“It was the Holy Smokers. They were the draw.” Marlene Anderson, Deaconess at Grace Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, was planning her third Ministry Fair for the church. The first one, held about 10 years ago, was very successful. TheRead more…
Inviting EVERYONE to serve
In survey after survey, the primary reason people give for volunteering is “because I was asked.” So how are we asking? How are we inviting the people in our church to serve? Our frequent “help wanted” announcements reach a fewRead more…
Lord, What are You Calling Me to Do?
Life is full of decisions, big and small. Shall I homeschool my children? Can we afford the time and cost of Jamie being on that elite sports team? Shall I look for a new job? What career is best forRead more…
Simple Volunteering
Life is complicated. Life is stressful. Your employer wants you to squeeze more work into the same hours, the kids need help with their homework, your elderly relative needs your assistance, and there are important papers somewhere in that pileRead more…
In the Store: Job Descriptions, a Presentation Toolkit
Job Descriptions A presentation tool kit for improving church volunteerism health The toolkit includes two PowerPoint presentations with supporting tools for enabling your church to create job descriptions for all volunteer positions. Job descriptions are an important part of healthyRead more…
In the Store: Putting Spiritual Gifts to Work
Putting Spiritual Gifts to Work: Equipping Saints for Service is a short book (80 pages) by Karen Kogler. It’s available in The Equipper store in two versions: Electronic version: as a download; $8.00 Print version: mailed to you, with aRead more…
When Dreams Should Die
Hold fast to dreams For when dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. by Langston HughesWhen people talk to me, I listen for their dreams. I do it especially when I’m serving as one of the peopleRead more…
Ministry Fair: Getting Connected
A Participant’s Story In 1998, Tom Scott and his wife were looking for a church home. “We visited Immanuel Lutheran Church [in Batavia, Illinois] first,” Tom explains. “As we shook hands with Pastor Weidler after the service, he said, ‘WeRead more…
My Question: the Unemployed as Volunteers
I have a question. “I volunteer on my church’s committee to help the unemployed in our congregation. I want to know how we can reach out to the unemployed and ask them to help with things around the church withoutRead more…
About Time and Talent Surveys
Time and talent surveys are the first thought of many people when it comes to improving volunteerism at their church. Or when they want to find out the gifts and abilities of their members. Or when they’re talking about stewardshipRead more…
How to Help New Members Serve
Below are comments from volunteers who meet with new members When you welcome new members to your church, help them volunteer! It’s not an underhanded recruitment technique. it’s true to scriptural truth and something most new members appreciate. (See “NewRead more…
New Members Make Great Volunteers
The comments, below, were said by our volunteers who meet with our new members Remember your first day of high school or your first day in a new job? Remember getting lost in the building, trying to learn the groupRead more…
Christmas Gifts
The Christmas gifts were unwrapped a while ago. A few might already be exchanged or broken, but hopefully most are used and enjoyed. The best gifts keep on giving. My church received some wonderful gifts in early December when 47Read more…
Parents as Volunteers
Parents make great volunteers. Most scouting groups and kids’ sports teams are run entirely by parents. Parents are willing to invest time and energy to give their children enriching experiences. So encourage parents to volunteer in your children’s ministries, althoughRead more…
Volunteering as We Age
Growing old. It isn’t for wimps. In my middle-age years, I experience the indignities of my body changing without my permission. More significantly, I watch and try to help my parents who can no longer do some things they’ve alwaysRead more…
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