“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, but they have the heart. Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing will get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss.
Most of us know how essential volunteers are to ensuring that our churches are as effective as they need to be. Volunteers serving in worship, education, community outreach, and events build a strong church and help serve the community’s needs.
It’s so easy to get into the mindset that serving God is a chore, our job, our duty, but it’s more than that. It is a reflection of God’s nature. Jesus showed generosity of spirit, kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness to those in need. His sacrifice on the cross was a singular, selfless act that gave us something more than we could ever deserve. He showed generosity of spirit, kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness to those in need. His sacrifice on the cross was a singular, selfless act that gave us something more than we could ever deserve, and I know it’s nothing I can ever repay. But, volunteering allows me to be as generous as possible with my time and gifting in an attempt to reflect that selflessness towards those around me.“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.… The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded” (John 10:11; 17-18).
In his letter to early Christians, Peter writes, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). God has given each of us who follow Him specific and unique gifts. Some of us have the gift of hospitality. We enjoy making people feel loved and welcomed. The church needs that. Some of us have the gift of teaching. The church needs that. Some of us have a gift for children’s ministry. The church needs that.
Paul admonishes the Romans to serve competently and authentically: “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans 12:7-8).
There is a place for everybody. It takes many people to keep a church running smoothly. Don’t ever think you are unnecessary because no one has asked you to help. Churches seldom have the capacity or organizational ability to actively scout out and communicate needs or to find the right people to serve in various ways.
Look at the opportunities based on your interests, availability, and skills. Imagine how exciting it would be if we were a church of purposeful, passionate, and proactive people of God united around a shared vision of fulfilling God’s plans.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you feel about volunteering? Do you think volunteering is an opportunity to use your skills, a joy, or a burden?
- How do you view volunteering in relation to Jesus? Do you feel that volunteering is a way to reflect Jesus’ selflessness?
- How can you get involved? What are some ways you can look for opportunities to serve?