The field of ministry resources is overwhelming, and searching for excellent, theologically appropriate resources is a time-consuming and daunting task for church leaders. That’s where The Ministry Lab comes in.
The Ministry Lab (formerly The Resource Center for Churches) is a network of the United Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ congregations in Minnesota. Gathering their wisdom, The Ministry Lab recommends and shares web, video, print, curriculum, and other resources for all areas of church life. All Minnesota United Methodist clergy, staff, and lay leaders are welcome to contact The Ministry Lab for access to a wide variety of outstanding ministry resources and free consultation. Access to The Ministry Lab is made possible through apportionment dollars. (And The Ministry Lab does mail resources to churches interested in borrowing them!)
Borrow materials: This includes a huge assortment of DVD and print resources—as well as canvas labyrinths. You can browse The Ministry Lab’s offerings and check out items from its physical location at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, or staff will mail resources directly to you.
Receive relevant recommendations: The Ministry Lab staff welcome questions in-person or via e-mail, phone or video conference; they take time to listen and understand your church—and then find resources that meet your goals and fit your congregation, and suggest creative ways to use them.
Find ecumenical resources for all areas of church life: The Ministry Lab lifts up quality, appropriate resources from a huge array of ecumenical and denominational sources across the mainline. It has a strong history of work with faith formation of young people and adult small groups, but it addresses every ministry area, including leadership and vitality, worship planning, stewardship, pastoral care, communications, and outreach to the neighborhood and world.
Benefit from the wisdom of other users: When you contact The Ministry Lab, you tap into a wide network of partner congregations rather than relying on one “expert.” The Ministry Lab gathers and shares the wisdom of other users.
Visit the The Ministry Lab website to see what’s new and spark your imagination; check out curated lists of best resources by topic; and let the curriculum page guide you through the maze of options.
Email The Ministry Lab with any ministry question, or call (651) 279-1677.
“Like” The Ministry Lab on Facebook to see resources, articles, and ideas relevant to your congregation.
Sign up for The Ministry Lab e-newsletter to see recommended new and seasonal resources.
The Ministry Lab is located at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities: 767 N. Eustis St., Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 55114.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
“I think [The Ministry Lab] does an outstanding job of staying on top of the best and the most current resources. Lizabeth is just amazing. I look to her as a prescreening. I get flooded with ads for this and ads for that, and I think, ‘Is this the right fit for my particular setting?’ She’s on top of all of that. Instead of having to spend hours going down a rabbit hole looking for stuff, she recommends the best print and online resources.” —Rev. Donna Draeger, former minister of disciple formation, Centennial UMC, Roseville
“I LOVE [The Ministry Lab]! I use it all the time. This resource is especially useful as I lead weekly Bible study; we would not be able to afford such high-quality resources…without [The Ministry Lab]. Lizabeth is incredibly helpful; I simply tell her what I’m even imagining teaching or preparing, and she always comes up with multiple options that I can take home, look through, ponder, choose from, and then return the others that don't work for me.” —Rev. Sarah Lawton, Hope UMC, Duluth
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058