Here are some helpful tips while ministering at
The Bowery Mission:
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Each Chapel service is 45-minutes long.
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Please begin at the start time of each service (see Service Times page), and close the service no later than 45-minutes. (Example: service begins at 6:00pm, completed by 6:45pm) *We continue to desire to show respect by not taking advantage of a "captive audience".
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If you will be late or cannot come, make sure to inform Pastor Reggie Stutzman as soon as possible. Please do not just inform the mission's front desk, make sure to either leave a message on Reggie's voice mail (x113) or speak with him directly or you may email him at rstutzman@bowery.org.
Message Guidelines:
Since there are over 91 services at The Bowery Mission a month, monthly themes are developed to help build consistency and to be more effective. It is crucial to the goal of The Bowery Mission chapel (see home page) that a clear and relevant message is given each time a person walks through the Red Doors. You will be informed of each month's theme. Please develop your message with the theme in mind. These themes are usually general in nature and not intended to restrict any messages, but to streamline the month as a whole.
- Come prepared! Prepare your message before you come to the mission. Messages need to be based on the Bible, using scripture that is applicable to those you're speaking to. Testimonies are great and essential, but keep the scripture first, centered around the monthly theme!
- Prepare with prayer! Be "prayed up" before you minister...you're on the frontlines of ministry with the enemy breathing down your back!
- Do not yell at the people or speak with a condescending or condemning voice. A teaching tone of speaking is more effective than "screaming-preaching". Use "conversational preaching".
- Please do not intimidate the people by walking up and down the middle isle when you are preaching. Stay around the pulpit either on the floor or on the stage.
- Please do not invite the homeless community to give a testimony or sing. We do not know what they will say or do when they go to the microphone.
- Please make sure you check with Pastor Reggie before inviting the students from the Discipleship Program to give a testimony or sing.
- **Give altar calls with the opportunity for people to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- **Pray with people.
- **Talk with people before and after the service. Building relationships is crucial to effective ministry!
- When speaking with others, refer them to Pastor Reggie for follow-up (ie BMDI -Bowery Mission Discipleship Institute, showers, medical/optical clinics, clothing room, counseling, etc.).
"In essentials unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love."
-St. Augustine
