Why Your Ministry is NOT for the Entire World

Have you ever been to a church and thought, "This is not the place for me" ?

If so, you're not alone.

Every ministry has its own personality; and what may work for one Believer may not work for others.

One of my favorite ministries to follow is World Changers, International. Dr. Creflo Dollar has blessed me with his teachings related to finances and Kingdom dominion; and while his ministry has received criticism over the years, I find his work to be exactly what I needed.

In this empowering post, I want to teach about the value of positioning your ministry for a specific type of follower. While you may think your work is fitting for every person, in truth, it will attract (and repel) people, and this is a good thing!

Let's dive into this teaching.

Knowing to Whom You've Been Called to Serve

I want to begin this teaching with an analysis of Yeshua's earthly ministry. 

While ministering to the people, He focused His attention on the Jews or the "lost sheep of Israel." Even while outsiders pleaded with Yeshua to bring healing and deliverance to them, His focused remained fixed on the people He was called to serve. 

Let's examine this in Matthew 15.

After leaving there, Jesus withdrew to the district of [c]Tyre and Sidon. And a [d]Canaanite woman from that district came out and began to cry out [urgently], saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David (Messiah); my daughter is cruelly possessed by a demon.” But He did not say a word in answer to her. And His disciples came and asked Him [repeatedly], “Send her away, because she keeps shouting out after us.” He answered, “I was commissioned by God and sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to kneel down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And He replied, “It is not good (appropriate, fair) to take the [e]children’s bread and throw it to the [f]pet dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord; but even the pet dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in My power] is great; it will be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment. (Matthew 15:21-28 AMP)

We know from various Scriptures that Yeshua spoke often about the Jews and how salvation had finally come to them. 

​He did not come to the Gentiles or the Greeks. He was specific in His assignment, because He knew the Gospel message would eventually spread to the world through His followers.

Paul had a similar focus. While he initially tried to reach the Jews, his ministry eventually focused on the Gentiles.

As a new ministry leader, it's important for you to know that you are not called to minister to the entire world.

​Your work will have a specific focus; and while your message will pull from the same source as every true Believer, God will send people your way who can receive from someone just like you.

How to Identify Your Reader, Consumer, and Ministry Follower

When working with my clients, one of the first lessons I teach is this: "You are not called to minister to everyone. Your books and ministry will be focused on one type of person. Master that."

In the business world, we call this "niching down." In other words, we teach that one of the best ways to differentiate yourself in this crowded space is to focus on a segment within the general population, and to create content and products that solve that segment's problems.

For example, back in 2016 when I started taking my business and ministry seriously, I decided to focus my attention on Christian Authors and Speakers. I wanted to create an educational platform and school that would help each one thrive in their venture.

When other people observed my work, some asked if I'd be willing to work with those outside my niche (of Christian publishing). 9 times out of 10, my response was "no," because I wanted to be known in this virtual space as the Christian Writerpreneurs' coach.

I identified this niche or market by locating a problem that needed solving. I knew God had anointed writers in the earth who could help spread His message. But such folks knew little about thriving in their calling. Many of them wanted to know how to generate wealth using their gifts, because they wanted to commit to their work of ministry full-time.

In response to this need, I developed The Christian Writerpreneurs Movement and LiyahAmore University, which function as the spiritual and technical training ground for new and seasoned Christian Authors, Speakers, and Ministry Leaders.

And just as I identified a need in the market, I teach my clients and students they must do the same.

When it comes to walking in your calling and creating your ministry (which is a business), you must identify the EXACT people you are called to serve. One of the easiest ways to start this process is by examining the story you will use as the center for your work.

In other words, your life's experience will often indicate the people you are called to serve. For example, if you've been sexually assaulted and God brought healing and restoration to you, perhaps you're called to minister to other women in that situation.

Maybe you're a single mother who learned how to navigate this world without assistance. Your ideal readers, consumers, and ministry followers will be other single mothers.

Even if other ministry leaders are tackling the same issue you want to address in your work, no one can reach everyone. 

It will be your unique proposition -- your virtual thumbprint -- that will set you a part from others.

