5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know

“Help me find the ministry that God has for me in this church. I want to serve so that I can help others, but I need to know what to do, how to do it, and how I am doing. Sincerely, A Church Member.” 

This is the cry of a church member who is following the Holy Spirit. Leaders cannot fail to hear the desperation and confusion. If this cry falls on “deaf ears,” this member will either find another fellowship or (worse case scenario) become a church-goer wandering aimlessly through the halls.

There are at least five things “A Church Member” wants his leadership to know:

1. “I want to be asked to serve.” Many church leaders assume that disengaged church members are apathetic.  The average church has about 25% of the members in active ministry service, and leaders assume the others simply do not want to serve. It is doubtful that this is the reality of the situation. People expect their leadership to lead; and leading involves prayerful, discerning recruitment and mentoring.

2. “I need clear expectations.” Nothing can be more frustrating for a volunteer than to sign up for a task that is larger than previously advertised. Any enlistment that begins with “All you have to do is…” should be suspect. People want to know what they are being asked to do, preferably before they commit to doing it.

3. “I want to know how to do ministry.” When done effectively, training is a blessing and not a burden. People expect training for a new position in the “business world.” Why would they expect less in a position that involves the mission of God and has eternal ramifications?

4. “I need feedback.”  Not every member is looking for a stroke of his ego or searching for a compliment. Most volunteers in the church simply want to know that their time and effort are making a difference. Feedback encourages people that they are heading in the right direction and guides their efforts if they are floundering.

5. “I want to influence the others. I want to leave a legacy of faith in Christ.” Christians want to have a positive impact on the lives of their family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. At church, they want to be involved in something that God uses in a miraculous way. Growing Christians understand that God is the one who changes people and He chooses to use His people as instruments in this miracle. When church leaders help members see this potential (cast this vision), the people of God will find the call to serve to be invigorating and exciting, instead of “The Pastor called again and wanted to know if I would serve on such and such committee (insert a long pause, deep breath, and a sigh).”

Every Christian has a call to serve, a gift for ministry, and a place in the Body of Christ that is unique. Who are we leading if we ignore the cry of “A Church Member?”

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