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 part of the course. If you have any questions throughout this module, remember you can submit them via the form at the bottom of this page.
To complete this module:
To complete this module:
- In sequential order, complete the three working lessons below.
- Execute all assignment action steps.
Working Lesson 1: Name Your Ministry
At this stage in the course, you are 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.janesmith.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 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
- Come up with 3 different name options for your counseling ministry.
- Write a paragraph describing your counseling ministry; be sure to define your services and target audience in your paragraph description.
- Submit your 3 name options and ministry description using the "Have a Question?" form below.
- Once your submission is received, you will receive an email with feedback and be instructed to make a final decision on your ministry's name and finalize your ministry description.
- Do not progress to working lesson 2 until your ministry name and description have been finalized.
Working Lesson 2: Create 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 such as Weebly, Square Space, or Wix. Shop around and find which service you prefer or hire someone to build your ministry website for you. You will also need to decide on a URL web address for your website which you will be prompted to create through the website service you choose. Your URL should be reflective of the name of your ministry.
When beginning to design your website, start by creating a website that is reflective of where you are at now with your ministry (which is just starting out). Don't worry that you don't have success stories yet or other things that you can eventually add to your website as you grow. Once your website is up and running, you will update, add, and refine your website little by little as you go.
To start, your website will need to include the following pages:
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 can consider becoming a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry. At such a time, you will need to find a nonprofit attorney who can help you with the appropriate registration.
When beginning to design your website, start by creating a website that is reflective of where you are at now with your ministry (which is just starting out). Don't worry that you don't have success stories yet or other things that you can eventually add to your website as you grow. Once your website is up and running, you will update, add, and refine your website little by little as you go.
To start, your website will need to include the following pages:
- Homepage
- Counseling Services
- Success Stories (you will grow this page as you receive testimonies from clients)
- About (include bio and a photo of yourself)
- Contact (include a "CIF" and the "Confidentiality & Indemnification Clause" on this page. Go back to Module 3 for instructions.)
- Donate
- Ghost page: Couple's Questionnaire (see example)
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 can consider becoming a 501(c)3 tax exempt ministry. At such a time, you will need to find a nonprofit attorney who can help you with the appropriate registration.
Assignment
- Buildout the above listed pages on your website.
- Submit a link to your website for review using the "Have a Question?" form below.
- Comments and feedback will be sent to your email upon review of your website.
- Incorporate the recommended changes and revisions and finalize your website.
- Do not progress to working lesson 3 until your website is finalized.
Working Lesson 3: Design Business Cards
You are now ready to create business cards! Be sure to include the following information on your cards. Consider using www.vistaprints.com.
- Name of Ministry
- Your Name
- Title (Christian Counselor)
- Phone Number
- Website
- Logo (if using one)
Assignment
- Text a photo of your business card to (201) 892-3959.
- After you receive a reply to your text, you can progress to Training Module 6.
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