The duty and main focus of an MIA is to assist leadership so that they can freely minister before the Lord. In order to be effective and render the best support possible, we must listen for and follow the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must operate as a unified board, covering all areas of our ministry as one body. To accomplish this, we must know the strengths and weaknesses of each other in order to fulfill our responsibilities as a whole as well as to give the Holy Spirit free course in teaching us how to serve. As we serve, we become skillful, discerning areas in which there may be a lack. The ministry should not feel the absence of our service. The scripture denotes that “iron sharpens iron” (Psalms 27:17).
Our sharpening will come as we move with the Holy Spirit.
WORKERS AT THE DOOR It is very important that those MIAs working the door do so with their whole heart, mind and soul. Sometimes you will be the first person that one will encounter when they enter the sanctuary. You can help set a positive atmosphere and bring joy and encouragement to their heart just by the spirit in which you greet them. We must keep in mind that we are there to serve others, not ourselves. If you are going through tests or trials, this is not the time or place for you to display a bad attitude or negative emotions.
You must rise above how you feel and work ministry with a righteous character even when your situations or circumstances are not favorable.
A. All MIAs must be at the sanctuary twenty (20) minutes prior to the start of service and at their post ready to work five (5) minutes before the service is scheduled to start.
B. The MIAs are responsible to seat all BTI Apostles, Bishops, Pastors, Prophets and Prophetesses and any visiting Apostle, Bishop, Pastor, Prophet, Prophetess and Evangelist. Senior leadership should inform the MIAs when special guests will be visiting with us if they know in advance of their attendance.
C. MIAs should check with the Senior Pastor regarding who will sit in the pulpit or rostrum.
D. When a leader enters the sanctuary they should be pleasantly greeted by an MIA who should then proceed as follows:
1. Make eye contact with the person, smile and say something like “Good morning Pastor Doe, how are you today?” Do not be shy or timid but address them with a clear and confident voice. The MIAs should also be mindful not to invade a person’s personal space. When greeting someone stand at least two (2) feet away from them. We should not be so close to an individual to where they begin to feel smothered or uncomfortable.
Male MIAs should not make the first move to hug females unless she makes the jester to do so initially. If she does hug you then try not to make contact with her private parts. Try to stick to a hand shake as much as possible.
Likewise, the same goes for the female MIAs when greeting a male. Be pleasant, when greeting, but avoid getting into long conversations. If a leader needs to speak with you for a moment then move to the side so that the doorway to the sanctuary is not blocked. If a leader needs to have an extended conversation with you, then politely explain to them that you are on duty and ask if the two of you can meet after the service. If it is absolutely necessary that they meet with you at that moment then let your president or the MIA in charge know the situation and ask if someone else can cover your post.
2. Do not take a leader’s Bible, briefcase, purse, etc., without first saying something like, “may I take those for you,” unless they hand them to you before you ask.
3. Proceed to take them to their seat and be mindful to walk in front of them. Walk with head and shoulders up. Walk at a moderate pace—not too fast or too slow. Facial expression and body language is important. There should be a pleasant look on your face as you escort them to a seat.
4. Once at the seat, let them sit before you give them back their personal belongings. If they are seated at a table, then place their Bible, glasses and study aids on the table and their handbag and/or briefcase on the floor next to their chair. Make certain to stand at a reasonable distance from the chair so that the leader can be seated without having to go around you.
E. Once the leader is seated, the MIA should return immediately to his or her post to be on hand to assist others.
F. An MIA should inquire as to who will be ministering the lesson, look at the color of their clothing and give them a facial cloth that matches or compliments the color they are wearing.
G. MIAs must be mindful of the proper way to retrieve something from the floor. For instance, we should stoop down with knees bent to avoid our posterior area flashing the congregation. Also, we should never bend over to pick something up and raise one leg while doing so. It may look vulgar, especially for women.
PLACEMENT OF THE MICROPHONE The following are the guidelines that should be followed when the speaker will be using a Lapel or a Headset microphone.
A. The microphone should be placed on the speaker at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the lesson.
B. Have safety pins available in case it becomes necessary to pin the cord to the garment of the speaker. When using a headset microphone make certain that the microphone is securely in place and is not uncomfortable to the speaker.
C. The cord of the microphone should be placed inside or down the back of the speaker’s suit jacket or blouse so as not to be visible to the congregation nor a distraction to the speaker. If the speaker is wearing a dress it may be necessary to place the microphone under her dress.
D. Securely fasten the microphone to the speaker’s belt, skirt or pants at the waist. Once the microphone is in place, ask the sound department to do a microphone check. Once the microphone has been checked, turn it to the off position until the speaker is ready to minister. Note: An MIA should turn the microphone on right before the speaker walks to the podium.
