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MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
Willing to Serve
by Kelley Land
Daniel volunteers in several areas at his church: he rotates as a sound person for worship, serves as a deacon, plays guitar for the youth group’s services, and works with the preschool committee on needed improvements. Leigh Ann also volunteers: she sings in the worship choir, leads senior high girls in Sunday school, and serves on the finance committee. These commitments require both individuals to devote a significant amount of time to the church. Sometimes they feel overloaded. Added to their church responsibilities are their careers, their families, and their leisure activities. And they must also find time to receive spiritual nurture.
Recently, the minister of education at their church included “Willing to Serve” forms in the Sunday bulletins. These listed the church’s needs for volunteer service in areas like Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study, children’s programs, grounds maintenance, and other important needs. After a month of promotion, the minister sorted through a tiny stack of returned forms. Most of the church’s needs went unfulfilled as dozens of gifted people ignored the forms.
At many churches, a handful of people like Daniel and Leigh Ann do the majority of the volunteer work necessary for a healthy fellowship. While a church’s membership may number into the high hundreds, perhaps twenty or thirty people make up the bulk of the volunteer force. Why aren’t more people willing to serve?
Several reasons might explain the lack of volunteers.
(1) Busy schedules. With today’s ever-increasing demands on time, people feel that if they expend themselves during the week, they shouldn’t have to do so at church. They want church to be a place of rest where they can sit as spectators and soak in what is offered.
(2) Lack of reward. Some people may feel that serving at church isn’t worth the effort. After all, they don’t get paid, and often they don’t even get recognition. Human nature makes them wonder, “What’s in it for me?”
(3) Not comprehending the need. Many people may not realize how desperately the church needs their gifts and skills. Church seems to run smoothly without them, so they feel their contribution is not needed.
(4) Reliance on others. Some people assume that others will do the job. They may be aware of their own gifts, but they excuse themselves from service because someone like Daniel or Leigh Ann always steps up to do the job.
(5) Disillusionment with the church. In a group with so many different kinds of people, disagreements may occur over the way things are done. Unfortunately, some people encounter difficult individuals at church and become disillusioned about their experiences of service. They may feel that their gifts are better used elsewhere.
These are only a few general reasons people may choose not to serve. Though the reasons are valid, the church still needs people. Ultimately, God calls someone into a position, and that person must decide whether to accept the call and commit to service. But is there anything Bible study teachers can do to encourage their learners to utilize God’s gifts and serve the church?
(1) Help learners recognize their particular gifts. Personality tests and spiritual gift assessments are helpful, but there are other ways to guide people as they seek ways to serve. Ask questions like these: What activities do you enjoy? What are your special abilities? What form of service brings you and others the most joy? What have others noticed about your abilities? Do you feel God calling you to a specific place of service in the church? What is keeping you from serving in that way?
(2) Point out the rewards. People think they offer their gifts at church for nothing in return, but they often fail to understand God’s reward system. While people are accustomed to receiving payment or at least recognition, God blesses those who serve in numerous less tangible ways. We might see a child’s face light up as we spend time with him. We might witness the spiritual awakening of a learner we have been teaching in Bible study. We might see a building plan or missions project come to fruition because of our financial leadership. We might share the gospel with someone and stand beside her as she shares her decision for Christ with the church. The blessings are truly endless because they are of God’s kingdom.
(3) Emphasize the function of the body of Christ. Perhaps more than any other biblical passage on spiritual gifts and service, 1 Corinthians 12 creates a picture of the ideal fellowship: “Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many” (v. 14). Paul insists that God created each person with special gifts. The ultimate manifestation of the church occurs when each individual member utilizes his or her gift. When each area of service comes together, Christ is shared most efficiently with others. If part of the body refuses to function, the church suffers.
(4) Encourage balance. Some people avoid volunteering because they fear they will be asked to do too much. Emphasize that if everyone accepts God’s call to serve, no one will be overextended. There’s no need to be a “super server,” volunteering for every job that arises. That’s a prescription for burnout and resentment. Help learners recognize their gifts and encourage them to focus on those specific areas of service.
(5) Acknowledge the past while pointing toward a hopeful future. For those who may feel frustrated because of negative past experiences in serving at a church, acknowledge that churches do have imperfect people. Try not to dismiss or gloss over their negative experiences. However, also point to something hopeful. There are plenty of other opportunities to serve those in need. God may be calling people to serve at a local soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a children’s hospital ward, or a nursing home. Opportunities abound for serving God!
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone” (1 Cor 12:4-6). People seek fulfillment. The church and other ministries provide opportunities for service. Pray that you and others will be willing to serve.
Kelley Land is assistant editor at Smyth & Helwys Publishing. She and her husband John attend a church in Macon, Georgia, where they are involved in fellowshipping with their Bible study class, ministering in the worship services, and working with the youth group. They are expecting their first child in November 2004.
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