Some Thoughts A…

Some Thoughts About Volunteer Recruitment

In most organizations you can expect about 20% of the people to do 80% of the work. I have a few thoughts about the reasons behind this reality:

• Leaders have a tendency to ask the same people to serve over and over, when they find people who are dependable and effective. The downside to this is that the 20% become burned out, worn out, and used up.
• Leaders—most of whom have outgoing personalities—tend to believe that people will volunteer if they really want to serve. If you have an outgoing personality, you are prone to dismiss people who do not go out of their way to volunteer. People with reserved personalities are reluctant to volunteer. They are not, however, always reluctant to serve. Often they just need to know that a call for volunteers applies to them.
• Individuals who have a volunteer spirit and an outgoing personality are quick to say “yes” to everything. Often these people accept too many responsibilities and develop a belief that nothing worthwhile can happen without their involvement.
• Leaders should not be distracted or discouraged by the few who simply want to experience the benefits of belonging on a leadership team without the sacrifice of actually serving.

As a pastor, one of my goals is to engage as many people as possible in the work of ministry. I have had many conversations with committed church members who tell me that we need to involve more people. In principle, they agree that we need to share the load. In practice, however, we all (myself included) find it difficult to give up jobs that are important to us. When involving more people requires me to take a step back from one of my responsibilities, I may feel threatened and unappreciated.

The good news is that most of us agree with the following statement in principle: We want every member to have at least one meaningful opportunity for service in and/or through the church. As we move from principle to practice, here are a few thoughts to consider:

• If you are a go-getter, you need to make sure that you are called instead of driven. Our go-getters need to make sure that they train, encourage, and allow others to serve.
• If you are a go-getter, you also need to know how many things you can do well at one time. All of us have busy seasons in our lives, but those busy seasons cannot last indefinitely. Our go-getters need to learn how to say “no” when they do not have the time and/or energy to give their very best.  
• If you have not been asked to participate in something that you have led in the past, please do not feel slighted. You have not been “fired.” Just know that your past diligent work is greatly appreciated. We recognize that many of you are on the verge of burnout and need a much-deserved break from your many past responsibilities. Enjoy the break and use this time to learn to “be still” and enjoy the presence of God.
• If you are a leader, you should constantly look for ways to involve new people. As you recruit people, let new team members know that they have the freedom to explore new opportunities. It is by trial and error that they will discover the work that they will come to enjoy most.  Remind prospective volunteers that they are not making a lifetime commitment.
• If you feel marginalized, talk to one of our pastors or ministry directors who can help you find an area of service. One of our primary responsibilities is to equip and engage members for the work of ministry.
• As we engage new people in the work of ministry, we must guard against an “us versus them” mentality. We do not want long-time members to think: “All of these new people are taking over.” God sends us new members for a purpose. We need them. We need their gifts, abilities, and past experiences. New members should guard against thinking, “I wish all of these people would get out of the way and let us do it.” Just as we need the building blocks of new people, we need the wisdom and experience offered by those who have laid the foundation.

I would love to serve a church that follows that involves every member in the work of ministry. Each of us needs to know that we are a necessary part of the church. 

Pastor’s Weekly Article

Our 15 x 15 team continues to meet at least twice each month. This past week we hosted a panel discussion, which included several of the leaders in our community. We have many fine men and women who serve the Lawrenceville community with distinction. Our conversation with these leaders opened our eyes to the challenges and possibilities that are before us.

The location of our church and the quality of our facilities make our church campus a potential hub for community activity. Last Saturday a group of teen boys gathered for lunch and Bible study in our gym. Because of a challenging family situation, poor academic performance, or behavioral issues, society labels these boys “at-risk.” A group of Christian men have joined together to mentor these boys, hoping to change their future by encouraging them to live under God’s Word.

The members of our 15 x 15 team need your prayers. There is so much that we can do, but we want to know with certainty that we are following God’s leadership. I ask you to pray for our team members by name at least once per week. Pray for team unity and for great clarity as we seek the Lord’s guidance.