E. If the speaker will be using a hand held microphone, then the MIAs are to make certain that the speaker has the microphone 15 minutes prior to approaching the podium.
F. The MIAs are to make certain that the reader, if the speaker has requested one, has a microphone 15 minutes prior to the start of the lesson. If all microphones are in use then make certain that the reader gets a microphone as soon as one becomes available.
G. Because it may be necessary at times for the microphone to be placed under the blouse, shirt or dress of the speaker, we ask that the male on male and female on female approach is used. However, if it is not necessary to go under the shirt of a male speaker, then a female MIA can be used if the speaker is a male.
H. Microphones are very sensitive equipment so please make certain to handle with care. They should never be thrown, dropped, sat on and the cords should never be pulled. However, if the microphone is damaged in some way while in the MIA’s possession, they should inform the sound department immediately so that the damages, if any, can be assessed and repaired.
IN THE SANCTUARY (Pre-service set-up & clean-up) The following duties are to be completed the night before scheduled service or one hour prior to the start of service. No duties are to be performed in the sanctuary while prayer is being conducted. No exceptions!
A. Make certain that the rostrum and all pastoral tables are cleaned and set-up with clean glasses, pitchers of water, small containers of cough drops, breath mints and/or flower arrangements.
B. The podium should be wiped cleaned.
C. All blackboards/ dry erase boards should be cleaned and stocked with chalk, erasers and dry erase markers.
D. Any special items/ props that the teacher will be using in demonstrations should be set-up and placed to the side for easy retrieval.
E. A chair should be placed by the pastoral table(s) for the MIA who will be attending to those leaders on the rostrum. An MIA should be accessible to leadership at all times.
F. Make certain that the MIA Supply Kit is in the MIA section during the entire service. The kit should be stocked with the proper items at all times. At the Completion of Service:
G. The Bible, study aids, eyeglasses, pens, purse, shoes and all personal belongings of the senior pastor should be collected and placed in his/ her car. An MIA should politely ask the senior pastor for his or her keys so that this responsibility can be carried out.
H. All tables are to be cleaned and cleared of glasses, water pitchers, cough drops/ breath mint containers, Bibles, study aids, etc.
I. All blackboards/ dry erase boards are to be cleaned, re-stocked and returned to the proper place.
J. Return all microphones used by leadership to the sound booth.
K. All facial cloths, lap cloths, Bibles, study aides and olive oil are to be collected and returned to the proper place. All used facial cloths should be taken home and properly cleaned before they are returned to the MIA kit.
L. The kitchen is to be thoroughly cleaned. All dishes and utensils are to be washed, dried and put away. The floor should be swept and mopped.
DURING THE LESSON All MIAs must pay close attention to the flow of the service and to the needs of the leader who is ministering. As long as we are attentive and given over to servitude, after a short while we will be able to anticipate the needs of the ministering leader.
The following are the responsibilities that may be required of the MIAs during the message.
A. When a minister is escorted to the podium by an MIA, they should make certain that that leader has their Bible, study aids, pen, pencil, eyeglasses (if needed), face cloth and a glass of ice water.
B. The scribe should take their place next to the blackboard as the leader is coming to the podium unless the leader has informed the MIAs that he or she will scribe for themselves.
C. The minister may decide to take off his or her jacket. An MIA should be ready to carefully and politely assist them in removing it and place it on the back of their chair.
D. The minister may decide to put on a more comfortable pair of shoes. An MIA should be ready to carefully assist with the removal of one pair and the putting on of the other.
Note: When possible, assign a male MIA to a male minister and a female MIA to a female minister when performing this responsibility.
E. If something should fall from the podium and the leader does not pick it up, then wait a few moments until it is convenient to pick the item up; for instance, when the leader walks in the opposite direction. If the item is needed right away then proceed graciously and cautiously so as not to run into the leader trying to pick the item up.
F. Should the ministering leader require a cough drop or breath mint, then an MIA should unwrap the cough drop/ mint but do not remove it from the wrapper. Once opened, extend your hand and let the leader pick it up.
G. MIAs must be mindful to move portable podiums out of the minister’s way should he/ she begin an altar call.
Note: The MIA who is assigned to attend to the leader during the lesson should do only that until the completion of the lesson.
Scribe requirements:
1. Who will scribe should be determined by the President prior to service.
2. Must be properly dressed.
3. Hair must be properly groomed.
4. Must be able to write legibly in print and cursive.
5. Must be attentive to the message and know how to extract the principles from the lesson.
6. Should be prepared to look up scriptures and know how to read them in a clear, pleasant and moderate tone when asked to do so.
