Freelance Ministry

Consider the following point to ponder: Is it possible to be involved in a ministry without the backing of the Church?

While in a seemingly random bout of contemplation some time ago, the above thought popped into my head. One of the reasons the thought occurred to me in the first place is that, like most followers of Christ I know, I have numerous ideas floating around my head; ideas of actions or impacts that I may make for the advancement of Christ. Knowing the many skills, gifts and talents that I have been given, I personally believe that I have many avenues that I may pursue, and in so doing it is hoped that, through what I have to offer, Christ may be glorified and made known (positively, of course). No doubt you too feel the same way, with your wide pool of skills, giftings and talents at God's disposal.

But, can such great ideas and actions be done without the aid of the Church? This is the point of pondering, worded differently.

You see, there is definitely no shortage of different ministries that churches offer to both congregants and the community they find themselves a part. However, consider this scenario for a moment: What if, at the Church you attend, there doesn't exist a particular ministry idea or area. As a case in point, what if your Church doesn't have a ministry to men? If your answer to that question is 'No, it does not', then the next two questions are almost trivial (following the example; change the missing ministry if your church has not got it):

Firstly, will the church support a ministry to men?
If not, then is it possible to have a ministry to men without the church's backing?

In other words, can you have a ministry effort, that reaches out to people (particular groups or not), meets a certain missing need, or in general glorifies Christ and hence gets His name out there in a positive way, without being under the umbrella of any church?

Look forward to your thoughts on this one.