGE a senior facility (holiday celebrations, a ride to the park, becoming family for lonely aging adults etc.)
- INGAGE your neighborhood (intergenerational care network, neighborhood events etc.).
- INGAGE a large apartment complex (latch- key kids, support for single moms, holiday celebrations etc.)
Key Events of an INGAGE Program
INGAGE focuses on both leadership development and ministry development. The development of the ministry projects is divided into a six- stage process. This process includes:
- Pre-Kick off which includes working with the “champion” in the selection of the leadership team and relies on the Team Leader Handbook as the key resource for this stage.
- Gathering data to identify unmet needs in your project area. You need to avoid focusing on perceived needs.
- Evaluating your data and aligning it with the mission and vision of your church.
- Developing a plan that fits your church and community.
- Launching the project which includes the recruitment and deployment of ministry volunteers Experience tells us the launch stage is generally two months from the data gathering stage.
- Evaluation of ministry impact.
Three Ingage Program Options to Choose From
Program 1
INGAGE provides 4 hours of coaching with the “champion” and team leader.
Program 2
The “champion” and team leader receive 6 hours of coaching.
Program 3
This program includes 8 hours of coaching for the “champion” and team leader.
Learning resources for all three programs include:
- A set of three manuals: Deepen Your Faith Journal, Live Your Faith Guidebook, and Share Your Faith Handbook are available for a recommended leadership team of seven people
- The Team Leader Guide is available for the team leader
- Downloadable documents that can be customized for each church
- A sample project plan with timelines
- Job descriptions for each position needed for project
- Two-minute video to use in services on Ministry Launch weekend
- Sermon notes for possible use during Ministry Launch weekend
Our Training Materials
Book 1: Deepen Your Faith
The Deepen Your Faith Journal focuses on “In Resemblance of Me”. It is a developmental program grounded in nine character traits of Christ. Christ is our model for serving others. While Scripture records many character traits of Christ, INGAGE has selected these specific nine that can be experienced and developed in the act of service to others.
Book 2: Live Your Faith
The Live Your Faith Guidebook creates the foundation for developing the ministry projects. It includes four chapters on leadership development and four chapters on ministry development. Subjects include principles of leadership, relationship development, project planning, challenging volunteers and productive feedback.
Book 3: Share Your Faith
Share Your Faith Handbook helps volunteers understand some very easy and practical ways to share their faith. The first step focuses on making a friend and the last step is walking in faith with their new friend.