Your Ministry Should NOT Look Like the Rest

One of the challenges confronting my clients is their fear of standing out in the crowd. Sometimes they worry their ministry will not be as big or successful as FKMinistries or that of others. Sometimes they feel the need to replicate another ministry's brand, and that's when I step in and tell them, "No, we need to see you, not a ministry copy cat."

I want to make this point clear: your ministry should NEVER look like the rest. You have a unique calling and mission. You have a unique brand and reputation. You are an individual, and this is what the virtual space needs to see.

When it comes to my brand, I make it a point not to fit within the confines of people's expectations. For example, as you may know, a part of FKMinistries includes discussing Black conservatism. Back in 2018, this national conservative movement (led primarily by millennials) began reaching mainstream audiences. My name and that of others started gaining more attention.

As our followings grew to millions, I noticed that people (mostly White Conservatives) tried to box all Black Conservatives -- especially the women -- into a controlled think tank by which we would be forced to say what they wanted to hear. At one time, audiences compared me to Candace Owens, who, despite having the ability to take the movement higher, had completely damaged the work we had accomplished. 

At every chance I could, I told my following, "I am not Candace Owens. My name is Felecia Killings, and you would do well to remember that!" The audience wanted my message and my platform to look just like hers, even though her ideologies contracted my own. And when I rejected their pressure, they wanted to unfollow me.

Throughout that time period, I purposely promoted a brand and ministry that was distinct from hers and others; and in doing so, those who were destined to remain associated with FKMinistries stayed.

In like manner, you will find your ministry does not look like the rest, and that's a good thing! When people discover that your ministry is different -- that you're willing to do things unconventionally -- they will appreciate your work much more than if you tried to replicate another's work.

I Attract the People I Want, and I Repel Folks on Purpose...and So Should You

Within FKMinistries, we have 6 sub-ministries that help us fulfill our mission of engaging God's people in this end-time revival and national reformation.

And each sub-ministry has a specific target audience that will find our work fitting for their lives.

For example, The Holy Ghost and You emerged when I learned so many women were too afraid to walk in their calling because of their scandalous stories.

I remember the countless times I wanted to work with other Christian female bloggers, or I wanted to be a guest speaker at a women's summit; I knew they would reject me because of what the Internet said about me.

I realized in those moments that my experience was not my own.

In other words, there are millions of women feeling trapped by their stories, hiding in their caves, too afraid to emerge in their calling because they fear what other people might say about them.

As the Holy Spirit and I began developing the curriculum for this sub-ministry, He revealed His own desire to see such women break free from such bondage. So, I began shifting my message and focus. Suddenly, I didn't care about Sister Never-Do-Wrong, who never drank or smoked or fornicated or had an abortion or did anything sinful in her life. I didn't want her in FKMinistries.

I didn't want to the goody-two-shoes who never experienced extreme emotional pain and fear.

I wanted the woman sitting in the back of the church, the guilt-ridden one who fears someone will learn she sold her toddler daughter into the sex slave industry.

I wanted that woman who's singing in the choir, doing all she can to keep active in the church because she's trying to avoid going home to her abusive husband.

I wanted that woman who cut her wrist two weeks ago, but hides behind that emotional pain each time she attends the woman's tea luncheon.

I wanted women with the scandalous stories, because in each one of them is the potential to take their story and turn it into a ministry of deliverance.

Now, I know The Holy Ghost and You won't be popular among the traditional churches. I know I won't be invited to attend most women's meetings. I don't care, either!

If I want a meeting, I'll create one myself and bring women on the team who have the same zeal and passion to empower "the least of these." 

I know my ministry is repulsive to many people. Yeshua was repulsive to the religious people during His earthly ministry.

But I also know I'm attracting the exact women God has appointed for FKMinistries; and because I know this, I am confident in this grace. (But mark my words: ten years from now, it will become a popular thing among other ministries to embrace people with the worst stories, because they will see the evidence of the Holy Spirit's power working in them.)

Differentiating Your Ministry's Brand Using Your Unique Voice

Within The Christian Writerpreneurs Ministry, I teach our members how to differentiate their platform by creating a brand voice unique to their personality.

By brand voice, I am referring to your ability to showcase your virtual ministry's reputation using certain words.

