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From Rev. Brock Patterson
“What Does It Take?”
What does it take to serve in a church?
There’s a loaded question so don’t try to answer it yet. If one tries to answer it with something like, “All it takes is a warm body that can be relied upon,” then you can be confident that the person speaking has never served in a church, or if they have, they're nearing burnout.
If someone answers that question with something like, “We need leadership (Committee and Board Member) qualities and a thick checkbook at church,” we can be confident that person is beyond frustrated, probably working among our administrative personnel (staff or volunteer).
If someone answers the question, “What does it take to serve in a church,” with a church rule written many years ago, it probably means the person answering the question hasn’t spent enough time in the New Testament.
If, however, someone answers that church service question with something similar to this, “Nothing at all, just oneself,” we can assume that person is new to that church, they totally get it, or both. A primary purpose of church is to include everyone in service, each equipped with their own creative and generous abilities. The only thing anyone needs to serve in a church is oneself.
Of course, it would be much easier if everyone who visits a church had a “Type A," take-charge personality. If that were true, each visitor would approach church leadership and tell us where they want to help. But let’s keep this discussion on planet Earth. Most of the world does not step forward in a new situation, let alone a church, and ask strangers how to become involved. It's not realistic to expect anyone to do something without first receiving some help and assurance. If I'm a church member and that’s what I’m waiting for, then I better be prepared to wait a long time.
Springtime is the time of year when most churches are sifting through membership roles and looking for help with volunteer recruitment. In a rapidly growing church (like the Chapel), few of us (who are sifting through the church roles) know many of the people who are currently attending alongside us. It’s important to remember that nearly everyone struggles to meet new people, but in the case of those of us who have been around a while, it is truly our responsibility to take the first step. It’s always up to us (the familiar ones) to make contact with the intent of developing true relationships. This is what helps other people become comfortable, encouraging them to step forward in a deeper relationship with the church and the family within it.
What does it take? It takes us, who are already comfortable at church, to meet someone new. If this is a struggle for you, don't give up before you've tried. Instead, turn it into a Lenten commitment. Try it! Consider making one introduction per week and let God take it from there! What does it take? It takes you and me!
See you at The Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
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