Ministry ToolkitMinistry ToolkitMinistry Toolkit

MERGING

HEARTSPractical Tools For Church Ministries

Finance ­ Music ­ Security ­ Youth ­ Media ­ AdministrationDance ­ Culinary ­ Evangelism ­ Marketing ­ Drama ­ Ushers

Women & Men ­ Decorations ­ Hospitality ­ Outreach

inspiringTEMPLEof Praise

ContentsINTRODUCTION

ForewordAbout ITOP

ADMINISTRATIONFinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

FINE ARTSMusic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Dance/Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

SERVICESecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Armor Bearer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Deacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Culinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Usher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

LIFE ENHANCEMENTWomen’s Ministry . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Men’s Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Evangelism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

SPECIALIZED SERVICESMedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Public Relations/Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Decorations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

scripture we are constantly reminded of how vital

agreement is in strengthening the body of believers and

unlocking the power of purpose.

Foreword“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)

Unity. It is perhaps one of the most critical instruc-

tions for Christians and churches. Throughout

In 2009, our church theme was “Commanding The Blessing

Through Unity: A Force of One.” Together, there isn’t any-

thing we can’t accomplish. Connected, we all win. This

theme birthed a desire in my spirit to truly bring together

the body, from the head to the feet, so we could all learn,

grow and share as one.

This year the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church (ITOP)

held its first ever “Merging Hearts Pastor and Leadership

Summit” in Fort Worth, Texas. The hope of the summit is to provoke continuity between pastors, secondary

leadership and laypeople by equipping them with the necessary tools for interpreting the leader’s vision.

Then, taking it a step further and challenging each individual to apply these skills to his or her area of ministry.

From Fine Arts and Finance to Security and Marketing, each department strengthens the other and increases

the efficacy of the overall ministry when properly aligned with the head.

The “Merging Hearts Ministry Toolkit” is the informational guide for the summit. Each ITOP ministry leader

has translated their experiences into easy-to-use reference materials that covers the major areas of church

ministry. Our goal is to give you standards, hints, insights and key considerations as a resource for imple-

menting in your own unique way.

I pray that you will be strengthened to be a more effective leader and member of ministry. For we know that

the sweetest fruit in the Kingdom can only be reached as one body working together in divine unity.

Blessed and highly favored!

Bishop Reginald D. JordanOctober 2009

About ITOP

Bishop Reginald Jordan founded the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church, better known as ITOP, in 1996 with 12members in the living room of his home. Since then, the church has grown to more than 1,500 members andbecome an influential part of the Fort Worth community.

At ITOP, members experience dynamic worship, practical teaching, inspirational praise, ministry programs tomeet their needs and engaging youth activities. The ministry strives to be a family where real people can expectreal love. ITOP is a place for new beginnings where unity is a priority. In the words of Bishop Jordan: “Unity isthe key in the kingdom that unlocks success, peace, prosperity, identity, purpose and power."

The church mission is simple and God-inspired:

To inspire the world through preaching, teaching, praise, worship,prayer and demonstration of heavenly things here on Earth.

Every ITOP service is an encounter to worship and seek God. Each ministry program has been designed to em-power the Body of Christ with the knowledge of God’s uncompromised gospel to accomplish the following:

To lead men, women, boys and girls to Christ.

To make disciples of them that are led to Christ.

To bring them into the unity of the faith.

To equip everyone with anchoring truth so that they’re no longer tossed to and fro, with every wind and doc-trine.

ITOP started as one man’s vision to serve and glorify God. This has evolved into a number of ministry areas,including a full scale book store, state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities, drama and dance teams, dedi-cated administrative support, professional marketing and public relations management, executive level financialreporting and other areas of excellence.

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Ministry Toolkit

Inspiring Temple of Praise

“

“

DeaconAnd in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmur-

ing of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily

ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said It is

not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren,

look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,

whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 6:1 - 3

MISSION

Our goal is to serve: The members and leadership.

