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VolunteerWhen it comes to leadership as a pastor or ministry leader inside a church so much of out life centers around helping people find places to serve and volunteer. We know serving helps people grow spiritually. We know our ministries need people to serve to make ministry possible. We know that we are called to equip people to do the work of ministry. We also get used to being to one giving direction and not receiving direction! Let me ask a simple question to pastors and ministry leaders…

When was the last time you slowed down to volunteer?

A few weeks ago my student pastor emailed and asked me if I would help serve in our 6th grade retreat to help cook for the group. When I read the email I started to come up with all kinds of excuses why I was too busy to serve for the weekend. I looked over my calendar and thought about the things I would give up in order to help out. I then slowed down and processed the idea of volunteering. I ended up saying yes and giving up some time to help a ministry in our church thrive. It was a great reminder that there are times I need to slow down and give away my time instead of only inviting other people to give effort and time.

Volunteering is good for the soul! Here are 5 reasons pastors should take time to volunteer…

  1. We’re all called to live sacrificial lives // I know you may get paid to serve in your church but you are called to live sacrificially. Volunteering helps us go beyond our job descriptions and give away our influence and time for God.
  2. We need to remember what it’s like to volunteer so we can lead volunteers better // If you want to know how volunteers feel when they serve and what they need from you then take time to volunteer yourself and you will learn some powerful lessons.
  3. We need to set the example for those we lead // As a ministry leader you set the tone for the sacrificial heart of your church. Lead the way in serving!
  4. We need to get to know people in our community // When you volunteer you will always get to know people better in your church and in your community. Volunteer at your local school, serve on a board, coach a sport, and get to know people in your city.
  5. We need to remember it’s all about advancing God’s mission // When we volunteer to help a ministry out that might not be in our job description we are building the Kingdom. We are pushing forward God’s plan and not our own.

This month find some ways you can volunteer in your church and your community. You never know…you might get to see God do something big in your heart or around you in the lives of others!