Developing A Resort and Leisure Ministries Committee

Bo Simms

Recognizing the Need

I. Why have a resort and leisure ministries committee?
A. Creates an awareness of potential ministry opportunities.

1. Conduct a survey of resort and leisure needs and opportunities in the association.

2. Find out what is currently being done by churches in the association.

3. Communicate needs and ministry opportunities through awareness meetings and resort and leisure ministry workshops.

B. Provides a network to the local church for recruiting support and volunteers.

1. Fellowship of encouragement.

2. Support group for resort workers.

C. Legitimizes ministry.

1. Provides guidance.

2. Decision making and policy setting.

D. Liaison between association and resort workers.

II. Establishing the Resort and Leisure Ministries Committee
A. When?

1. Only if the need exists. Some associations may be able to have a single person who is the resort and leisure ministries director for the associational missions development council.

2. Meet and function only after the purpose and description of responsibilities of the committee have been determined.

B. How?

1. Determine what needs already exist.

2. Make a list of possible committee members from across the association after considering ministry needs and types. Get a good cross-section and balance of representation.

3. Let people know what their responsibilities are up front.
   a. Meeting schedule.
   b. Annual retreat.
   c. Specific responsibilities for area or ministry types.
   d. Term of service.

III. Utilizing the Committee
A. Survey of needs (data gathering).

1. Determine ministry needs.

2. Determine type and age of people in the setting.

3. Locate ministries that already exist.

4. Identify lifestyle groups.

B. Brainstorm needs, opportunities, and dreams.

C. Prioritize ministry needs (objectives).

D. Write goals and action plans. Prepare written ministry proposal.

E. Establish contact with management. Present and establish agreement on proposal (written).

F. Recruit and train volunteers for the ministry project.

1. Train for specific work.

2. Train volunteers in working in secular settings.

3. Witness training for resort/leisure settings.

G. Promote ministry events.

H. Implement ministry events.

I. Evaluate the ministry.

J. Follow-up with management.

K. Make plans for your next ministry project.

Actions a Resort and Leisure Ministries Committee Should Consider:

1. Work with the association, association staff, missions survey director, and churches in assessing ministry needs and the recommendation of ministry objectives, goals, and action plans.
2. Develop, in cooperation with appropriate associational and church leaders, the programs that reflect responsiveness to ministry needs.
3. Establish sound working procedures and relationships with associational staff, pastors, churches, and other people who plan and conduct ministries.
4. Provide training opportunities in resort and leisure ministries, creative arts, etc., for pastors, church leaders, and volunteers.
5. Assist in recruiting and training resort workers to conduct ministry projects.
6. Report to the association through the associational missions development council on a regular basis. It would also be good if you reported to your state missions department and the North American Mission Board.
7. Coordinate resort ministries in the association.
8. Lead in annual evaluation to determine if the current strategy is accomplishing associational goals.

Based on an article by Bo Simms in the 1993 National Resort Ministries Conference notebook. Used by permission.