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…
Take Courage, You Who Wait
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Psalm 31:24 We often find ourselves in ‘wait’ mode–waiting for relief from illness or fears or loneliness or crushing problems. The frail elderly may simplyRead more…
More Intentional (& Less Crazy) Everyday Serving
Ever feel like you’re too busy? Frazzled by all your responsibilities at home and work? Many of us do. It’s the reality that keeps many of us from volunteering, from giving back, from serving others as much as we’d likeRead 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…
More Faith-Full (& Less Disjointed) Everyday Serving
Is serving in the church more important than volunteering outside the church? Is it more God-pleasing? What’s the difference between volunteering and serving? These questions all assume that our life of faith is separate from our ‘regular’ or daily life.Read more…
Refreshing
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 30:19-20a As I check those little dates printed on food packages, I sometimes wonder ifRead more…
Cheer Up! On Your Feet! He’s Calling You!
He was poor and blind. But not stupid. He was a beggar, poor and blind. But not stupid. Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) figured out Jesus was nearby and he knew Jesus could heal. He was also persistent and could be bothersome.Read 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…
Who, me?
We in Chicagoland are enjoying the fact that the new pope, Leo XIV, grew up here. But what sticks with me from the papal transition is a painting. After the death of Pope Francis, I read that his favorite paintingRead more…
What is a Discipling Relationship and Why You Might Actually Want One
Who has been a mentor to you? Is there a teacher who made a major impact on you? Do you try to model your life after a certain family member or friend? If you are a person of faith, whoRead more…
I was in Prison
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 meRead more…
More Serving? or Better Serving?
Quantity or Quality? When we talk about serving, it’s almost always about “more” serving — its quantity. As volunteers retire, leaders need to replace them with more volunteers. When new ministry opportunities arise, leaders need more volunteers to make themRead more…
Spiritual Gifts? People Eager for More
Younger respondents have bigger and more emphatic responses to . . . gifting. “Gifted for More” is a new resource on spiritual gifts with convincing evidence that the time is right for churches to help people identify, develop and shareRead more…