7. Must use a Bible that has both the Thompson Chain and the Amplified Versions. It must also have tabs at the start of each book for easy access to scriptures.
8. Will be asked by the speaker, at times, to participate in visual demonstrations in order to make a point to the congregation.
AT THE ALTAR
The MIAs responsibility at the altar is to assist the officiating minister as he or she attends to those seeking salvation, deliverance and healing. This is a major area of dependability. One cannot become preoccupied with anything else, but must pay close attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit and the leader. You must operate in the reverential fear of the Lord, and be mindful that praying in the Spirit is essential. To follow, are the guidelines that should be observed while working the altar.
A. At the start of the altar call, two (2) MIAs should immediately take their place next to the leader; one at his or her right side and the other at his or her left side. Once in place both MIAs should stay focused as they begin to pray in the Spirit silently. Note: Depending upon the size of the congregation or the amount of activity at the altar, more than two MIAs may be needed to work the altar.
B. The MIA on the right of the leader should have the oil for anointing the people and the one on his or her left should have two lap cloths draped over one arm for emergency purposes only; for it is the responsibility of the hospiticians to dispense lap cloths as needed.
C. Whether standing in one spot or moving throughout the congregation, both MIAs must be mindful to stand at a reasonable distance away from the minister so as not to break the flow of the Spirit or obstruct the movement of the leader.
D. The MIA with the lap cloths must also be mindful to: (1) Keep the cord from getting tangled when the leader is using a corded microphone and (2) hold the microphone should a leader decide to pray for someone using both hands.
E. All MIAs must be able to minister to and pray for individuals who come to the altar. However, this should be done only when instructed to do so by the leader or leaders who are officiating the service.
F. It is important that all MIAs conduct themselves as matured sons of God both naturally and spiritually. We must work ministry reverently, soberly and display the utmost respect for the work of the Holy Spirit and for people in general. With this said, please pay special attention and take to heart the following: When the Holy Spirit is using a minister to pray for, minister to or to confront an individual, there is no telling how a person may respond. Sometimes their responses to prayer or confrontation may be funny, comical, offensive or out right rude.
Nevertheless, there is to be absolutely no laughing, jesting, joking, nasty looks or rude comments made about anyone during an altar call. As sons of God, we must display self-control. We should never find the negative dispositions, mindsets or captivities of others funny or comical, but must resist the temptation to laugh at, sneer at or retaliate against the ignorant or the offensive
.
G. If someone gets out of hand and it becomes necessary to remove someone from the service, then the deacons on hand will intervene and work with the Holy Spirit to bring order and control back to the service. We must not panic and allow fear to cause us to respond to adversity in a negative manner. Trust in the ability of the Holy Spirit to deal with everything in His presence and keep your heart pure so that if needed, you will be a vessel through whom He can flow.
H. If someone comes for prayer who has an offensive odor, or who is inappropriately dressed, it should not show on our faces. We are to entreat them with love and be attentive to their needs. Note: All MIAs must bathe, brush their teeth, use mouthwash and deodorant prior to service, and keep breath mints on hand so that your breath is not offensive to those around you.
CLEANING THE REFRIGERATOR
The refrigerator should be cleaned every two weeks to ensure the freshness of the food items, juices, etc., that are served to the congregation. The MIAs must be mindful to throw out items with an expired date and items that are placed in the refrigerator but are not properly covered.
CONFERENCES
The responsibilities at conferences are basically the same as those in a local sanctuary except on a wider scale and include visiting ministers. The board now becomes international with MIA’s from all locations merging as one board. Each location is scheduled for its time of service, which is set out in a roster by the International President and will be communicated to each local president in a timely manner before the scheduled event. Additional conference responsibilities include: Make certain pastors have a Welcome Package. Making sure that the Pastors have sufficient supplies (paper/ pens) throughout the meeting. It is imperative that the President or designee be in contact with the MBM Global Conference Team throughout the conference.
DUES
The board has operating expenses and a part of being a board member is to contribute dues. The local President will agree on an amount payable monthly. If a member is unable to contribute the suggested figure, the President should be informed and a pledge be made of an amount that can be afforded. One should try to give towards the dues, no matter how small.
UNIFORMS
Everything we do should reflect the presence of Christ in our life and our willingness to obey His will and purpose. This includes what we wear. Let us consider
1 Timothy 2:9-10.
9 In like manner also, that women ADORN themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. God is concerned about every facet of our life, even the way we adorn ourselves.
The above scriptures use some interesting words regarding the manner in which a son of God should be clothed. They first instruct us to dress in modest apparel.
Modest:
1. Having or showing a moderate estimation of one’s own talents, abilities, and value.
2. Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself. Verse 9 further instructs us to dress with shamefacedness. Shamefacedness: 1. Indicative of shame; ashamed. 2. Extremely modest or shy; bashful.
