Motivational Shift: Why people volunteer (Ministry Trends Series)

I grew up in an era when we were taught in school: “You can do anything. You can change the world.” Right or wrong, that was ingrained into our impressionable heads. Now, tens of millions of young adults are wandering around, trying to figure out how they can begin a revolution.

Today, people are not moved by a commitment to the community, as many were fifty years ago.  My generation has seen too many commitments fail.  Instead, they are motivated by compassion for a cause. People have to see that their volunteer work will make a tangible and substantial difference in the world.

Recently, I spoke witha number of leaders from growing, dynamic church ministries. There is a word that continues to be used in conversations such as these – passion. Churches that are involving large percentages of members in ministry seem to have an ability to tap into, or even ignite, a deep passion for a particular ministry.

Passion is the product of the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life. When a person is using his or her spiritual gifts to edify the Body of Christ and bring glory to God, there is a joy that only God can supply. When people fail to possess any passion for their service, church leaders must take notice and counsel with these members regarding their commitment.

My suggestions:
1. Throw away the commitment cards. Help members discover their “perfect fit” through the principles I call “Spirit-led Connecting.”
2. Get personal. Spend enough time with the members of your congregation to know who has what strengths and how God is working in their lives. No more “cold calls” for ministry placement. Volunteer ministry cannot be a game of chance; there is too much to lose.
3. Talk about passion. Help people see how God ignited your passion and model this as a leader. Several leadership authors have suggested that we should spend at least 80% of our time doing that which we are passionate about. The other 20% can be spent on the necessities that make our passionate ministry possible.
4. Help people see the positive life-changing results of their ministry. If the Kitchen ministry is supplying food on Wednesday nights that brings more families to ministry events, then help these faithful workers see that children are coming to Christ and parents are being encouraged because they did not have to worry about supper. Passion for ministry is fueled by Christ-honoring results.

Please feel free to add to these suggestions in the comment section below. Or maybe one of you would be willing to share about your passion for ministry.

Previous Posts in this Series:

Are People Still Volunteering? 

Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service?

Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? 

Coming Soon in this Series:
Community versus the Individual
Technological Influences
Other Organizations