Where else in the world do the most desperate seem to win? It happens all the time in church ministry. Many departments compete for the same people to serve within their ministries. Sometimes it's a race: which ministry leader asked first? Sometimes it's a beauty contest: which ministry is most glamorous? But oftentimes it is a case of "the most desperate wins."
Today I received an e-mail from a parent I'd asked to serve as a small group leader. He declined because he was already serving two or three times a month (at both services) in another department. His perception of his role was that 'they have a really hard time finding people to do this.'
It's happened within our own kids ministries department too. This fall I had two talented individuals lined up to teach large group, but then they heard about the 'desperate situation' in early childhood and decided to serve there.
Maybe I need to be more desperate! Actually, I refuse to play the desperation card. We need to figure out a better way to work together as a church so that all volunteer needs are known. We need to lose the competitive mindset when it comes to staffing programs. We need to recognize that people serve best when they are in their areas of passion and giftedness.
The only place I want to be desperate is before God. He will supply all my needs!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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3 comments:
I am right there with you on refusing to play the desperation card. Oh yes, I am always desperate, but I just don't want to seem that way.
Desperate? Who you calling desperate? Ok, I'm desperate, but not enough to use it. I'd rather attract volunteers with vision and purpose.
I'm having the same problem with volunteers right now, and someone encouraged me just yesterday to use the desperation card, but I refuse. God always provides what I need, but I do have to admit that I am tired of always having to need!
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