I was challenged by one of my family members that is in ministry to think on this question as I start a new chapter in my life with Connection Ministries. He asked, “Am I giving away the ministry?” He was meaning by that question, was, “Am I giving the ministry to others so they can share the load?
As I thought about this question, ideas of volunteer opportunities in the ministry came to mind:
Volunteers want a vision to run behind, not a list of things to do. They want purpose in their service, not to be just a warm body filling a space.
I began to think about my responsibilities with Connection Ministries and the responsibilities of the leaders of the Friendship Groups. I asked myself the question, “am I hoarding responsibilities that really need to be released as the Executive Director?”
It can be challenging to share certain tasks or responsibilities in a ministry and maybe a little scary to give up control of those tasks.
Sometimes I think, “There is nobody to give the ministry tasks to. And who would want to serve by putting craft kits together for Summer Friendship Gatherings or stuffing envelopes for mass mailings?”
Then I am reminded that God has given us everything and everyone we need! Sometimes, people just need us to come alongside them and help them discover their gifts, share our needs, or ask for help.
If you don’t know where to start with this in your Friendship group take time to ask Pam Crowder the Ministries Consultant for ideas on ways to help utilize and gain more volunteers.
At Connection Ministries I have realized the need to grow our volunteer base.
The question certainly made me think about many things and THEN I was asked a second tough question. Do I want co-laborers in the ministry or personal assistants? I realized if I don’t share the load by giving opportunities for others to serve, I don’t have co-laborers, I only have personal assistants.
I chose co-laborers! What is your choice as a leader in your Friendship group?
Volunteer opportunities at Connection Ministries:
- Assisting with mass mailings (about 10 a year) folding and stuffing envelopes.
- Proofreading materials
- Writing curriculum
- Providing extra resources i.e. coloring sheets, games
- Craft ideas for Friendship Groups
- Putting together Summer Gathering craft kits
- Helping with the enhancement of the resource library. (Music, Crafts, devotions, coloring/art projects, expanding the video library, etc.)
- Organizing storage and curriculum resources
- General office tasks
- Organizing Photos
If you would like to learn more of how you can volunteer at Connection Ministries, please contact Pam at pam.crowder@connection-ministries.org or call our office at 317-646-5067.
Thank you for considering ways we can share the load together.
Blessings,
Tracy Cornforth