3. Feeling embarrassed about yourself. The son of God should be modest and shamefaced in their dress.
In other words, our apparel should reflect that we are holy. Many Christians feel that it is acceptable to God to dress in clothing that expose our private parts or reveal too much flesh (thighs, buttocks, cleavage). Well, the Word of God lets us know how God feels. It lets us know that He is holy and changes not. Fads and fashions change, from one season to the next, but God will not. Therefore, to have a problem with covering yourself in modest apparel is to have a problem with God. We are there to be of assistance to the people of God and not a distraction to them.
Therefore, the MIA board will maintain the standard holiness set forth by the Word of God when purchasing uniforms. We will purpose to look our best (stylishly tasteful), yet holy. Every member must be willing to submit to the required uniformed dress code.
A. When servicing the congregation our look must be uniformed – meaning exactly the same in clothing and accessories. This promotes unity, but also allows us to be easily identifiable to leadership.
B. Clothing must be loose fitting, nothing tight or clinging to the body. However, we must avoid clothing that is too loose for this can cause you to look sloppy.
C. Women can wear dresses, skirts, skirt suits and pant suits while in service. If slacks are worn, they must be of loose fit and an accompanying jacket is required at all times. The jacket should cover the front and posterior areas of the female.
D. The male MIAs should always wear a tie and/or jacket, as needed. Their attire should compliment the female outfits. Slacks should be pulled up to the waist and held up by a belt.
E. The hair of both male and female MIAs must be cleaned and appropriately groomed. It is popular now for men to go about with their hair uncombed. This will not be tolerated on the MIA board.
F. Uniforms will be purchased regularly to ensure that we are always prepared for service.
G. It is the responsibility of each member to properly clean and store their uniforms.
No MIA will be allowed to minister in a stained, wrinkled or smelly uniform. Shoes are a part of your uniform as well. Therefore, they, too, must be kept clean. Be responsible! The MIA president should not have to constantly tell you to wash or iron your uniform. To be slack concerning this is a sign that you do not take your ministry serious.
H. Name tags must be worn while in service.
I. Male MIAs are not allowed to wear earrings.
J. Female MIAs are not allowed to wear nose rings.
K. No shades can be worn while on duty unless you are working outside in the sun.
L. Absolutely no gum chewing while on duty.
M. Flip flops or slides cannot be worn while on duty.
N. Tennis shoes may be worn when servicing street meetings.
Below is a list of suggested color coordinates: Suits: Blouses: Navy Blue White Black Yellow/ Gold/ White White Sky Blue/ Mint Green Cream Chocolate/ Sky Blue/ Gold Brown Pink/ Cream/ Beige Red Black/ White Pink White/ Brown Mint Green Brown/ White
Each member will be encouraged to give their input and/ or suggestions regarding the selection of uniforms. We want you to enjoy being on the MIA board and allow your creativity and personal style to come forth.
MIA SUPPLY KIT
Along with the service to the Pastors and administration at the altar, each MIA is also required to maintain a kit. This is mandatory. The purpose of the kit is to be able to meet the basic needs of any pastor or leader while at the sanctuary. There are times when a mishap will happen such as a run in a stocking, or a button missing from a jacket. The MIA should be readily able to replace these items from the kit. It may be necessary to store some of these items in a place accessible to the MIA’s or in the trunk of a car, as there are so many.
The contents of the kit may vary from location to location depending on the demand for items used by leaders in that location. Below is a list of some of the items that should be included in your kit:
Female washcloths Coffee (decaf/ regular) Soap Tissue Tea bags Scissors Male wash clothes Manicure Kit Socks (men) Chalk Toothpaste First Aid Kit Olive oil Toothbrush (2) Honey/ Lemon Juice Chalk holder Equal/ Sugar Napkins Mints/candies Safety Pins Hairpins/ Hair Clip Lap clothes Lint brush Make-up Stockings (check with Toothpicks/ Dental floss Pens/ pencils pastor for color) 1 Tablespoon Hair gel Straws 1 Teaspoon Q-tips Drinking glass 1 Fork Cotton balls Perfume sample 1 Table knife Tampons/ Pads Men’s cologne Washcloths Deodorant Paper Dishwashing detergent Sewing kit Coffee cup Thompson Chain Ref. Bible & Amplified From the kit certain items should be carried, in a smaller case, to every service.
These items are as follows: Stockings Thompson Chain Ref. Bible/ Amplified Washcloths Sewing kit Breath Mints/ Cough drops Straws Olive Oil Tissue Lap Cloths Safety pins Chalk/ eraser Chalk holder
