Module 5: Starting Your Ministry
Now it's time to name your ministry, design a ministry website, and create business cards! Take your time and have fun with this business building part of the course. If you have any questions throughout this module, remember you can submit them via the form below at the bottom of the page.
To complete this module:
To complete this module:
- In sequential order, complete the three working lessons below.
- Execute all assignment action steps within each lesson.
Working Lesson 1: Name Your Ministry
You are now ready to create a name for your counseling ministry. You can either choose to title your ministry by your name, (e.g., Jane Smith Counseling Services at "www.janesmithcounseling.com"), or you can come up with a name that defines the type of counseling you offer. For example, let's say you decide to offer counseling to women who are struggling with eating disorders, you might name your ministry Feed Your Soul Christian Counseling at "www.feedyoursoul.com". Although not necessary, you may also want to consider creating a logo for your ministry.
To arrive at a ministry name, begin by first defining the following:
To arrive at a ministry name, begin by first defining the following:
- Who is your audience? Include your audience demographic and who your ideal clients are.
- What specific struggles and challenges do your ideal clients struggle with?
- What specific counseling services will you offer through your ministry?
- Write a brief paragraph describing your ministry.
Assignment
- Email your answers to the four questions above. You will be using this information when designing your website.
- Email three potential name options for your counseling ministry. Your name submissions will be reviewed, and feedback will be provided on the best name choice.
- Do not progress to Working Lesson 2 until your ministry name is finalized.
Working Lesson 2: Create Your Ministry Website
Now that you have defined your ministry and finalized your ministry's name it's time to create a website! There are many easy-to-use and affordable website services in the market today to help you get started with a professional looking website. Some of these services include Weebly, Square Space, and Wix. Consider selecting from one of these website services or shop around to find a website service you prefer. You may also consider hiring someone to build your ministry website but it is recommended that you learn to build and maintain your own website. Doing so will give you more freedom and flexibility when it comes time to update and edit your site.
At this point, you will also need to create a URL (website address) for your ministry which you can register through the website service that you choose. Be sure that your URL is not already taken and is either the exact name of your ministry or something very close to it. When building out your website be sure it communicates where you are at now with your ministry. Don't worry that you don't have many client testimonials or a lot of material to include on your site at this time. You will update, tweak, and refine your website as you continue to grow. The goal right now is to get a website up with as much accurate detail and information as possible.
Your website should include the following pages or sections:
*As a counseling ministry, you can either accept donations or charge set rates for your counseling services. If you decide to accept donations, consult with your CPA with regards to how best to report ministry donations (profits are usually included as part of net income on your tax return). Then as you grow, you can consider becoming a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry which a nonprofit tax attorney can help you to set up. If you decide to charge a set rates you will want to register your ministry as a business with an LLC designation. Consult your CPA on next steps for setting this up.
At this point, you will also need to create a URL (website address) for your ministry which you can register through the website service that you choose. Be sure that your URL is not already taken and is either the exact name of your ministry or something very close to it. When building out your website be sure it communicates where you are at now with your ministry. Don't worry that you don't have many client testimonials or a lot of material to include on your site at this time. You will update, tweak, and refine your website as you continue to grow. The goal right now is to get a website up with as much accurate detail and information as possible.
Your website should include the following pages or sections:
- Homepage - If using a logo, include it at the top of your website.
- Counseling Services - Include pricing if you decide to charge set fees for counseling.*
- Client Testimonials - Ask your test clients for a testimony and start with these.
- About - Include a bio and current photo of yourself.
- Contact - This is where you would include a CIF. Go back to Module 3 for instructions.
- Donate - If you decide to accept donations in exchange for counseling services.*
- Couples Questionnaire (see example) - Hide this page from the navigation so it doesn't show on main site.
*As a counseling ministry, you can either accept donations or charge set rates for your counseling services. If you decide to accept donations, consult with your CPA with regards to how best to report ministry donations (profits are usually included as part of net income on your tax return). Then as you grow, you can consider becoming a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry which a nonprofit tax attorney can help you to set up. If you decide to charge a set rates you will want to register your ministry as a business with an LLC designation. Consult your CPA on next steps for setting this up.
Assignment
- Email a link of your "draft website" for review. Once reviewed, feedback and suggested edits will be emailed back to incorporated as needed.
- Once you have made a final round of edits, email a link of your "revised website" for a second review.
- Do not progress to Working Lesson 3 until your website is finalized.
Working Lesson 3: Design Business Cards
Consider creating ministry business cards to give potential clients. Below is a suggested outline of information to include on your card. I suggest using www.vistaprints.com. Once your business cards are created progress to Module 6.
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