We are often asked, “How can I start a new ministry at 2BC?” Good question. The answer is simpler than you might believe. Any member of our congregation who has completed Membership 101 and 102 is welcome to begin a new ministry, as long as he or she follows a few simple guidelines.

1. First, inform the pastor of your intentions. This allows him to be aware of your plans so that he can give advice, encouragement, and support. It also prevents duplication; the ministry you are interested in may already exist.
2. Second, you must develop a ministry plan. This does not need to be lengthy or complex, but we would like to know how your ministry will function, when and where meetings will be held, and those sorts of details. YOU WILL NEED TO EXPLAIN HOW THE PROPOSED MINISTRY WILL REACH UNCHURCHED PEOPLE, AND THIS GOAL WILL NEED TO BE CENTRAL TO YOUR PLANNING.
3. Next, contact the church secretary to learn the steps for putting an event on the church calendar and securing the use of a room at the church, childcare, etc. 2BC is a busy place and we must coordinate our efforts so that two groups do not plan to use the same facilities on the same night, and so that a room is not left a mess for the next group.
4. Do not assume that the staff is obligated to lead, participate in, or promote our ministry. We all have plenty to do already; that is why we need you to be a minister! Also don’t ask for your events to be announced from the pulpit. We only announce in the worship services events that effect the entire church body. Your group is responsible for its own promotion. Any program at 2BC, which cannot survive without constant pressure from the pulpit…will not survive.
5. DO NOT COLLECT MONEY. We fund our ministries through the unified church budget. We discourage private offerings and private bank accounts. Because the church is one body, one family, and needs to pool its resources. If your proposed ministry will require considerable financial backing, you may have to wait until it can be included in the annual budget.