Unleashing a Church Volunteers Potential

Have you ever been to the pet store and watched the hamsters run in their wheel? The word “meaningless” comes to mind. Unfortunately, I think sometimes church volunteers feel much like that hamster.

You see it on their faces. They are carrying out a mindless task that nobody sees and nobody recognizes. They do it faithfully week after week without recognition or praise. Granted, that is not why they do it. They do it because God called them to this task. Maybe it is that back up guitar player that is always on time and ready to serve, maybe it is that nursery worker with a baby under each arm who shows the love of Christ to each and every child. Or maybe it is that grade seven boy’s small group leader who says a prayer before he enters the lion’s den. They are the people like Job that God brags about in heaven. They are volunteers who choose this task because there is a passion inside that cannot be explained - A passion from God. Yet, when you look into their eyes the verse that comes to mind is not “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” But rather “vanity of vanities! All is vanity...”  Admit it, you’ve seen it in people’s faces and you’ve probably felt it before as well.

A while ago, I read a book about the leadership of Winston Churchill. It talked about a man who inspired a nation to be devoted to the cause. Granted it wasn’t just the soldiers that needed motivation it was the common workers as well. One can hear the resolve in his words as he spoke with thunderous conviction - “We cannot fail, we must not fail!”  What I found even more inspiring was a speech that he gave to the nations steel workers. Could you picture a group of people more out of touch with the war effort? Yet Churchill’s fiery gazed captured their attention as he said, “The foundations upon which all our chances of Victory stand is Steel…Every man or manager who is engaged in Steel Production is directly engaged in smiting down the enemy and bringing the war to a speedy close. And although he may not share the perils and sufferings of the fighting troops, he can win for himself the right to share their honour when victory is attained.”     

If you were that steel worker, what would your next shift look like? Would there be a dedication in your soul? Would you show up early ready to go? Would you give that extra effort and devote yourself selflessly to the cause? I am sure something would change inside now that you understood the importance of your role. Perhaps a leader’s task is not to lord over others placing them in their individual “hamster wheels” but to give people a sense of how their effort fits into the larger picture.

I see this same attitude in the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 after explaining the victory that we have through Jesus Christ he says, “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the world of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” A few chapters before that he described the church as a body with many parts. And, all these parts are dependent upon one another. No one should feel like their service in the church is like running in a “hamster’s wheel.” It is the leader’s job to make sure that never happens.

The other day on our “Church Visitation Tour” a pastor almost tackled me in the foyer after the service. He looked me in the eye and said, “There is a place for you here, and I want to help you find it.” He went on to explain the vision for their church and a possible role that I could play as former youth pastor and current Seminary student. I have to admit, I was drawn into his passion. But most of all, I was drawn into the clarity in which he saw the different roles of the church. Heh, if only that church was closer…

What would happen in our churches if people caught sight of the larger vision of what God is calling us to do? What would happen if they understood the urgency and necessity of their role? How much passion, perseverance and commitment would it ignite in their soul? What would happen if no one was left to run endlessly in their hamster wheel?

Don’t assume that even the most committed Christian will run blindly forever. Take some time to unleash their potential and ignite their passion by showing them the larger vision and their role in it. Do it now, the kingdom depends on it!

The Paradox of a “Master of Divinity”

A “Master of Divinity” - It seems to be an odd combination of words. For even the amateur who has spent a small amount of time in the study of theology realizes that indeed the divinity cannot be mastered. It is almost an insult, a naivety to suggest that one can attain a high-order overview of God. Yet, to go to the other extreme of ignorance is just as ludicrous. “Throwing in the towel” because of the enormity of the task proves to short-change the purpose of mankind. Notwithstanding this paradox, history has seen countless of individuals who have devoted their life to the study of God. And, you are probably one of them but don’t even know it.

When we really break it down, we are all theologians; we all carry around with us a perception of God that is ever changing…one that is perhaps based on our understanding of Scripture, our experiences, our upbringing and even our relationships. Yet, if the divinity cannot be mastered, why even bother? Why go to church or read the bible or even worse, go to Seminary?

