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:

• In sequential order, complete the three working lessons below.

• Execute all assignment action steps.

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.

Assignment

1. Come up with a name for your counseling ministry.
2. Write a paragraph describing your counseling ministry. Be sure to define your services and target audience in your paragraph description. ​
3. Do not progress to working lesson 2 until your ministry name and description are 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 communicates where you are at now with your ministry. Don't worry that you may not have a lot of client testimonials or material to include on your website at this time. As you grow, you can update, add, and refine your website little by little. The goal at this point is to get a website up with as much detail and information as possible.

To start, your website will need to include the following pages:

• Homepage
• Counseling Services
• Client Testimonials (ask your test clients for a testimony and start with these)
• About (include bio and a photo of yourself)
• Contact (consider including a "CIF" and the "Confidentiality & Indemnification Clause" on this page. Go back to Module 3 for instructions.)
• Donate* (or services page with pricing)
• Ghost page: Couples Questionnaire (see example)

*As a counseling ministry, you may want to consider asking clients to make a donation in exchange for your counseling services. As you grow, you can consult your CPA with regards to 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

1. ​Email a link to your website for review to [email protected].
2. Feedback on your site will be emailed to you.
3. Incorporate any of the recommended site revisions you choose to and finalize your website.
4. Do not progress to working lesson 3 until your website is finalized.

Working Lesson 3: Design Business Cards

You may want to consider creating ministry business cards to give to potential clients. If you decide to create business cards, be sure to include the following information on your cards. Consider using www.vistaprints.com. Once your business cards are created, you can progress to the next module.

• Name of Ministry
• Your Name
• Title (Christian Counselor)
• Phone Number
• Email
• Website
• Logo (if using one)

PROGRESS TO MODULE 6

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