What motivates people? Hundreds of millions of Americans will get up tomorrow morning and go to work to make some money. Others will head off to school to gain knowledge and job skills for a higher standard of living. But what motivates volunteers? Some lend a hand to others for self-satisfying reasons. Yet, the followerContinue reading “Eye-opening Change (5 Things Series)”
Author Archives: Jeremy Amick
Feedback Friendly Leadership
Not everyone enjoys receiving criticism, but most appreciate some honest feedback. The encouragement and correction of others keeps our motives and our moves in check. We need people in our lives who will offer guidance in our weaker areas and an appropriate accolade when we “get it right.” Years ago, I bought an intriguing gadgetContinue reading “Feedback Friendly Leadership”
Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)
If mediocrity is good enough for you, then you can just skip this post. If, however, you want to see followers of Christ serving with joy and effectiveness in ministry, training is not optional. Most churches expect their pastors to have some level of formal training. To scan a listing of pastoral job openings, oneContinue reading “Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)”
Fear of Asking (5 Things Series)
No one leads by accident. The words intentionality, strategy, vision, and mentoring relationships are frequently used in the leadership realm. Likewise, few people “accidentally” fall into the right ministry position in a church. God has called church leaders to guide, encourage, and train His people for ministry. People want to be asked to serve. AContinue reading “Fear of Asking (5 Things Series)”
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 followingContinue reading “5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know”
Habitat for Humanity: Friend or Foe?
Fifty years ago, life was simpler for most church people. They raised their family, worked their job, and went to church. They volunteered in their church, because it was the “right thing to do.” They embraced a community of faith and rarely left their church over hurt feelings or a disagreement with the pastor. TheyContinue reading “Habitat for Humanity: Friend or Foe?”
Connection Failure: From Community to “Me-ism” (Ministry Trends Series)
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 orContinue reading “Connection Failure: From Community to “Me-ism” (Ministry Trends Series)”
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 notContinue reading “Motivational Shift: Why people volunteer (Ministry Trends Series)”
Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)
Are believers in Christ working so much at their jobs that they don’t have time to minister to people? One trend that has influenced volunteer ministry in the church is the career decisions of believers. Marlene Wilson acknowledges that the times have changed. “The fact is that people are volunteering- just not in the waysContinue reading “Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service? (Ministry Trends Series)
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 notContinue reading “Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Shepherding Well 