Ministry Engagement Process

The engagement between the Barnabas Group KC and the ministry represents a significant investment in time by both parties. At the initial discussion, we evaluate the potential benefit we can bring to this ministry and discuss the overall approach and effort required from the ministry to engage in it. Shortly after the initial meeting, a decision is made by both parties in regards to proceeding with the application process.

After a conclusion to move forward is reached in step 1, the ministry application profile is sent to the ministry for completion. Once the initial draft is completed, it is reviewed by the Barnabas Group KC and one or more working discussions are scheduled. These discussions focus on the SWOT analysis, clarification of the areas for Barnabas Group member involvement and other portions of the application that require clarification. Once finalized, the application is ready for final review.

The completed application is reviewed by our leadership and volunteer staff who serve on the ministry coaching team. If the review concludes that there is a good potential for engagement with the Barnabas Group KC community, the ministry is scheduled for a future session to present to the Barnabas Group KC. This may be a in-person or virtual session.

Once a ministry is approved for presenting to the group, a presentation coach from our volunteer staff is assigned to work with them to develop the messaging that will be used in their presentation. Our presentation coaches are former corporate storytelling and messaging experts. They will spend considerable time with the ministries to ensure the maximum benefit comes from their session before the Barnabas Group KC.

After the ministry presents at the Barnabas Group KC session, there is a follow-up discussion with a subset of the group who are interested in that ministry. This discussion will focus on the areas of potential assistance and the specific tasks involved. The breakout discussion also allows the ministry to get immediate feedback on a pressing issue that they are currently facing (called the BIG question). As part of the overall brainstorming exercise, the participants may also suggest other contacts, resources or ideas for the ministry to consider.

At the end of the meeting, the participants are asked to complete a survey on any of the presenting ministries which they are interested in. This survey highlights specific areas where the participants can engage based on their expertise and the stated needs of the ministry. A compilation of this survey data is shared with the ministry and follow-up discussions are scheduled in the weeks after the meeting. Members begin to work as a group to assist the ministry in specific areas identified based on their availability.

In addition to the engagement on specific pre-identified items, the Barnabas Group KC continues to engage with the ministry to maximize opportunity for collaboration. This includes our leader-to-leader connection program and ongoing ministry leadership training programs. On certain occasions, members in the Barnabas Group KC have joined the advisory board of a presenting ministry based on the relationship established during the process.