Available November 2008 “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs” ( The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2008 , ¶120. Small Membership Church The vast majority of United Methodist churches are small membership churches that can be and are vital places of ministry that matter. Most are situated in areas where there are people outside any faith community and have great potential for ministry. Look for this and more: A biblical/theological basis for small church ministry Finding vitality and gifts with the members you have Being faithful stewards with the gifts and talents available Establishing the necessary ministries for nurture, outreach, and witness Caring for the administrative ministries The twenty-six Guidelines cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church ; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees ; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, and Christian Education , age-level ministries, Communications , and more. Church Council Pastor Pastor Parish Relations Finance Stewardship Trustees Lay Leader/ Lay Member Leader Selection & Development Small Group Ministries Small Membership Church Christian Education Adult Ministries Children's Ministries Family Ministries Youth Ministries Evangelism Worship Advocates for Inclusiveness Church and Society Church Historian Communications Higher Education & Campus Ministry Mission Men's Ministries Women's Ministries Scouting & Civic Youth-Serving Ministry