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The State of Church Volunteerism
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It's helpful -- and important -- to periodically take a hard look at the big picture. So I'm sharing thoughts on the state of church volunteerism in 2025. . . .
"If only we had more volunteers" is as common now as it was 25 years ago. But today this refrain is voiced by people who are fewer, older and more tired.
Even so, I see opportunities for healthy, exciting volunteerism. Our society respects those who volunteer/serve . . . People recognize the problems we face and know that somehow we all need to contribute to solutions . . .
Here are six thoughts on how we can tap into these positive realities, using them towards the mission Jesus has given us. Significantly, volunteer recruitment is only one aspect of the solution, and not the most important. God wants us to move beyond hand-wringing to action, so included are questions (the first for leaders; the second for all of us) to nudge us to next steps.
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Reflection: I was in Prison
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Have you visited someone in prison lately? Or talked to, encouraged, or assisted such a person? I’ve never visited anyone in jail and doubt I ever will; the thought terrifies me. But when I consider how my God wants me to serve, I can’t ignore Jesus’ comment, “I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36).
But that comment also reminds me of what someone close to me once said. Read more.
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Navigating a Change of Season
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Two months ago I retired from my job as volunteerism leader at St. Peter Lutheran in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a most definite change of season. As I navigated this change, I found steps and routines that helped. They also seem helpful when facing any life change, ones that happen to us and ones we choose. Here's what's working for me. Maybe there's something helpful for you in it.
Are you interested in helping people serve? Are you willing to explore next steps in doing that? I’m forming a round table group of people interested in helping all of us serving Jesus in our church and in everyday life. It will meet quarterly via zoom for topical discussion, for sharing our experiences and encouraging each other on the journey toward healthy serving at church and in everyday life. Express interest here.
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