Start a conversation about volunteering/working for the Lord. What do people really think about serving? What good and bad experiences have they had? What would they really like to do? We’re often too busy ‘doing,’ and too caught up inRead more…
How to Improve Volunteerism
Do you agree? Virtually all church leaders want to improve volunteerism at their church. Virtually all church leaders do little or nothing to improve volunteerism at their church. Perhaps those statements are a bit strong, but they are true inRead more…
Tending the Flame
Starting a fire is one skill. Keeping it going is another. In order to cook juicy burgers over charcoal, or toast s’mores to perfection over the campfire, or prolong the beauty and the warmth of fireplace flames, you need toRead more…
Recruiting? or Equipping?
Volunteers seem to be in short supply in today’s church. Most discussions about volunteers focus on recruitment— we need more ushers (Sunday School teachers, board members, and so on). How can we get more volunteers? Pastors and other church staffRead more…
Go for the Gold
The Olympics are taking place: the stirring Olympic trumpet fanfare is heard, the five interlocking circles are displayed, and athletes are in the spotlight. Hence, today The Olympics are taking place: the stirring Olympic trumpet fanfare is heard, the fiveRead more…
An Equipping System
An equipping church builds a system for equipping people. There is no one perfect system. The best systems are designed by and for the people who will use them. But a good system will have these elements. Educational opportunities, forRead more…
An Equipping Culture
Spending extended time in a foreign country (with “regular” people rather than at tourist destinations) brings continual surprises. Things are done differently. You can’t take anything for granted. Food and clothing, manners and expectations, parties and transportation–all are different. EachRead more…
A Comparison: Recruiting and Equipping
Recruiting is finding a person to fill a specific need, an open position. Equipping is helping a person figure out, and then follow, God’s call to service in their life. Recruiting focuses primarily on the position. Equipping focuses primarily onRead more…