Homepage / Academy Catalog / How to Start a New Ministry
How to Start a New Ministry
From Discernment to Action: Following God’s Missional Call
About this Course
How to Start a New Ministry was designed to dive into best practices for thriving new ministries, turning to Scripture, prayer, reflection, and practical exercises to gain a deep understanding of God’s particular call for your ministry.
What you’ll learn:
Are you being called to start a new ministry, but aren’t sure how to begin? Maybe you’ve been feeling God’s quiet nudge, urging you to address a particular challenge or to minister among a particular group of people. Maybe you hope to encourage the members of your congregation to take the wheel on doing the same. Either way, our course offers a path forward! Come and learn how to kickstart a new ministry, driven by your passion and working in alignment with God's purpose.
Throughout this course, we'll dive into best practices for thriving new ministries, turning to Scripture, prayer, reflection, and practical exercises to gain a deep understanding of God’s particular call for your ministry. We'll explore the process of discerning your calling, defining a clear vision, understanding the structural components of ministry, managing finances, building a dedicated team, and articulating your mission effectively. Michael Binder, co-author of Leading Faithful Innovation, will guide you through each step of this prayerful and practical journey.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Called to the Work
In this module, you will:
- Reflect on God’s call to this ministry.
- Consider reasons for this ministry.
- Engage in prayer for this work.
What: Clarifying the Mission
In this module, you will:
- Define and sharpen your ministry vision.
- Develop a concise description of the work.
- Pray for discernment.
Who and Where: Locating Your Ministry
In this module, you will:
- Learn strategies for researching locations and partnerships.
- Discover what you don’t know.
- Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear.
How: A Process for Testing
In this module, you will:
- Learn a model for testing and refining your ideas.
- Continue to pray for God’s guidance.
- Engage in testing and refining your ideas.
Tools for the Journey: Finances and Logistics
In this module, you will:
- Learn simple strategies for managing finances.
- Understand how financial decisions can affect ministry.
- Develop a simple budget spreadsheet.
Partnership: Finding Your People
In this module, you will:
- Learn the importance of working with others.
- Consider what your team might look like.
- Develop an invitation for others to join you.
Putting it All Together: Your Pitch
In this module, you will:
- Shape and develop your pitch from your earlier work.
- Develop a plan for a rhythm of prayer around your ministry.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course and how to stay connected with your group. You'll also be able to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
9 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Michael Binder
Assistant Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary
Michael Binder is an assistant professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. His teaching focuses on starting new congregations, leading change, and practicing Christian witness and evangelism amidst secular cultures.
Binder is a founding pastor of Mill City Church in northeast Minneapolis and continues to serve there. He has worked as a consultant with hundreds of congregations and denominations in the U.S. and Canada. Binder is a graduate of Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota), Bethel University (MDiv), and Luther Seminary (PhD, Congregational Mission and Leadership).
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
Enroll in this on-demand course
$55
One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
Popular
Access this on-demand course
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
Need financial support?
Check out the latest released courses
What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!