The Equipper Newsletter
December 1, 2011
Churches Equipping Saints for Service


 
 
 A Devil's Viewpoint? Screwtape Writes on Church Volunteers
 
by Karen Kogler

(Ed note: This 2009 article is among the most-searched pages on The Equipper website.)
 
In his popular book The Screwtape Letters, author C.S. Lewis imagined an experienced devil, Screwtape, writing letters to his young nephew Wormwood on the best practices for moving people toward hell and away from the side of the devils' enemy, God. One day I wondered what Screwtape might advise Wormwood regarding people who volunteer at their church.

My dear Wormwood,

Yes, I agree it's a great disappointment when the individual you're working on becomes involved as a volunteer at their church. When they decide to give their time and ability to their church, it's most often a result of their growing attachment to the Enemy. And the more time they spend at church, and with other people in the Enemy's camp, the worse it is for us.

But don't give up hope. There is much we can do to move them back toward us, even while they're still volunteering.(rest of article)

Continue reading ...
 
 
 Good Stuff: Developing Leaders
 
 
In "Secets of Developing Volunteer Leaders," Beth Steinhorn asserts: ". . .the skills and talents necessary to guide any team in the right direction can be simple, and anyone with the determination and know-how can engage the right people and support them as they develop into volunteer leaders."
 
Imagine how much more we could accomplish for our Lord if we, the church, grew in our ability to develop volunteer leaders!
 
 
 Out and About
 
 
I'm privileged to be able to do some speaking on church volunteerism in 2012:
  • "Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers," a web seminar on Sat. Jan. 14 for the Southeastern District LCMS
  • "Equipped to Lead," a sectional at the Women's Leadership Conference, March 9-11 in St. Louis.
  • A plenary speaker and leader of two sectionals Aug 3-5 at the Southeastern District LCMS conference in Richmond, VA.
I'd love to visit with Equipper Newsletter readers at these events!.
 


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The Equipper Newsletter published monthly by
Karen Kogler, Equipper Church Volunteerism Resources