The other day I stumbled across a website that attempted to bring God down to our human level making him or “it” more manageable to comprehend. The “Church of Google” it was called. They believe that the search engine of Google is the closest thing that mankind has ever come to an actual deity. It is a sort of omniscient presence that sits stagnant in the invisible online world, a sum total of all knowledge that is accessible to anyone. In fact “Google” has made it into our everyday language now - If you don’t know the answer, you “Google it.” (Ironically, you just might “google” the “Church of Google” when you are done reading this) I like technology as much as the next guy, but I really don’t want to worship megabytes.

Interestingly, the Bible paints a different picture of this deity. Psalm 139 is perhaps one of the most enlightening Psalms in the whole collection. It talks about a personal God who is intimately involved in all the aspects of my life - Even aspects that I am not even conscience of! The Psalmist seems to be saying, “I am known by the God who knows!” Perhaps theology is not as much about me knowing God as much as it is about letting God know me. It is about opening myself up to the Creator, Sustain, and Redeemer of all, letting him come inside of me and commune with my soul. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist ends with, “Search me oh God and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.” If there is one thing I have learned in my studies thus far it is that, it is possible to hide from God while doing theology. It is possible to use high sounding ideas as a “smokescreen” for evil in your own life, to confuse spiritual activity with spiritual depth. Am I the only one that has done that?

Maybe it is more important that God knows me, rather than I know God. Doesn’t Jesus warn me of that in his Sermon on the Mount? “Depart from me, I never knew you.” (Matt.7:23) In a book I read recently by Reggie McNeal The Present Future he asked, “Do you read the Bible or do you let the Bible read you?” Hmm..there it is.

Although the term “Master of Divinity” seems at the onset to be a paradox, it is one that I choose to embrace with my life. Perhaps it is not a statement about “arrival” as much as it is a statement about “process” - a process of continually opening myself up to the master himself – Jesus. It is a process that starts with him, ends with him and is ultimately all about him. And, it is a process that doesn’t end when I receive my diploma. I guess, when I really break it down, a “Master of Divinity” is ultimately about letting the divinity master me.   

Looking in the Mirror

Have you ever observed someone from afar and after a while realized you were looking at yourself?  And, you didn’t like what you saw? Perhaps you watched someone scold their child in an unproductive way and there was something all too familiar with their tone. Maybe it was the way someone handled their money or the way they treated others that caused this deja vu moment in your soul. Whatever it was, you felt a blush of red come over your face because there was something in that action that reminded you of… well….you. You were looking in the mirror and it wasn’t good.

I have been feeling a bit like that as I have been on my “Church Visitation Tour” this past year. Leaving full time ministry of eight years and jumping into seminary has proved to be a big transition for me. But, one of the things that it has allowed our family to do is visit other churches. While we are committed to a great church in our hometown, we also saw this time in our lives as an opportunity to visit other believers and learn from them. While in seminary we want to find out what God is doing in other parts of the country, to see how other people do church, and to know what it feels like to walk into a church for the first time. We have visited a number of churches this past year and sometimes I admit, I had that “Mirror Moment” where I didn’t like what I saw in my own life. I didn’t like how mechanical church attendance had become for me and, how my actions may have alienated some people from the church.

While not wanting to join the throng of superficial complaining voices that are quick to point out the church’s failings, I have decided to frame this in a way of how I will change. This is how I will do church differently from now on, this is how I will attempt to lead God’s church towards its redemptive potential.

The following 10 phrases were statements that have been going through my mind as I process my visits. This is how I will do church differently in the future.

1.    What on earth does that announcement mean? – Before giving an announcement ask, “What vital information do I need to convey?” or “Is this announcement only for 5 or 6 people?” What I announce and how I announce it shows newcomers what I value. Seek to use inclusive language that isn’t directed at the “in crowd” only.

2.    An inside joke needs to be explained – While an inside joke is a great way to build rapport with the congregation it alienates the visitors if it is not qualified or explained.