For example, within FKMinistries, our brand voice is professional, conversational, and educational. We want our members and readers to gain expert knowledge regarding our niche topics; but we don't want to overwhelm them with scholarly, academic rhetoric, because we understand we are working with an audience of beginners (for the most part).

Our brand voice fits perfectly within the gift of teaching I have; and if you want to differentiate your ministry from another's, then you will want to discover your brand voice as well.

Here's another example of one of God's daughters displaying her unique ministry using brand voice: Sophia Ruffin.

There aren't many young, female ministers that I follow, but I LOVE Sophia!

I first came across her virtual ministry back in 2016. She launched her platform on Facebook, and began sharing her testimony of being delivered from homosexuality.

Her raw, uncut persona could be felt in every video she posted. Her message of hope and healing hit home with her target audience: other women dealing with this struggle. And because of her loud, colorful nature, she captivated hearts nationwide. (Follow Sophia here.)

Sophia's virtual ministry is vastly different than FKMinistries, even though we use the same platforms and the same marketing methods to reach our audiences (blog posts, published books, videos, etc.).

But the manner in which we convey our message (and the audience we minister to specifically) are different; and this is what makes the Body of Christ so strong.

Personally, I am ineffective in ministering directly to people caught up in homosexuality. I don't know what it's like to be bound by those passions. My approach to addressing the matter might turn some people off, in fact.

But Sophia nails this area of ministry because she's experienced it.

In like manner, I can't reach the people God has called you to reach. This is what makes you such a vital member in the Body, because you have a specific audience that is ready to receive what you have to offer.

​And this leads me to my final point:

Become the Go-To Ministry within a Segment of the Christian Market

Listen, I know we all want our books and products in the hands of every Believer. But that simply won't happen.

Instead, I want you to focus on being the go-to person in your niche as it relates to Christendom. When people search for a keyword or phrase, I want them to discover your name and ministry.

Ten years from now, when the phrase "virtual ministries and online churches" is mentioned, Felecia Killings will be there because I'm producing content today that will empower people who are ready to launch their works.

The more content I produce around this topic (and those of our other ministries), the easier it becomes for FKMinistries to draw in the crowds; and the same will happen for you.

If your ministry focuses on single mothers, then create online content (blog posts, videos, etc.) related to that topic. Share unique strategies for helping women like that. Give your personal testimonies. Develop online courses and books related to it. Own the space by displaying your unique gifts.

As you do this, you will start to see your ministry attracting the very people God has destined for you to have. But you must be willing to put forth the effort today, because your ministry's future won't happen by luck or chance. It will manifest based on the decisions you make right now.

If you, Beloved, are ready to step into this greatness, I want to invite you to join me and my team of coaches as we teach you more about turning your story into a ministry of deliverance. Here's how to get started.

​Join Us Inside The Holy Ghost and You Ministry, Located in FKMinistries, and Receive Powerful Teachings from Our Ministry's Coaches

​The Holy Ghost and You is a branch of FKMinistries, whose mission is to train and equip women to build powerful virtual ministries that bring deliverance and healing to others using their stories. Our ministry focuses on women who were despised, rejected, humiliated, and scorned; and we empower them to walk in virtue, health, strength, and might.

As a member of FKMinistries and a partner in The Holy Ghost and You Movement, you will connect with other dynamic women of faith. You will also learn:

• what it takes to build a virtual ministry using your authorship from this year's experts (and you don't need a ministry license to operate in this calling);
• how to use your story to empower other people;
• how to break free from shame and guilt;
• how to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit, who will empower you for this work.​

About Felecia Killings

Felecia Killings is an award-winning coach, speaker, trainer, and book-publishing expert. She is the Founder of FKMinistries, a virtual church that equips today's Believers to engage in this end-time revival and national reformation using the written and spoken word.

From 2011-2018, Felecia worked as a freelance ghostwriter and content editor to entrepreneurs and ministry leaders; and she delivered one-to-one coaching services to upcoming Christian Writerpreneurs. 
​
Today, Felecia travels the country, delivering actionable, empowering training sessions to upcoming leaders who want to increase their impact, influence, and power in today's world using storytelling and book publishing. She equips women ministers, conservative organizations, ministry leaders of small churches, and new writerpreneurs, empowering them for exponential growth in their business or ministry.