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Q & A

Introducing the PLACE program to your church requires a clear understanding of your members and their needs today – and a vision for what you believe you and your membership can achieve in the future. The PLACE program also requires your dedicated commitment to planning, implementing and leveraging of the insight obtained.

In an effort to better assist you, we've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and provided the answers below. Have a question that is not on the list? Let us know; we're here to help.

QuestionsHow did PLACE begin and how was the curriculum developed?
PLACE was launched in 1999 at Council Road Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where Jay McSwain, president and founder of PLACE Ministries, served as Associate Pastor of Ministry Development. Since that time, many churches of various sizes and different denominations have participated and responded positively. They have discovered their PLACE of ministry or realized they want to serve in a ministry where they can better maximize their unique design. The curriculum was developed by a multi-faceted team. Pastors, business executives and a psychologist teamed together for design and accuracy.

How does PLACE work?
Participants are led by a facilitator through a comprehensive exploration of personal discovery. The facilitator also helps them understand the biblical mandate for church ministry. Additionally, a one-on-one consultation helps direct them toward ministries within the church where their spiritual gifts and abilities can be the most effective and where they personally can find the most fulfillment.

Why do you call it a "process" rather than a "program"? Aren't the two synonymous when it comes to churches?
A program fills positions according to the need of the program, not according to a person's God-given design. Programs focus on enlisting people for specific events or to head off a crisis. A process is "a way of doing church." Processes are people-centered, not position-centric.

Who are the best target groups for participating in PLACE within a local church?
  • "Pew warmers"
  • New church members
  • Potential church members
  • New Christians
  • Uncommitted members
  • Busy people
  • Senior adults
  • Members with nonstandard work hours

What PLACE resources are needed to implement the process within the local church?
  • An Implementation Guide for beginning the process within a church.
  • A Facilitator's Guide for leading the PLACE workshop training within a church.
  • A Participant Set for each workshop participant.
  • A Consultation Guide for those who will guide recent workshop participants through their completed profiles and on to discovery of ministry opportunities.
  • Other resources and tools are available to enhance the PLACE process.

Other than workshop training and curriculum, what do we need to implement PLACE in our church?
  • Prepare wholeheartedly to implement PLACE as a process, not an event.
  • Realize processes take time.
  • Commit to persistence, endurance and patience in implementing the process.
  • Start the process where you are, not where you desire to be.
  • Be willing to give members more responsibility and empower them to carry out church ministry.
  • Recognize that the makeup of the church will determine the ministries: make the process fit people's needs rather than people fit a programs' needs.
  • Train people for ministry.
  • Make sure you have teachable people.

How do the ministries of my church receive the names of potential volunteers?
PLACE Ministries has developed an online database so that each church can input its PLACE profiles and then make that information available to the ministry leaders. Also, upon completion of a consultation, the consultant will refer the participant to the appropriate church ministry leader and notify the ministry leader of the interests of the participant.

Should PLACE be taught to the whole church at one time?
Ideally, no. This is primarily because of the one-on-one consultation held between a trained PLACE consultant within your church and the workshop participant. The consultant can best facilitate the process if he or she accepts no more than four consultations each month or one a week. To teach it to the entire church at one time would take an unreasonable amount of time to complete.

Is PLACE implemented the same way within each church?
No! Flexibility is key. You have the curriculum and workshop training to mold PLACE to the particular needs of your church. No two places will be the same in carrying out the process.