Personal from Ministerial and Member Services

Created to be Servants - Part 2

Last week in the eNews, I wrote of how we are all created by God to serve Him and to serve one another. We explored, to some extent, whether members were satisfied with their level of service in their local congregation. This week, I would like to continue with this overall theme of service.

Another question asked on the survey, having to do directly with service, was "In the past year, were you able to serve or contribute in some capacity in your congregation?" To this question, 88% either "strongly agreed" or "agreed." Last time we saw that 76% were satisfied with their level of service. A greater percentage of respondents were able to serve, but not all at the level they would prefer.

I am confident our pastors will consider this and provide more opportunities in the coming years for those members who desire to increase their level of service. Again, brethren, remember: "ask, and you shall receive." Be sure your pastor knows you have a desire to serve more fully.

One member made this comment about his local pastor:

"Our pastor is reassigning roles and responsibilities in the local congregation, which is refreshing and very much needed to give people a break."

Another member wrote this:

"We're both in our sixties and the same people are asked to serve in organizational activities and, of course, a lot is placed on the younger members. Everyone should be approached and asked to serve, rotate responsibilities, so all may grow and there's no partiality. We feel everyone deserves an opportunity to step up to the plate. You may be surprised how God will raise stones."

God certainly has the desire and ability to provide all our needs. He often uses people He is calling to fulfill those needs, as we all place our trust in Him!

We would like more members to be able to make a comment similar to this one from one of our members:

"One of the encouraging things about our congregation is the willingness to serve the brethren/others wherever the need may arise. Visiting the sick/injured. Visiting elderly. Taking care of members who have needs, this is very encouraging and uplifting."

As was mentioned last time, many are concerned that the burden of service often falls on the same shoulders. We all need to do our part so this does not continue in areas where we have adequate numbers.

I found it interesting that nearly the same percentage of members over age 40 (90%) and those under age 40 (92%) indicated that they did serve in one capacity or another.

One of the conclusions drawn from the survey is that aging members are concerned that younger members are not stepping up to carry enough of the responsibilities of service, yet 93% of those under the age of 25 indicated that they did serve to some degree.

It is good to see so many in our younger generations willing to serve. We encourage all young people to get involved in service in our local congregations. Show yourself faithful in serving in small ways and you will be given opportunities to serve in greater ways in the future.

Evidently, some haven't always been encouraged to serve, and in some cases have been turned away. One young member commented:

"I have not been able to serve at my church the way I'd like to. Everything is rigidly controlled in who can serve, and I volunteered to help in the kitchen but I was told I'm not needed since 'I'm young' which made me feel like the people in charge think I'm too undependable to even be put on kitchen duty. I don't understand why, as I'm a responsible young adult who works multiple jobs and goes to college and has never been given a chance to prove myself at church. This being said, I think I can serve in other ways, like taking time to talk to all the elderly in my congregation. There are few young people in my congregation, so all the older adults appreciate when I sit down with them and talk with them. I am able to serve in that way."

We certainly want all our congregations to encourage service from our younger generations, but it appears that we do need improvement. Another young member had this to say:

"I would like to contribute/serve in some way, but it appears that individuals have already 'filled positions' and have 'established teams.'"

Another member writes:

"Some heads of service in our congregation are demeaning towards those who try to serve and do not consider the strengths or needs of those trying to serve."

We do not want to give the impression that there is "no room" for anyone who is willing to serve.

We would also encourage you to volunteer at the Feast. More and more Feast Coordinators desire to give young adults, even teens, an opportunity to serve at the Feast. Notice this comment from the survey.

"We need to be willing to welcome people who are willing to serve, no matter their ability or age. I was very happy and impressed to see young teens working as ushers at our Feast of Tabernacles location this year. We also had a young teen helping in the offering count. In years past, my teen was told he was not allowed to help as an usher due to his age. I'd love to see the ability for teens to register for more service opportunities when registering for the Feast."

From the survey, it is interesting that a rather large portion of our members seem to associate service with large tasks such as speaking or leading social activities, but the truth of the matter is that EVERY aspect of service is vitally important to the overall success of having a congregation do all things "decently and in order."

What some may consider the "small jobs" are important too; and those who are willing to serve in small ways prove their humility and desire to serve without seeking recognition or acclaim.

It is unfortunate that some members feel marginalized, having a desire to serve, but not given the opportunity. Sometimes it is best to simply "pitch in" without being asked. Show your willingness to serve by simply seeing a need and filling it. Always be humble and respectful, but show that you have a desire to be involved.

The first goal I have listed for MMS is directly related to this aspect of our calling. It has to do with relationships between elders and our service, as ministers, to God and to His people.

That goal, as stated, is "Personally develop close relationships with all pastors and elders. Together we want God to be pleased with our relationships in the ministry and our service to His children and called-out ones."

As Operation Manager for MMS, I am committed to serving God as I strive to serve the ministry and members God has called. It is my desire to have a close working relationship with all our pastors and elders and to interact with them in ways that will please God and Christ. It is also my goal and desire that all ministers have mutual respect, love, and concern for one another in the ministry. Moreover, together we desire to serve our brethren with the same mutual respect, love, and concern. In addition, it is our desire to engage our members and give them many opportunities to serve.

We, ministers and members alike, are all called to serve God and His people and to serve well. May we all learn to be more pleasing to God in how we serve Him and our brethren!

Wishing you all a very inspiring and peaceful Sabbath!