“Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.” Sherry Anderson
Good morning children ministry volunteers. This is my second go round at writing this post this morning. God woke me at 4am with my “volunteer” peeps on my mind. I obediently crawled out of bed, fixed a cup of coffee and began to write.
About 3 hours later I hit post…only to have it vanish into thin air. It must have been an AMAZING post…with LOTS of great encouragement because Satan certainly hated it! Since it can’t be found…and there is no proof, I am sticking with the fact that it was amazing! J
Tip for the day…ALWAYS write your post in Microsoft Word and save it!! Uggggh!
So here we go again…hopefully it will be worth reading!
Today, I am specifically writing to “volunteer” children’s leaders/workers.
I know many of the volunteer struggles as I have been a “by choice” Children’s Ministry volunteer for 35+ years…and I would not have it any other way.
By being a volunteer, I have had the freedom to move whenever and wherever the Lord has called me. This in no way means that a paid children’s pastor/leader/worker is not obedient to His calling. We all have different paths…different ways of getting there…but we all have the same destination.
This morning…or is it noon yet? Nope just 10:48! This morning, I am going to talk about an area of frustration that I have noticed among many ministry volunteers…perhaps even some/many paid leaders.
The first topic is one of not being appreciated…or even acknowledged for all of the hard work that you do. I know that this is not just a “volunteer” problem…or that all “volunteers” are in the same boat…but the boat sure is crowded.
Children’s leaders/worker’s tend to tackle many different jobs, take on many different responsibilities, manage several different events, and wear many different hats. It can become overwhelming at times. A little bit of encouragement would certainly be a morale booster!
So here is the big question…when you work hard…when you give it your all…when you manage a successful event…when everything is going smooth…when you have a vision…when you are on track…when you are doing all this…plus giving freely of your time, money and resources… WHY is it so hard for some church leaders to hand out a simple “thank you” or “great job” of even a “WOW?”
Simple little words that could lift you up and encourage you? Words that keep you going…that affirms you are on the right track?
Aren’t we all in this together? Aren’t we on the same team?
I do not know why it is so hard for some church leaders to hand out praise…but I do know that this is a problem in many or our churches.
Praise is necessary…in any organization…why would a church be any different?
If our church leaders are going to be effective leaders… with amazing results, they need to praise those who are producing the results….which in turn is a reflection of their leadership.
I decided many years ago that I would not try to be pleasing to man but that I would seek to be pleasing to God instead.
Man will often let you down…God will never let you down!
In the front of my Bible, I have written this scripture “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men” Col 3:23
My goal is to stand in front of God one day and hear the words “Well done…good and faithful servant.” Can you imagine it? Can you feel the goosebumps even thinking about it? I don’t want my reward now…I want my reward when I am standing in front of my Lord!
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:12
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23
Is your plate full? Have you been faithful with the few things? Is He putting you in charge of more and more? There's your "Thank You"...it's coming straight from God!
This morning, I would like to ask for prayers for a couple of people specifically:
Please pray for Janet…who had a really rough day yesterday…you are on my heart today Janet!
Plus Suba and his amazing work in Pakistan….please pray that needs for the children will be met!
I have been praying for all of you! Have a great afternoon and remember to seek and serve God…not man. If you can master that…you are well on your way to your “Well done good and faithful servant” encounter with God! Have a blessed day!
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