Disclosure by the author:
- Prolific reader and a mediocre writer.
- Much more effective at making fact based statements than emotional requests.
- One thing that I believe in, without any doubt, is God’s desire and plan for us.
- One thing that I rely heavily upon is research from independent, world renowned organizations (I am an enneagram type 5 and will research any and everything for accuracy and amusement).
- One thing that I am passionate about is that our church doors should be open with love and acceptance to every single child of God and as often as we possibly can.
The Good News
More people are returning to church as we crawl slowly out of a pandemic. Over the last year, we have gained an increased viewership for our online services and many are wanting to now worship in person. Several are even coming for the first time!
The Facts
We need help. Your help. Volunteers aren’t returning at the same rate as the recipients of the services, and it takes more volunteers than before to create both online and in person services for all ages. Right now, we are turning families away due to our lack of volunteers and space for them.
We Need You
We can’t get back to where we were in February of 2020 without volunteers returning — including new volunteers willing to join in on the call. I’m NOT speaking of and to someone else:
- Someone with a different skill set.
- Someone that works less hours.
- Someone with young children.
- Someone that has a stronger calling.
- Someone that is younger or older.
- Someone that has a different disposition or personality.
- Someone that was “made to serve”.
- Basically, someone, anyone that isn’t YOU.
- Which means I AM speaking to YOU.
We Are Made to Serve
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
If Paul’s letter to the Ephesians piques your interest, we should also apply some facts from Stanford (cited as one of the most credited, open access sources of research):
- 90% of us “want” to volunteer, however, less than 1 in 4 do.
- Compassion is the #1 requested quality of a volunteer followed by willingness to take an initiative.
*Fact: lack of volunteers is not a lack of interest or intent.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
*You are gifted and qualified by God to serve.
Mayo Clinic (among the world’s largest nonprofit hospital systems) heralds proven health benefits from volunteering:
- Decreases Risk of Depression
- Gives a Sense of Purpose
- Provides Mental and/or Physical Activity
- Reduces Stress Levels
- Develops New Relationships
*Fact: Lack of volunteers is not due to the health risks of serving.
Jesus says you will be blessed - Believe Him!
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
If you’ve made it this far, you are aware that while I struggle to be interesting and compelling, I don’t struggle with speaking The Truth. I am hearing the knock, I can’t get to the door alone, and I believe in my heart that you and I, not someone else, are being called to Open. The. Door.
The number 1 reason people state for not volunteering is that they weren’t asked. I’m asking. I’m pleading. If you need more information, please call (972) 560-4600 and ask for Penny ([email protected]) and give me the opportunity to make the ask in person! I will find a rewarding place for you (final fact).
We need YOU to help us to spread the love of Christ in our community!
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10