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Unsuspecting Volunteers

Busy, busy, busy. Everyone is busy. Always busy. Do you remember when there was a time when it seemed like you had busy seasons but you also had slower seasons? I’m sure I did, but I haven’t had time to go back and see when that was.

Now it seems as though busy seasons only lead into other busy seasons. And to trump them all is the SUPER-busy season of fall. I’m wondering if someone looked at the church calendar and had the following conversation.

Someone: I have a great idea.
Unsuspecting Volunteer: What’s that?
Someone: Do you know how school is about to start and days are getting shorter?
Unsuspecting Volunteer: Ummm….yeah.
Someone: I think we should kick off all of our ministries at once during that same month. And I’m so grateful that you love God and children enough to help me.

There’s no out for the unsuspecting volunteer who just had the Love God & Children card played on them. So, with summertime waving goodbye, I give you my top 4 ways not to view this Fall’s ministry schedule.

1. TV Viewing Inhibitor.
Unless you really enjoy watching people fail at comedy, talent shows, or maintaining their balance while being sprayed with tons of shaving cream, your television viewing has been limited this summer. But when the new fall line-ups bring out your favorite shows as well as many attempts to fill the void that ‘Lost’ left, you’ll find yourself questioning how much time you have to give. How about we learn how to use our DVR and set free some nights for ministry? You can cram in your shows on Saturday, when we’re not having work days.

2. Jewel in Your Crown.
Did God give us talents to use in ministry? Yes. Shouldn’t that be enough? Yes. But we Christians do like to get something back in return. When the church budget is slim and nothing earthly seems to be coming our way, we remind ourselves that we’re getting a jewel in our crown in Heaven. That may be true, but how about we view ministry as an opportunity to serve instead of a chance to improve our after-life résumé?

3. Thorn in Your Flesh.
This is #2 gone awry. When you start to view ministry opportunities as something you struggle with, it’s time for a reality check. Each week this fall we have an opportunity to share words of life and words of hope. Children, teens, or adults are opening themselves up to what you have to offer. This is an honor, not a punishment.

4. Last Year, Redone.
Haven’t we done all of this before? Perhaps. But unless you’re holding back students who haven’t figured out the answer is ‘Jesus’, then you probably have new faces. Each year we have is another occasion to offer truth. Every week we meet is another invitation to share God’s life and make it our own.

Is the ministry schedule busy? I prefer to think of it as full. As you get involved this year, don’t come as an unsuspecting volunteer. Come expecting great things from a great God with a whole lot of great love.
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