Greetings!
I only know what I know, but when I ask the right questions, I get to learn what other people know. Turns out, they know a lot more than me! We can all learn from each other, so here are some ways you can host a brainstorming session to discover fresh ministry ideas by simply asking the right questions.
Let the Brainstorming Begin
Take care of these before the brainstorms come so ideas can fall like rain.
- Define the Issue: Begin by clearly defining the topic, question or problem. This will be the main topic for brainstorming and might be as simple as, "How can we do ministry better?" or could be a more complex consideration. The point is to have clear focus.
- Gather a Group: Secure a location, and invite the people whose brains you hope to storm.
- Gather the Goods: You will need a flip chart or marker board to record ideas and paper and pens for everyone in the room. I like to scatter chocolates around because that inspires me! Other refreshments are always appreciated, and music makes the atmosphere fun and inviting.
Helpful Hints for Brainstorms
Share some basic brainstorming guidelines before you begin.
- All ideas have potential, so withhold judgment. This is an idea free for all. Let them roll.
- Quantity is better than quality. Focus on the number of ideas rather than whether or not the ideas are feasible, practical or helpful
- Out of the ordinary is in. The more wild, out of the box, unusual, surprising...the better.You never know!
- Build up. One person's idea can become a foundation for others. Keep adding to the idea until the thoughts run dry.
6 Ways to Generate a Storm of Ideas
Right questions invite right answers. These activities enable participants to ask themselves some simple questions that have the potential for generating some great new answers.
Ask in reverse. Looking at a topic from an opposing viewpoint opens up fresh perspective, so pose your question in reverse. For example, "What is women's ministry not?"
Write a simile. Let's say you are brainstorming about women's ministry in general. Ask each person to compare women's ministry to something else by writing a simile. In this case, someone might come up with, "WM is like a rain shower...refreshing and nurturing whatever it touches so it can grow." This insight lets you in on what others think WM is really about.
Be a journalist. Ask the basic investigative questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? This simple line of questioning often evokes the most interesting responses of all.
Create clusters. Give each person a random word chosen from a dictionary. Ask them to write this word in a circle in the middle of a blank page. Draw a spoke from this circle and write a related word. Repeat for 5-10 minutes to create new categories and subcategories. When time is up, share and discuss how these thoughts relate to the topic at hand.
Build a cube. A cube has six sides, and so does this brainstorming idea. Take a closer look at your main topic by (1) describing it, (2) comparing it, (3) analyzing it, (4) associating it, (5) applying it and (6) arguing for or against it.
Write an acronym. Choose a word, like "leader," and use each letter to describe a leader. This simple activity is easy to do with a group and will help consolidate ideas that rise to the surface.
Close out the session with a discussion of the ideas, and then send the women home to sleep on their own fresh inspiration with a renewed sense of purpose for her ministry role. I gather the papers and notes and return to my office to sort through it all and pray over how to proceed. I've always found more than enough helpful takeaway ideas and love sharing the opportunity to explore ways to reach out, meet needs and make a difference.
One More Tip: It's great to begin a brainstorming session with an activity that helps get the creative juices flowing. Here's an idea we really like!
Blessings,
Karen True
Executive Editor
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Jennifer Rothschild, Founder
womensministry .net
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