How to Organize a Banner Ministry
By now, you’ve probably been to a church or seminar where banners
were used in worship. No doubt you were inspired, even awed by the power
and beauty banners bring to a service. And chances are, since you are
reading this book, you now want to make your own banners — great! Our
first advice: take it slow!
Impatience is the enemy of any art form, and banner-making is no
exception. While it only takes one person who has the desire or talent for
making banners to organize a banner ministry, getting started is often a
challenge. This chapter is designed to help you recognize the hurdles
involved and answer key initial questions before you take any action. As
you go through, keep a pen and paper handy to jot down any ideas you have
along the way.
What is a Banner Ministry?
The word, “minister,” means “one who serves”. Ministry, then, is the
act of serving. If you have a creative or artistic gift, God wants you to offer
that back to Him through ministry. Using your creative gifts to make
banners is a service to God and to the Body of Christ.
A banner ministry is not and never should be considered just an artsand-crafts fellowship. Rather, it is a way to serve and glorify your Creator
while fulfilling your destiny.
One of the wonderful things about banner ministries is that they are
different for each church. While one church may decide to use new banners
every week, another may only make banners to go along with their seasonal
musical programs, and still another may have just one banner that hangs
year-round. Your banner ministry needs only to be what you and your
church are called for it to be.
The successful banner ministry encourages worship, elicits praise, and
deepens understanding of and intimacy with God. If the banners themselves
become the focus, we are worshipping the creation rather than the Creator.
Therefore, remain humble within your calling.