September 28, 2015

Awesome Volunteers

One of the things that is so crucial in any church is volunteers.  Without volunteers, there is absolutely no way that a church could do the ministry that God desires for it to do.  I am thankful that BBC has some of the best volunteers in the world.  I sat with a thankful heart through a deacons meeting (some pastors don't even know that's possible!!!) yesterday because of the time that those men put into serving God and others.  I'm sitting now with a lady that is volunteering her time doing data entry.  I could sit here for hours talking about the people that donate so much of their time, energy, and money into serving, but I wanted to take a minute and offer a couple of thoughts about what makes a great volunteer (specifically a church volunteer) in my eyes.

First of all, a great volunteer keeps the big picture in mind.  Many of the tasks that need to be done in a church setting happen behind the scenes; in a place where you will not get noticed or applauded.  But if you keep the big picture in mind, you realize that without your service, ministry wouldn't happen nearly as smooth.

Secondly, a great volunteer loves God with all that they have.  When volunteers love God first and foremost, it shows in their preparation; it shows in their diligence; it shows in their willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  Ultimately, you'll never be a great volunteer if your relationship with God isn't what it should be.  You might be able to perform the task, but God isn't obligated to add His blessing to your ministry.

Next, a great volunteer is concerned with the overall ministry of the church, not just their field of ministry.  A great volunteer will never say, "I don't care what happens in ABC ministry as long as my 123 ministry does well."  That is a self serving volunteer and not one that will be used in a great way.  

Finally, a great volunteer is concerned with people.  That doesn't mean that their field of service will be dealing directly with people, but in ministry, we are always thinking about how we can impact the lives of people.  For example, a finance team may never deal directly with people, but keeping the idea of how we can use God's resources to best minister to people is a thought that should remain in their minds.  

God Bless and may you be a great volunteer where ever you are called to serve!!!