A friend shares how, because of travel, she attended different worship services on a fairly regular basis. While similar she noted differences. One was filled with members nearly every Sunday morning to capacity with the occasional need to pull out more chairs to accommodate everyone. Another had the same capacity, but was usually thrilled, if it was half full.
THE PARETO PRINCIPLE
The second difference however, was even more striking. There’s a saying called the ‘Pareto Principle’, that in most cases, only 20% of the attendees do 80% of the work. In the church where attendance fills only half the church, this rule seemed to be accurate.
In the other church, it was quite different. It was reversed. The larger percentage fell clearly in the ‘involvement and work’ area, with only the smaller 20% being inactive. "It’s so rewarding to see this occur," she noted—"and totally motivating!"
In a space where workers are few, it’s easy to become frustrated and burned out with all the effort it takes to even get a few things accomplished. Because of the lack of ‘workers’, ministries are few and it becomes a vicious cycle of not only enough people to do the work, but also fewer ministries!
UNDER-APPRECIATED
A friend of mine, from another congregation, was sharing how she felt under-appreciated and unsupported in this environment. Bitterness was edging its way into her mindset and attitude. Then one day she received a message via a card thanking her for her efforts and willingness to serve. She was overjoyed and was able to continue working with gratitude, that she wasn’t being taken for granted.
IN SERVICE FOR THE LORD
The truth is, however, we are all called to ‘be in service’ for the Lord. Our willingness is much more valuable than our qualifications! When we say yes to God, we become empowered through the HolySpirit to use our natural abilities for his service!
It’s true, also, that we all have lives outside the church. It may be sports, work, or other interests which keeps us not only from attending services regularly, but from being involved. God’s Word tells us where our “heart is, is where our ‘treasure’ is also”(Matthew 6:21) If other things take priority, what does that say about our relationship with God? Is he first ..or..somewhere down the list?
MANY WAYS TO SERVE
Don’t misunderstand, there are plenty of ways to serve. Many are within the confines of the congregational ministries. And if there isn’t a ministry you want to be a part of, there’s always the option of creating (and thus leading) a ministry which can blend your gifts and pleasure with others!
DOING THE 'LITTLE THINGS'
There are also, what seem like ‘small things’ you can do which require little effort but can have a dynamic impact. The card mentioned earlier from someone in my friend’s congregation, made a huge impact her.
Cards of appreciation are hugely important! Use your passions to encourage! Make yourself available to serve others. Bake, organize, fix things, make phone calls, send emails, use sewing, crafting, music, pray…anything that makes you happy share with someone else for God’s glory, and joyful obedience. Any service done in love matters.
MAKE AN IMPACT
As you serve, others will see (or feel) the impact and also be encouraged to serve. This can have huge implications to an entire congregation! What a gift it would be to see your act of service grow into seeing the ‘ripple effect’ of 80% of those serving in your place of worship!
Giving kindness, loving with your whole heart, caring about other people and sharing yourself in ways you are gifted, are gifts to God. When you do this for Jesus, you are raising God to the top of your list…right where He belongs!
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