In their desire to: Be ministered to and receive support in

times of sickness, death and need.

By means of: Visiting the sick in hospitals, nursing homes,

and the homebound, as well as serving during funerals and

worship services.

KEY DUTIES

1. Serve at the church forefront to greet, provide information,and security to those entering the church.

2. Make hospital visits, pray, and offer support to individualsand/or family members of the church family who are ill.

3. Continually pray for the membership, family members,leadership, and the First Family.

INSIGHTS

The ITOP Deacons Ministry seeks to serve the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church family in any capacity needed,

within the church during worship services or in the community, operating in unity and excellence to support,

serve, and uplift those in need.

The Deacons Ministry was first established in 2001, with the first ordination service held in 2003. Bishop Jordan

asked me to consider serving in the position of deacon and after serving faithfully and completing the catechism,

I was ordained as a deacon in December, 2005, along with two of my brothers and one sister in the ministry.

When I joined the Deacons Ministry, there were six men already operating in the ministry. I was one of two fe-

males ordained as a deacon. From that time until now, the whole makeup of the ministry has changed. Of the

original six, only three remain and of my ordination class of four, three of us remain active in the ministry. Also,

deacons ordained in other ministries have come to join with the ITOP Deacons Ministry, for a total of ten or-

dained deacons at this time. For the future, I hope for the Deacons Ministry to continue to grow, both numeri-

cally and spiritually. I would like for us to become more indoctrinated in the ministry and take initiative on a more

consistent basis.

The Ministry supports the overall ITOP vision by availing itself to serving the needs of the people in unity and

excellence. This ministry is the embodiment of “A Force of One.” Each deacon has his or her unique gifts, abili-

ties, and expertise to offer to the Body of Christ, but we operate as a single unit. Whether serving during a fu-

neral, overseeing building security, or making hospital visits, we work together to accomplish the established

goals of the ministry.

►

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LEADERSHIP

SUCCESS

DeaconService

How does this ministry

measure success?

The Deacons Ministry measures success by accomplishing

goals and not having anyone or anything out of place dur-

ing a worship service.

Skills, training and experience

required to work in this ministry:

1. Strong work ethic

2. Spiritually mature

3. Good communication skills

4. Positive attitude

RESOURCES

Websites: www.diaconalministries.com – Deacons Ministry Information

www.lifeway.com – Deacon Magazine, books & resources

www.christianbook.com – Books & resources

“

“INSIGHTS (cont’d)

Deacons Ministry meets on the 5th Sunday mornings at 9am. During this time, we reiterate the vision and any-

thing that has been discussed or taken place since the prior meeting. We make sure that everyone understands

the vision, is operating in sync with the vision, and is encouraging others to do the same. I keep it alive by re-

hearsing it and demonstrating it in love.

The single most important impact the Deacons Ministry makes on the overall church is to relieve the leaders and

laypeople from the burdens of daily ministry activities. We do the legwork in the church and, oftentimes, sacri-

fice our worship experience so others do not have to. From securing the building to mowing the lawn to mop-

ping floors, Deacons Ministry gets their hands and feet dirty to keep everyone else from having to take care of it.

ITOP is our house and Deacons take care of the house!

Sharon Burkley

Deacon, ITOP

LESSONS3 things you must know

1. Working for the ministry is a 24/7 job.

2. There is always something to do.

3. Leadership is often taken for granted in ministry.

What qualities contrib-

ute to success?

Love of the ministry, leadership, brothers and sisters in

Christ.

Unyielding belief in God and the vision of the house.

The gift of exhortation to help bring others up to an-

other level of excellence.

Never stop learning and growing, never resting on lau-

rels.

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Ministry Toolkit

Inspiring Temple of Praise

Definition of A Deacon

The proudest moment I have experienced thusfar in Deacons Ministry was when we had theBishopric Consecration service in September

2008. There were a myriad of things that did notwork as they were supposed to and the Deacons Min-istry had to step it up a notch and do what we dobest.

