Starting a Prayer Ministry Team
Prayer is essential to ministry. You might be an individual who feels led to start a prayer ministry in your church or in a smaller group within your church. Here are a few suggestions to get a Prayer Ministry Team started. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in choosing what is best for your group.
- Get the support of the church or auxiliary leader if the Prayer Ministry will be functioning within a larger group or church body. This step will give the group validity, help with funds for operating, and increase visibility. Develop your plan for how you envision the team operating . Be prepared to present your plan in writing.
- Select a prayer team leader and team members. You may be the team leader, or someone else. Whereas group diversity is welcome, when choosing prayer team members consider: a.Those who believe in the power of prayer b.Those whose lives are set apart for God’s service c.Those who can be available to pray d.Those who want to strengthen their prayer lives and e.Those that are committed to prayer.
- Schedule an initial team meeting. This will be a good time to get organized, develop agreement among the group and give start up material.
- Discuss the concept of prayer ministry and the goals of the team. Members need to get to know one another spiritually.
- If possible, provide a packet or prayer resource kit. It might contain information about prayer ministry, a schedule of meeting dates, strategies for prayer, a daily devotional, book of prayers, etc.
- Develop and emphasize practices for effectiveness within the group. A few of these practices would include:
Agreement in Prayer (to avoid conflicting focus)
Confidentiality of personal information
Listening to hear God’s voice
Follow up and feedback on prayer requests as often as possible
Making prayer team activities known to the broader church/community
- Develop a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual Prayer Plan. Be prepared to report on the results of prayer in larger meetings.
- Decide which of the following prayer venues may be effectively used within your setting.
| Prayer Vigils /Prayer Watches | Prayer Walks | Prayer Conference Calls |
| Prayer Breakfasts | Prayer Partners | Prayer Calendars |
| Prayer Retreats | Intercessory Prayer Times | Church Worship Services |
- Actively use resources for prayer ministry
Prayer Journals Books on Prayer Devotionals
- Provide opportunities for people to request prayer. Remind requesters of their responsibilities for faith and obedience (scriptural). Encourage the use of the following avenues for requesting prayer.
a. Prayer Request Cards b. Church Website c. Telephone Prayer Lines
d. Open requests during service when permissible
Scripture says that God calls and equips different people for different works of ministry. So much can be accomplished when we obediently receive and walk in that calling. If God is speaking to you about starting a Prayer Ministry Team, launch out on faith. The church will benefit and the lives of people will be enriched.