Integrating is bringing ideas and initiatives together in a meaningful way. Linking similar (or even dissimilar) projects can heighten the effect of each individual part--this is often called "synergy." In ministry, integration can be a process of intentional and thoughtful grouping--relating similar ideas and timetables to the benefit of all the ministries involved. We use several techniques to accomplish integration.

Arcs or Seasons. One way to integrate multiple ministries is to group them either by type or chronologically. These groups of ministry opportunities are called arcs or seasons.

When we group ministries or events that have similar purposes, the groups are called "arcs." An arc, for example, may consist of our counseling ministry, benevolence ministry and our partnership with a downtown homeless mission. These ministries all focus on helping the less-fortunate. Volunteers in these ministries will share similar spiritual gifts, like mercy, helps, and encouragement. When we promote these ministries together, or encourage those involved in one of these ministries to consider involvement in a similar ministry, the arc of similarity works to strengthen our promotional effort for all of the related ministries.

We can also group ministries chronologically, which we call "seasons." A children's camp, Vacation Bible School and youth retreat can be grouped into the "Summer" season. It's easy to promote these ministries together. People naturally organize their activities based on seasons. They vacation in the summer, visit family during the holidays, clean house and plant trees in the spring.

Seasons can go beyond a time of year and relate specifically to ministry. Several mission projects occurring in the same month can be grouped in to a "missions season." I've often observed God working through an area of ministry in what could be described as a season of ministry. There are times in the life of a church where an aspect like Bible study, or worship, or missions, or discipleship seem to overflow with activity as God moves in a particular area. Our calling is to "go where God is working," and integration is the effort of capitalizing on a season of ministry to yield greater involvement and results.

Piggybacking. One ministry feeds another. This is the simple concept behind piggybacking, in which we promote a future ministry need on the coattails of another ministry. An example would be using the opportunity of a marriage conference to promote a couples' retreat, or using the opportunity of a community outreach like Fall Festival to promote other ministries of the church. When we integrate ministries by piggybacking them off of each other, we can create a series of opportunities that draw interest from each other over a long period of time.

Subdivision. This integration technique divides a ministry area into several sub-ministries, which can be promoted together or separately. A good example is a children's ministry, which might include one program for younger kids, and another for preteens. Within this ministry area there are dozens of opportunities and programs operating under the umbrella heading of "children's ministry". When a new ministry is integrated within an existing umbrella ministry, it will benefit from the exposure already created for the existing program.

Multiple Media. Ministry events and programs can exist in many forms simultaneously. Video, audio, worship, teaching, website, social media, drama, print media, images, displays, illustrations, handouts--there are multiple avenues for any single idea to be expanded upon. Multiple media is using more than one of these techniques to better communicate the ministry. Even more, multiple mediums is using each technique to its maximum effect--dividing elements of a project or message and using the various means to clearly communicate each element through its most vivid medium.

A great example of multiple mediums is a typical worship service. The theme of the service may be the gospel applied to family relationships. Graphic arts and print media can communicate scripture and central ideas. The music can communicate yet another key thought. The Pastor's message yet another. A video clip may provide an example. In another part of the building a Bible study lesson may enhance the theme even further. Each of these elements--print, video, spoken word, music, ancillary teaching--contribute to the whole. They create a synergy on the central theme, making the whole of the message greater than the sum of its parts.

Expansion. By far the most used form of integration is simple expansion of the original idea or theme. This can be done by adding related elements, entirely new elements, or complementary elements. Through expansion, the event or program may receive renewed attention as people receive information about these additional elements.

An example of a related element may be a devotional booklet to go with a Bible study series. Both the study itself and the guide relate to each other and the same subject matter, but will draw slightly different audiences. In this scenario, a new element would be a ministry project based on the Bible study--giving people an opportunity to live-out a particular scriptural teaching. The new element isn't a Bible study at all, but relates thematically to the study itself.

A complementary element would be a Bible study on another subject, or a continuation of the study as a new study. As with a new element, the complentary element is not exactly the same, but works in concert with the study. This is just one set of examples of how expansion can be used to integrate ministries.

The goal. With all of these techniques, the end-goal is the same: to help people engage, understand and retain a message more readily, and participate more fully. Through integration, a fresh sense of discovery can be created, which improves our ability to communicate ministry programs and events.

About the Author. Eugene L. Mason has more than two decades of experience in ministry communications and technologies. More...