Starting Strong

Resources for New Ministers and Church Leaders 

Are you a ministry leader—lay or clergy—who wants to know how to lead others in growing as a disciple? Do you have a call from God, but are looking for how to become a minister? We at Discipleship Ministries seek to support you in the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

While you could look at this section of our website as “first-time pastor tips,” it is more than that. It’s an invitation into a vibrant life as a ministry leader, providing resources for training, support, and development. In most cases, you will find free downloads for planning or sharing, but in some cases, you will find names of resources for purchase.  Explore eight key areas below and a number of ways to “Go Deeper” as you “start strong” as a ministry leader.

Going Deeper

Do you want to explore resources that will equip you to serve as God has called you? Consider the following articles, websites, podcasts, and other materials to share with your community:

• See All The People: Discovery by Jeff Campbell
• Antiracism Discipleship by Bener Agtarap
• Fresh Expressions UM
• Lay Ministry
• Spiritual Gifts
• Disciples in the Marketplace: Seeing Grace at Work by David Teel
• The New Job Descriptions by Chris Wilterdink
• ResourceUMC
• General Board of Higher Education and Ministry