Family dynamics have changed the look of volunteer ministry. Churches that refuse to recognize this change will inevitably see a decline not only in ministry participation but also in the spiritual growth of the congregation.
Families look different today than when I was a kid (BTW, I am only 37 years old). We did not have a soccer park in my hometown. I was in the Boy Scouts with a number of my peers, but I did not hear of anyone playing on a baseball team until high school. Today, it is not unusual for a family with children to be involved in seasonal sports, fine arts, and a host of school-related activities simultaneously. Throw nightly homework and social activities into the mix and families have a recipe for a calendar that is packed with something for every 10,080 minutes of the week.
When I ask a parent to consider a volunteer opportunity in our church, I almost want to offer an apology for inquiring. The response I often get is exasperation. “I would love to serve, but…” What follows is a long string of calendar events. The lifestyle that many parents have adopted is exhausting.
Yet, we are called to serve the Lord in our local church. “God brought you into this fellowship of believers for a purpose. You have something that will edify this Body” is my signature phrase. A believer will not be fulfilled in his or her walk with Christ while neglecting a God-called service.
But how can I, in good conscience, ask a mother of three small children to serve on a committee that meets on Thursday evenings? Even if she would love to serve in this particular ministry area, I would be asking her to sacrifice time with her family- creating a difficult decision for many young moms.
Maybe the solution to this dilemma is found in creativity. Here’s an idea: why not develop some ministry opportunities for the whole family? This is a concept that is growing on me. I am longing to involve my three boys in ministry as much as possible. For example, I needed to visit several church members last Tuesday night, for the purpose of encouragement. My wife was called into work, so I had the boys for the evening. At first, this seemed like a problem. However, at six o’clock, we all piled into the minivan, stopped by the grocery store, picked up bottles of the best lemonade in town, and hand-delivered them to the members we needed to visit. One of the members posted on Facebook that evening, “…thanks to Jeremy and the boys [the lemonade] was right on time and glad I got to see you.” We found a place for joyful and fruitful ministry in the midst of a packed schedule.
What are some ideas you have about involving busy families in ministry service?
Shepherding Well 
This is a great word, Jeremy. We have to stop “shaming” parents into giving up their lives for the programs of the church. Rather, we should be equipping them to be on mission through their everyday life. Thanks for the post!