When we talk about volunteering or serving, it’s generally personal–about how we are or could or should or would like to be serving. That’s good, and it’s important. But it’s of as much or more value to think of howRead more…
Top Ten Things CHURCH STAFF Can Do to Help Others Serve
Church staff work hard. They often work long hours for lower-than-average pay. They don’t have time for all that’s on their plate, yet still dream of more ways to expand their ministry impact. And they frequently have church members suggestingRead more…
Top Ten Things PASTORS Can Do to Help Others Serve
Leadership matters. Whether in the military or the family or business, the leadership influences outcomes. In the church, Jesus Christ is our leader, the one we follow. You, our local pastors, are His under-shepherds, guiding us as we gather forRead more…
More Joyful (& Less Dreary) Everyday Serving
Have you noticed how often products are marketed using images of joy, fun and celebration? Advertisers know we all could use–and desperately want–more happiness and joy in our lives. But happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes based on ourRead more…
More Impactful (& Less Ho Hum) Everyday Serving
“I want to make a difference!” This is why many of us volunteer. It’s a good reason and it applies to all the serving we do, in our homes and work places as well as our communities and churches. ServingRead more…
Creating Volunteer Roles
Want more volunteers in your church? Consider creating new volunteer roles. Just because people aren’t signing up for publicized volunteer needs doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to give their time and talent to opportunities that match their skills, interests andRead more…
How Relational is Your Serving?
When serving, balance matters. When asked to volunteer, you weigh and balance the time and effort involved against the time and effort you’re already giving at home, at work, and elsewhere. You also might balance your short-term serving against ongoingRead more…
The State of Church Volunteerism
Presidents annually give a State of the Union address, and effective leaders regularly share their view of the past and vision of the future. Perhaps similarly, my step into retirement has prompted reflection on the state of church volunteerism –Read more…
You Can Be/Grow a Volunteer Champion
Imagine a world in which every Christian church, no matter its size or budget, had an acknowledged volunteer champion in their midst, a leader who helped people use their God-given gifts in their Lord’s service within and beyond the church;Read more…
Church Volunteerism in a Changed World
Twenty-one months after the covid pandemic first threw us for a loop, we’re still in upheaval. Vaccines are prevalent, but many still suffer and many more are fearful. When it comes to church volunteerism, ‘normal’ is a distant memory andRead more…
If Every Church had a Volunteer Champion…
Odds are good your church does not have a staff person who focuses on healthy volunteerism. Few churches do, and the numbers are decreasing. But I’m willing to bet your church does have a person or two or ten whoRead more…
Where in the World is The Equipper?
Susan, a colleague from 10+ years ago, emailed me earlier this year and noted, “I see your website hasn’t been updated in a while. I hope all is well with you.” All is well with me, Susan, but you’re right.Read more…
Review: But Now I See. . .
Sometimes life throws us a curve — health or job changes, a world-wide pandemic, a midlife crisis. They often cause us to wonder if and how it all fits into God’s plan for us. In But Now I See: FindingRead more…
Were We Ready? Covid’s Impact on Church Volunteerism
Were we ready? Of course not. We had no time. In early January 2020, most of us hadn’t heard of covid. Less than 3 months later, it had disrupted our lives and our churches. But we adapted. By Easter, mostRead more…
Tool: A Look at My Serving
What would my life look like if I saw everything I do as serving Jesus? What if I could serve more intentionally, joyfully, impactfully and faith-fully? What if my church family were to do this? What if Jesus’ followers throughoutRead more…