Words reflect attitudes. This thoughtful by Meridan Swift, a volunteer manager and blogger, explores the difference between volunteer retention and volunteer sustainability. In the church, it’s simply good stewardship of our people’s time and talents. “Sustainability and Volunteerism”
Good Stuff: Do We Overspiritualize Calling?
In “Stop Overspiritualizing Calling,” Bethany Jenkins uses her own experience as a pianist to question some aspects of the way we talk about calling. It’s a great starter for helpful and important discussions on calling. Here are some quotes andRead more…
A Question: What will a Volunteer Coordinator Do for Me?
The budget of our church’s volunteer program got a substantial bump this year. Thankfully, we are now able to hire a full-time coordinator. What are the most important parts of a volunteer program that we should shift to her, theRead more…
A Question: Recruiting Millennials
In the past year, we’ve had a huge influx of millennials into our church. What’s the best way to recruit these individuals for service? — a reader Response: It’s a great blessing when the family of God includes people ofRead more…
Good Stuff: Everyone Worships
A mother’s musings on graduations, Everyone Worships Something, leads to thoughts on how we all worship something. Those conclusions lead me to wonder about when we serve: are we serving our God or our idols? Usually some of both. ButRead more…
Good stuff: Our Response to Declining Commitments
“People don’t commit like they used to.” “We need to teach these younger people to make a commitment.” “Why aren’t more people stepping up to help?” I hear these comments often. Short term volunteering is very popular, but it’s gettingRead more…
From Compassion to Action
Her commute home from work — that’s what prompted Cheryl Bokelmann’s 17 years of service in St. Peter’s PADS ministry. Every evening, as she walked from her downtown Chicago office to the Metra station, she noticed the homeless; so manyRead more…
A Question: Is a Retreat Worthwhile?
I am thinking about hosting a winter retreat for my church’s volunteers. Do you think it’s worth it? — a reader Response: Is a retreat worthwhile? Jesus certainly thought so! “Then, because so many people were coming and going thatRead more…
14 projects? Where’d they come from?!
Last week was busy and stressful. My assistant Isabel and I were preparing publicity for our 14 Big Days of Serving (BDOS) projects. A major challenge was fitting descriptions for all 14 on our one-page handout! This May 19-21 eventRead more…
Good Stuff: Conversations are Powerful
Conversations are powerful. That’s what struck me from this article from Relevant magazine, “Why Mark Zuckerberg’s Meeting with Pastors is So Significant.” Conversation changes people Conversation fosters connections, especially when we spend more time asking questions and listening than expressingRead more…
A Question: What Will a Volunteer Coordinator Do For Me?
The budget of our church’s volunteer program got a substantial bump this year. Thankfully, we are now able to hire a full-time coordinator. What are the most important parts of a volunteer program that we should shift to her, theRead more…
Good Stuff: Good Deeds and Good News
Here’s a good read that reminds us of how good deeds and Good News go hand in hand. Serving/volunteering leads to opportunities to share the good news of Jesus . . . and to the growth of His kingdom. “TowardRead more…
Service Enterprise Certification!
Rejoice with me! At St. Peter Lutheran in Arlington Heights, Illinois, we’re rejoicing in our recent Service Enterprise certification. See details here. We’re the first congregation in Illinois, and perhaps the nation, to successfully complete the year-long certification process. Although thatRead more…
Three Little Words
I clearly remember the day I uncovered three little words with a huge impact on retaining volunteers. I was talking to a man who set up coffee and donuts every Sunday. He was new to that ministry, so I asked,Read more…
Scheduling Volunteers
We’re all jugglers when it comes to our calendars. On top of our regular work/school hours, there are the soccer tournaments, band recitals, business trips, family get-togethers, and weekend getaways. One result: many volunteer no-show’s at church because “something cameRead more…