Module 5: Starting Your Ministry
Now it is time to create a name for your ministry, design a ministry website, and begin marketing yourself by completing the following three lessons. Take your time, and have fun with this part of the training. If you have any questions throughout this module, remember you can submit your questions via the form at the bottom of this page.
Name Your Ministry
At this stage in the course, you are ready to create a name for your counseling ministry. You can choose to call your ministry by your name, for example, Jane Smith Counseling Services at "www.janesmith.com". Or, you can come up with a name that defines more of what you do as far as counseling. For example, let's say you decide to offer counseling to women who are struggling with eating disorders, you might want to name your ministry Feed Your Soul Christian Counseling at "www.feedyoursoul.com". Take some time to brainstorm and come up with three different name options for your ministry. You can also consider creating a logo for your ministry.
Assignment
Write a paragraph describing your counseling ministry in more detail. In your description, define your services and target market (e.g., women who struggle with eating disorders). Then, via the form below, submit this description along with the three name options for your ministry. Your ministry description and name options will be reviewed, and feedback will be provided as to a recommended name choice. Once you have received feedback, go ahead and make a final decision on the name for your ministry and finalize your description.
Note: Do not progress to the next section in this module until you have finalized your ministry name and description.
Note: Do not progress to the next section in this module until you have finalized your ministry name and description.
Build Your Ministry Website
Now that you have a name and description for your ministry, it's time to create a website! There are many easy-to-use, affordable website services. Personally, I like www.weebly.com, but you can try other services such as www.squarespace.com or www.wix.com. Shop around and find which service works best for you. Or, you may consider hiring someone to build your website for you. Be sure your website includes, at a minimum, the following pages:
To get started, you will need to establish a website that is reflective of where you are at. Don't worry if you don't have success stories yet, or other things that you may want to eventually add. As you grow, you will update and refine your website as you go.
Accepting Donations
As a counseling ministry, I suggest asking clients to make a donation in exchange for your counseling services. As you grow, you may want to consult your CPA with regards to when and how to report donations on your tax return. In time, you may wish to become a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry, at which time, you will want to find a nonprofit attorney who can help you with the appropriate registration.
- Homepage
- Counseling Services
- Success Stories (you will grow this page as you receive testimonies from clients)
- About
- Contact (Include a CIF on this page)
- Donate
To get started, you will need to establish a website that is reflective of where you are at. Don't worry if you don't have success stories yet, or other things that you may want to eventually add. As you grow, you will update and refine your website as you go.
Accepting Donations
As a counseling ministry, I suggest asking clients to make a donation in exchange for your counseling services. As you grow, you may want to consult your CPA with regards to when and how to report donations on your tax return. In time, you may wish to become a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry, at which time, you will want to find a nonprofit attorney who can help you with the appropriate registration.
Assignment
Using the form below, submit a link to your ministry website once you have completed building out the above listed pages. Comments and feedback will be provided upon review of your website. Once you receive comments back, please incorporate the appropriate changes and revisions, and finalize your website. Do not progress to the next section of this lesson until your website is finalized.
Market Your Ministry
You are now ready to start marketing yourself! Create business cards that include the information listed below. I recommend using www.vistaprints.com.
- Name of Your Ministry
- Logo (if you have one)
- Your Name
- Title
- Phone Number
- Website
Assignment
When your business cards arrive, take a photo of one, and text the photo to 201-892-3959. Once you receive a reply to your text, you can move on Training Module 6.
Have a Question?
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Submit a question at any point during the training. You will receive a response via email unless your question requires a more detailed response, then a call will be scheduled.
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