Inviting People to Serve—What Would You Say?

In working with a recent church—one that is committed to and living out the Ephesians 4:11-13 mandate to “equip the saints for ministry,” it was encouraging to be with those who “get” that their job is to build relationships with their members, discover what they’re passionate about, help them identify their gifts, and invite them into meaningful service. In our time together, this church’s leadership began brainstorming phrases and statements that they use or might use in inviting congregants to serve.

Here are just a few of those:

·         You can do it…We can help! [credit to Diet Pepsi]

·         Answering a Call, not Lending a Hand

·         I SEE you first and the to-do list last.

·         You have a Call that is meant for His Kingdom building

·         Serving generations to impact the kingdom

·         Don’t deprive us of You!

·         Come serve your passion with us!

·         Our goal is to see people transformed.

·         Jesus Served – Oh, yes you can too

·         Listen well – make them feel @ home

·         Ask me how to be a volunteer

·         We need you – you need us... We need each other

·         Strength in Everyone

·         Come... Together with Christ We can....

·         One Body – One God!

·         God did not call me to do this alone

·         Until All have heard

·         There You Are – Let’s Go – Follow Me

·         We are Seed throwers and Fire Starters!

·         For Christ’s love compels us...

Some of these might be for public use, and some might just become internal shorthand as reminders to staff/leadership of the focus or the “why” of getting people involved. As you think about your own inviting, what would be your statement or statements? Does it represent the culture you have or one that is aspirational?

Consider having a similar discussion with your staff/leadership. How might you move increasingly toward an equipping culture, a priesthood of ALL believers, where everyone is seen and invited to engage in Kingdom work?

(For more on equipping, engagement, and gifts, check out the Resources page at GodGiftsYou.com. Take the free assessment and see what gifts God has bestowed on you to contribute to the whole.)

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Catalyst for Equipping at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo (c) Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.