Prior to the service, we had meetings both withBishop Jordan alone and with the facilitating Bishopdetailing what was expected of us. I was given thecharge of meeting with the ITOP Deacons Ministryand also the CIC Deacons from several churches tobring us into one accord on serving during this time.It was an overwhelming task, but one that I acceptedgladly.

The day before the service was to be held, thingschanged once again, and we had to move the loca-tion back to ITOP. On a Friday night, with a moment’s notice, Deacons Ministry went to work transportingequipment, furniture, and supplies from one locationto another and transforming the sanctuary, class-rooms, and fellowship hall, into a place of service forthe consecration. This included everything fromcleaning, vacuuming, to moving chairs/tables, andsetting up rooms. And then we had to return to thesame place by 8 a.m. the very next morning.

Did we do it? Yes, we did. Was it a major feat to ac-complish? Yes, it was. Can Deacons do what needsto be done whenever it needs to be done? Yes, wecan and Yes, we will! Deacons Rock!

Sharon

TRUE STORY

Here Am I Lord, Use Me!Deacon (Greek. diakonos): servant, waiting-man, minister, messenger

DeaconService

You don’t miss your water until the

well runs dry.

UnityThe state or quality of being one;singleness; the state or quality ofbeing in accord; harmony; mutual

agreement

ServiceThe performance of work or duties

for a superior or as a servant; assis-tance; help; active devotion to God;

work done or duty performed foranother or others; friendly help

ExcellenceThe state, quality, or condition ofexcelling; superiority; possessing

good qualities in high degree; verygood of its kind; eminently good.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,

Whom shall I send, and who will go for

us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8

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Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to serve as

deacons in the church, entrusting us to be Your examples of

love, support, and peace to your people in their time of need.

Help us to remember the vision and to work towards

accomplishing it. Continue to keep us and teach us how to be

patient, humble, and considerate of others, to think of others

first and not ourselves. We pray that all that we do would be

pleasing unto you. In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

A Prayer For The Ministry

What Makes An Effective Deacon?

Know their area of "giftedness" in diaconal ministry and take the time todevelop those gifts through study and training.

Commit a certain amount of time and energy to a ministry opportunity inaddition to the time required for meetings.

Maintain a healthy balance between work, family life and church work.

Involve their spouses (if married) as partners in ministry where and whenpossible.

Renew themselves spiritually on a regular basis.

Pray often, individually and with the diaconate.

Celebrate regularly what God is doing.Source: www.diaconalministries.com

DeaconService

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“

“

BookstoreStudy to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth .

2 Timothy 2:15

MISSION

Our goal is to serve: The members, covenant part-

ners, and guests of the church.

In their desire to: Seek the Word of God for an-

swers, direction, and spiritual growth.

By means of: Making available literature, reference

tools, and study aids.

KEY DUTIES

1. Provide customer service/support to church members,

partners, guests

2. Oversee all financial and administrative responsibilities of

bookstore (purchases, stocking, reconciling accounts)

3. Service vending machine (stock products, purchase vend-

ing supplies, oversee maintenance/repair)

INSIGHTS

The Word of Life Bookstore was established in February, 1998, and I have been a part of the ministry since its

inception. I became involved as a result of my leadership position within the ministry and was appointed to as-

sist the Store Manager when ITOP first endeavored to establish a church bookstore.

I was responsible for beginning the ministry, so where it was when I started was a concept of Bishop Jordan and

the first Store Manager. It began as a small area in the prior location at 4733 E. Lancaster, with a library of do-

nated books and products, and a few purchased books, Bibles, and videotapes. There was no cash register,

counter, or much floor space. Since that time, we have grown to the current location (our 3rd), with the possibil-

ity of ordering and offering any type of product desired by our customers. We serve as the ITOP merchandise

marketplace, utilizing a top-notch bookstore P.O.S. system, complete with the ability to process debit/credit

cards. In the future, the hope is to be able to serve independently of the ITOP ministry and become a self-

sufficient Christian bookstore; still on the ITOP property, but without having to use church financial support.

