A Ministry of Co-Creators

A Ministry of Co-Creators, There’s a strange but honest confession I need to make as a pastor: I used to think I had to do it all.

Plan the events. Teach the lessons. Pray the prayers. Lead the songs. Pick up the pizza…. Clean up the glitter. (Why is there always glitter?)

And if I’m being even more honest, part of me kind of liked it. It felt good to be “needed.” But over 30+ years,  I realized something was off. I wasn’t tired because ministry was hard—I was tired because I was never meant to do it alone. And neither were you. Neither was anyone.

Ministry Was Never Meant to Be a Solo Gig

Ephesians 4:12 says it so clearly:

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry.”

Not entertain them. Not impress them. EQUIP them.

>> What if we stopped building ministries of spectators and started creating communities of co-creators?

What if the teens helped shape the youth night themes?
What if the parents co-led the service projects?
What if the quiet administrative genius got to design the behind-the-scenes systems that make it all work?

Co-Creators Bring More Than Help—They Bring Heart

Here’s what I’m learning: when someone feels like a co-creator in ministry, not just a helper, they show up differently. They carry ownership. They dream bigger. They risk more. They care deeper.

We stop just “recruiting volunteers” and start recognizing gifts.
We stop assigning tasks and start releasing callings.
We stop trying to do more and start helping others be more.

My Job Isn’t to Do Everything—It’s to Draw Everyone In

These days, my favorite moments in ministry aren’t when I’ve nailed a talk or pulled off a great event. My favorite moments are when I see someone else, ESPECIALLY a young person come alive in their calling—especially when they didn’t know they had it in them.

That middle schooler who prayed out loud for the first time.
That high school student who led a small group without an adult in the room.
That parent who had never preached but dropped wisdom in Sunday School like it was second nature.

Let’s Build Ministries of Co-Creators

If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or even just someone who loves your church:
Let’s stop doing ministry FOR people.
Let’s start doing it WITH them.

Let’s build something together—a ministry where people don’t just show up, they co-create. Because the Church is at its best not when one person does everything……but when every person does their thing.

And yes, there will still be glitter. But at least now, I’m not sweeping it up alone.