A New Way To Increase Your Volunteer Base

“20% of church members do 80% of the work.”

And, I would say that 100% of pastors have made that statement. 🙂

We as pastors, in well-meaning fashion, are always trying to motivate the members to total commitment to the ministries of the local church.

“We need nursery workers. If you would be willing to serve, just sign up in the foyer.”
“Pastor Matt could use some help with the teen ministry. If you would be willing to serve, please see Pastor Matt.”
“Pre-service prayer meeting is at 8:45. We need you there to pray. Can we count on you next Sunday?”
“VBS is soon upon us! Would you be willing to serve in teaching, safety, games, crafts, set-up, food, transportation, or counseling? If so, see Ms. Sandra to sign-up!”

Sounds all too familiar doesn’t it?

I know that in my 40 years as a senior pastor, I’ve been guilty of begging people into service. Here’s something I’ve learned that I hope will be helpful to you in your ministry.

You as a pastor cannot make people move, or as my dad used to say, “You can’t make people do.” Begging or using guilt to motivate into serving only satisfies our selfish desires and goals. Mostly likely, your folks will end up serving to please you rather than God.

Suggestion: Rather than begging people to serve, train people to serve. Discover their spiritual gifts and disciple them as the Spirit has so equipped them.

Every person serving in the local church should have an apprentice: a Sunday School teacher training another teacher, a nursery worker bringing along another precious laborer, a pastor pouring into the life of another man.

It was such a blessing to incorporate this model at Boones Creek Bible Church over the past decade. During the pandemic, Pastor Andrew and I were able to watch as small group leaders stepped up to encourage and create community during a time that was difficult under normal ministry standards.

Most of all, pray, meditate on and obey the following passages as Christ builds His church.

For it is God (not begging on your part) who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-12a)

Pastor, if you will take this to heart, you will enjoy ministry, you will rest better at night, and God will get all the glory!