Our 15 x 15 team members are: Meg Crowder (co-chair), Leon Smith (co-chair), Barbara Everett, Trevor Giese, Kwabena Gyimah, Carlene Harris, Inman Houston, Mark Limmer, Brian Loudermilk, Eddy Oliver, Beth Ann Williams, and Terra Winter.

Pastor’s Weekly Article

Wow! Our “Rebellion of the Heart” weekend was a gift from God. Nearly 250 LFBC members participated in the weekend. To our student pastor, Bruce McGee, and to all of you who volunteered throughout the weekend, we say “Way to go!”

Our senior adults baked cakes, served food, attended our worship gatherings, and prayed with our students. Our young and median adults handled everything—down to the smallest detail. They set up tables, counseled students, and encouraged one another. Our students were fantastic. They invited their friends, served people in need, and opened their hearts to hear God’s Word.

I love hearing your stories. I wish that I could share all of the comments that you have made to me this week. God used Robert Smith to challenge us and to convict us. I pray that families will pray together and study God’s Word together. I pray that parents will have difficult conversations with their teenagers—even if the subject matter makes them blush a little. I pray that our senior adults will pray intensely for our students and their parents. And I pray that we will honor the elders in our church. You have much to teach us, and we have much to learn.

Bible Reading – Week 4

Sunday, January 23 Job 1-5

Monday, January 24 Job 6-9

Tuesday, January 25 Job 10-13

Wednesday, January 26 Job 14-17

Thursday, January 27 Job 18-21

Friday, January 28 Job 22-24

Pastor’s Weekly Article

Rebellion of the Heart Weekend is finally here! Dozens of volunteers have devoted much time and energy to this weekend emphasis. I have been praying that the Spirit would move freely and powerfully in our hearts.

No investment is more strategic than an investment in the next generation. They are our future leaders, and we must give them the very best that we have to give. We tend to look down upon the next generation. We offer  many reasons why we do so, but often, our complaint is rooted in our lack of understanding. We are quick to dismiss children and students as lazy or disrespectful or irresponsible. I encourage you to remember two truths as you observe our children and students:

1. Things are not always what they seem. When our young people are inspired, they will invest their hearts in a great cause.
2. Much behavior is learned. Yes, there are genetic factors involved. Yes, our students have negative influences that impact their behavior. However, some of our frustration is due to our own struggles. We must set a positive example for our children and students. Do they see us studying God’s Word? Do we teach them to pray in times of trouble or frustration?

The task is a challenging one, but it’s well worth the effort. Let’s give the very best that we have to the next generation. They are the future.

Bible Reading – Week 3

Sunday, January 16 Genesis 30-33

Monday, January 17 Genesis 34-37

Tuesday, January 18 Genesis 38-40

Wednesday, January 19 Genesis 41-43

Thursday, January 20 Genesis 44-46

Friday, January 21 Genesis 47-50

Pastor’s Weekly Article

Let it snow!

What an unusual week it has been. Last weekend as my wife and I watched the weather reports, we wondered what would happen. Our greatest concern was that we would lose power, and thus heat. Thankfully we have not lost power, and we have spent four wonderful days together. Our two older boys have loved riding my parents’ old sled up and down the driveway.

All of us have had to make adjustments this week. I have talked to many of you, and it seems that all of have realized that you can have too much of a good thing. I crave more time at home, and so do many of you. We have closets that need cleaning and drawers that need organizing. Ultimately though, we do not like feeling stuck. Stuck in our homes, we long to go somewhere . . . anywhere.

I hope that you have used this time wisely. Have you rested? Have you taken advantage of this opportunity to slow down and spend time in reflection? Many of you have told me that you are well ahead in your Bible reading. I’m enjoying this journey with you. God will strengthen us as we rest upon his Word.

I cannot wait to see you on Sunday!