Reprinted from: RunningPastor: Volunteering
Joe said…
I have been in churches where the pastor talks about a need in the church and asks for volunteers. I have been in churches where someone believes that something should be done and decide to do it… and enjoy the control.
Personally, I find volunteering for ministry a bit difficult. I suffer from depression and know that I may be up one time (so much so that I feel normal) and down the next (you don’t want to go there). Yet I find the need to do something for God and his people. When I am brave I ask God to open a door for ministry. He has always been faithful to provide an opening. Though I seem reluctant to get involved and take time to warm up… I do appreciate the gift of ministry that God gives me. When I feel normal it is a somewhat pleasant task… when down, my mind groans but my spirit is encouraged.
Crossfire? Everytime I pray, either Roy or Patti, mysterioulsy, create an opportunity for me to minister. I am grateful to God that he moves when I pray and I am thankful that our pastors have ears to hear what God tells them. Sometimes it is a struggle to do the work but I always remember that it is a gift and deep down, in my spirit, I thank God.
…from a reluctant volunteer who desires and needs to minister.
Good post.
Joe, when you do volunteer you do a great job! Keep on strumming Mr. Bear!
You have to be careful around our church not to complain to the pastor about something not being done. Before you know it you will be in charge of that very thing you thought was missing. If you see a need you better be prepared to either become a volunteer or learn to keep quiet! Actually, it’s a good system that every church should adopt. I wonder if we could package that up and sell it?
Hey, maybe that’s what I should write a book about!
Patti…………Go for it! I double dog dare you.
OK, I’ll whip up a book on my lunch hour today.
Wait…lunch hour???!!! What is that???
I can see the wheels turning in Patti’s mind. Hmm… maybe I could write a book… during lunch hour… I’m only writing a few emails… answering the phone… counseling a parishioner… gettting the worship song list for sunday… choosing a color scheme for the bedroom… Hmm… yep, I could squeeze in writing a book or two between bites.
Yeah. Some days it feels like there’s only one wheel, and there’s a hamster running eternally on it.
Run Bambi Run
but there was no escaping