We get it done! If there is anything any ministry needs as it relates to books or materials, the Word of Life Book-

store has established a reputation of being able to handle it. This impacts the ministry by making sure material

are available in a timely and efficient manner to conduct ministry in excellence.

I live Bishop’s vision and encourage my team to do the same. Constant focus on the vision and not allowing

obstacles or situations to deter me help to keep the vision alive. As I work, they work. It is difficult to ask some-

one to do something that you, as a leader, are not willing to do. If no one else is passionate about the book-

store, I am, and I make every effort to pass that on to those who work alongside me.

Sharon Burkley

Word Of Life Bookstore, ITOP

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Ministry Toolkit

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LEADERSHIP

SUCCESS

BookstoreSpecialized Services

How does this ministry

measure success?

Success is measured for this ministry by the number of

lives that have been impacted, the eyes and minds that

have been opened by the enlightenment of the Word of

God, and the increased support of our customers.

Skills, training and experience

required to work in this ministry:

Administrative/Clerical

General Bookkeeping

Strong customer service

RESOURCES

Book Web Sites:

Cbaonline.org—Christian Booksellers Association

Christianbook.com—Books, Bible, Christian products

Destinyimage.com

Gospelpublishing.com

Harrisonhouse.com-

LESSONS3 things you must know 1. Ordering a book and PAYING for a book are totally

separate things.

2. Not everyone is as excited about the written word as you

are.

3. Ministry can be very frustrating, but at the same time,

very rewarding.

BUDGET

Some of the major expenses

required to launch and maintain

this ministry:

Bookstore Manager $79 / month

National Processing Center (debit/credit card) $25+ / month

Vending Supplies $75+ / month

Books & Merchandise $200+ / month

Office Supplies $50 / month

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To whom much is given, much is

required.

RESOURCES (cont.)

Vendors:

No Name Ads (T-Shirts)

Candee Henderson

(817) 370-1919

Allen Display (Shelving)

14301 Sommerville Court

Midlothian, VA 23113

(800) 999-2373

www.allendisplay.com

Brodart Library Supplies

100 North Road

McElhattan, PA 17748

(888) 820-4377

www.shopbrodart.com

ProForma

8800 East Pleasant Valley Road

Independence, OH 44131

(800) 825-1525

www.proforma.com

Bookstore Manger—POS System

201 Fannin Street

Abilene, TX 79603

(800) 997-6724

www.bookstoremanager.com

Public Space Plus (stanchion posts, line control, signage)

2436 E. Randol Mill Road

Arlington, TX 76011

(817) 633-5001

Athletic Lettering (Customized Merchandise)

125 S. Jennings Avenue

Fort Worth, TX 76104

(817) 338-0422

www.athleticlettering.net

Church Bookstore3 Benefits

1. Helps to focus the local vision

2. Support church ministries

3. Encourage study/spiritual growth in ministry

BookstoreSpecialized Services

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Ministry Toolkit

Inspiring Temple of Praise

How To Begin

1. Seek support from Pastor

2. Consider requesting book donations from membership; establish library to share books

3. Set up book table in foyer, fellowship hall, available open area

4. Request seed donation from church ministry; utilize church support

5. Begin Book Club; access active readers in ministry

6. Collaborate with church ministries; order books for Women’s ministry, Education, pastor/

ministers

7. Book Tours; visit local area church bookstores of various sizes

8. Establish relationships with other bookstore managers

9. Attend conferences/training to educate yourself; seek knowledge

10. Check out bookstore websites

11. Do not despise small beginnings

Father God, I pray that you will always lead and guide the leadership,

team members, and patrons of the bookstore in the path of righteousness.

Keep us as we endeavor to seek your face, be enlightened by your word,

and apply your teachings to our daily lives, continually striving to

accomplish our predestined purpose. In Christ’s name,

Amen.

A Prayer For The Ministry

BookstoreSpecialized Services