3.    Just talk to me! – Could you step outside your click for just thirty seconds and acknowledge my existence? There was a marked difference between the churches that were warm and friendly and those that were not. I realized that for some reason, I would not open up spiritually until I was comfortable socially.

4.    Holy perfume! – I know my allergies make me a lone ranger on this one but what happened to “no scents is good sense?” Perfume makes people with allergies sick. In fact, at some churches I had to get up and move mid-service because my body was repulsed. Are my actions hindering someone from worshiping God? Yes, even the odour from my body can be a stumbling block.

5.    Please don’t single me out from the stage – enough said.

6.    A nice building is a poor substitute for hospitality – A nice building may get someone to visit once but if I’m not prepared, or even halfway helpful, don’t expect people to return.

7.    Reassure me that my kids are in good hands – Every parent whether Christian or atheist are extremely concerned for the welfare of their children. Even though I have grown up in church my whole like, I kept asking myself in the back of my mind, “Can I trust this person?” Caring children workers are essential to any growing church.

8.    Expect my visit – Where is the sanctuary? Where is the children’s ministry area? Do the children sit in the service or is there children’s church? Is that coffee for anyone? Welcoming knowledgeable greeters make a big difference. I need to go to church every Sunday looking out for new people and how I can enfold them into the church.

9.    Update your website – What time does your church service start?  What do you value as a church? People want to come, they just aren’t informed. Social media and a strong internet presence is a must for any growing church.

10. Preach like there is eternity at stake – Do I preach because I need to say something or because I have something to say? – There is a big difference between the two. Go to my knees till I find the conviction to preach as if it is the very words of God.

Recovering from an Unusual Altitude

I once read of an exercise that fighter pilots go through in their training. Taking the jet up to a high altitude the instructor then places a bag over the trainee’s head. The instructor will then take control of the aircraft taking them both on the most intense “rollercoaster ride” ever – loops, dives, spins and turns getting the trainee all discombobulated. It is then that the instructor plucks the bag off the trainees head and gives him control of the aircraft. It is now the trainee’s task to return the plane to the original altitude and bearing. They call this exercise, “Recovering from an Unusual Altitude.” Heh, no kiddin!

You know, I think we all can identify with that trainee pilot. Sometimes, our lives are jam packed with so much activity, we are moving at breakneck speed, and perhaps feel like we are on a collision course with something. What we need is break, a pause from the rollercoaster ride.

There is this word all throughout the book of Psalms that is often overlooked. Amongst these ancient Hebrew worship songs is the word “Selah.” It basically means “pause.” The intent of the word was so that the music would continue to play and the singer could reflect on the words that they were singing. Sometimes we call this “interlude.” Rather than just charge through the song and check it off the list as sung, “Selah” allowed the weight of the truths they were singing to take root in the singers mind. Slow down, reflect, and pause.

I think sometimes we need to practice “Selah” in our lives more often.

This summer we as a family had the opportunity do some traveling and see some beautiful sights. Perhaps the most memorable moment was our visit to the Badlands in South Dakota. We stood on this point looking over the vast landscape of “savage beauty.” They compare this place to the face of the moon! We felt in this moment that we were not even on earth, we were somewhere else, somewhere far away. In a sense we stepped outside of our life and saw it from a different perspective. It was a pause, a stepping outside of the normal routine. And from that point God gave us perspective, refuelling and perhaps some adjustment. The ride home was where this all came together as we discussed our life and where we felt God was taking us as a family. And, this probably wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t paused.

I think sometimes we get addicted to the busyness of life and a pause seems like a waste of time. We would rather just swing harder with the axe rather than take time to sharpen it.  But what if that “pause” allowed God the opportunity to refocus and sharpen you in a way that was actually for the better? What if that “pause” gave you perspective that you never had before?

Have you paused this summer? Have you taken a break from the rollercoaster and reflected on the direction of your life? Have you allowed God to speak into the interlude? Perhaps “Selah” needs to be a part of your life. And perhaps, you need to recover from an unusual altitude too.