Beginning in January 2027, Maranatha will transition from a continuous, year-round schedule of midweek ministries to a seasonal ministry model. Under this new rhythm, all regular midweek ministries and groups will gather for three months, followed by one month dedicated to rest, renewal, leadership development, and ministry preparation.

1. Healthy rhythms produce healthy disciples.

God designed life with rhythms of work and rest. Healthy ministry follows healthy rhythms.

2. This is about investing in people.

The month off is not “doing less ministry.”

It is intentionally investing in:

·      Training and multiplying leaders

·      Strengthening relationships

·      Prayer

·      Ministry planning

·      Family

·      Personal spiritual renewal

3. We believe this will strengthen every ministry.

Instead of running continuously until leaders become exhausted, ministries will begin each new trimester refreshed, energized, and better equipped.

The off-months also provide clear on ramps and off ramps for people to participate in mid-week ministries. 

4. Everyone will still have plenty of opportunities to belong and grow.

Groups and ministries will meet during three full ministry seasons each year.

The off-month simply creates intentional space for renewal.

The outlined months will be the off months where dedicate our time to rest, renewal, leadership development, and ministry preparation.

  • Healthy ministry requires healthy rhythms. After evaluating our ministry schedule and praying together as leaders, we believe this new rhythm will better care for people while strengthening every ministry.

  • No. We’re creating healthier ministry. The number of ministry opportunities remains significant, but we’re adding intentional periods of rest and leadership development.

  • During the break month we will:

    ·      Invest in volunteer leaders

    ·      Provide leadership training

    ·      Evaluate ministry

    ·      Prepare for the next trimester

    ·      Encourage families to spend time together

    ·      Encourage personal spiritual rest and renewal

  • Yes. Weekend worship services continue as normal.

  • Midweek gatherings will follow the same seasonal rhythm.  Weekend youth and children’s ministries continue without interruption.

  • Groups are welcome to maintain friendships and gather informally.  However, official church programming and curriculum will pause during the scheduled rest month, so everyone shares the same healthy rhythm.

  • We believe it will deepen discipleship.  Healthy leaders disciple people more effectively than exhausted leaders.

  • A shared calendar allows the whole church family to rest together, invest in leaders together, and launch each new ministry season together.

  • Our weekend services continue every week, and people can participate in church-wide events before joining mid-week ministries the next ministry season.

  • Yes. Growth Groups will follow the same seasonal rhythm as all midweek ministries.

  • Yes. Certain church-wide events, holiday celebrations, seasonal outreach opportunities, and other special gatherings will continue.

  • Many volunteers faithfully serve year-round with little opportunity to rest, grow, or simply participate in church life with their families.  This rhythm provides built-in time to recharge, receive encouragement and training, and return ready to serve with renewed energy.

FAQ’s