Is it better for a person not to serve if the motive involves a selfish interest? If someone had a personal motive for serving, should a church leader say “no” to the request? When I consider the teachings of the Bible, there is no instance where a person accomplished anything of value by himself or herself. God has created us to accomplish His work through a community of believers in Christ.
The charter members of my church remember the first building that was constructed 51 years ago. The work was done by members of the church and the surrounding community. The men would work at their jobs all day and meet at the building site after “quitting time.” They would work on the building every day until late in the night. The women would bring the kids and supper to the site and help supply the men with materials. People came from all over the county to pitch in. The construction of the “Sanctuary” was a community event, and a spirit of cooperation prevailed. Unfortunately, society has shifted from this spirit to something quite dangerous.
A Watergate conspirator once stated, “I have found within myself all I need and all I ever shall need. I am a man of great faith, but my faith is in George Gordon Liddy. I have never failed me.” As our American society has become more focused on the individual, volunteerism has suffered. People have been less inclined to be a part of the “community.” A “What’s in it for me?” mentality has plagued the area of ministry service for several decades.
There is hope that this trend will change. In fact, there are grassroots movements regarding the revitalization of the community. America’s younger generations are beginning to long for a greater sense of community. Facebook and Starbucks are evidence that people still long to connect.
To encourage this emerging trend in volunteer experience, church leaders need to foster a relational attitude. Instead of simply completing a task, each ministry should be building a team. This team does accomplish prescribed duties, but the discipleship growth of each member of the team must be the priority. Ministry is a team effort that requires an attitude of cooperation and community among people dependent upon Christ.
Check out the previous posts in this series on ministry trends:
Are People Still Volunteering?
Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service?
Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store?
Motivational Shift: Why people volunteer
Shepherding Well 
Good comments about the team building aspect of serving. Nothing brings a group of people closer together in community and relationship than serving others together.