Do SOMEthing!
Do SOMEthing!
“The ministry opportunities God has prepared for us not only build His kingdom, they also serve to grow us up in Him. Doing something is one of the processes God uses to mature our faith and heal our brokenness and pain. Doing something is what you do throughout your whole life walking with God…It’s okay to make mistakes. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be available and obedient.” So says Pastor Miles McPherson in his book Do Something!
When asked “what is one word of encouragement you could share with someone who is looking for a place to get involved?”, currently-involved people had this to say:
“Start with one activity at a time, whether it's serving coffee, joining a small group study, helping with children, whatever. Each activity gives the opportunity to see what you love, and then pursue. But, it's important to not stretch yourself too thin and into too many activities because then service to each will be compromised (not to mention the exhaustion and frustration that can lead to!). Also, feel free to change your place of service when the time seems right. I am a person who enjoys variety, so over the years I have served in Sunday School, MOPs, VBS, and Children's Choir.”—J.
“Pray about it, think about it. Ask God for guidance. Make yourself available. Develop a servant heart. Get a copy of your church’s or a community agency’s volunteer opportunities list. Go out and do it. If the first volunteer effort doesn't work, keep trying until you find one that does.”—A.
“We are a body designed to serve Him. There is strength in numbers. Some of my very special friends are those I have made in my church and those friendships are lasting.”—G.
“God makes it satisfying and fulfilling to do those activities that fit our spiritual gifts and capabilities, especially as a team, because we are made for relationships. It is just duty, obligation, or work instead of pleasure if outside our spiritual gifts and capabilities, and less likely to be successful, at least in the long run.”—R.
“Trust the Lord and reach out in ways you are led by Him.”—W.
“All of my current serving endeavors bring me a sense of joy and purpose. In all cases I am a part of a larger group of volunteers. Being a part of these groups has resulted in friendships with like-minded people. I believe that the old adage is true that ‘if you want to help yourself, help someone else’.”—W.
“If ever you are feeling low, depressed, useless, sad, get involved, volunteer, it is truly amazing how much better you will feel. The Lord has lots for us to do for Him here and our reward is a surprising joy that comes with service & using our God given gifts.”—H.
“Be open to God's leading, even in unexpected ways. (I hadn't been looking to be the director at my job, but God had different ideas.) If you are using your gifts, whether it be in the church, workplace or home, it will energize you. Don't downplay the ministry you have in your own home.”—A.
“Carefully consider who God has created you to be - spiritual gifts, personality, skills, talents, passions, etc. God created you specifically to be in relationship with Him, to serve Him. So, He will lead you to a place of service that's a "fit" for you, as you follow His lead.”—S.
And, as you consider volunteering, remember that service can be inside and outside the walls of your church. Get engaged. DO SOMEthing today!
© Shirley Giles Davis, 2018