We all have gifts, graces, and talents given to us by God. As Christians, we are called to serve God and use these gifts, graces, and talents. Congregations would not be able to offer its programs or opportunities for ministry without volunteers. Leadership is often “tasked” with finding volunteers to serve a variety of roles, including that of teacher and mentor for children and youth. It’s not about recruiting warm bodies, it as about an invitation into ministry. Here are some tips and pointers to invite others to share their gifts through the ministries of teaching and learning in your congregation. It is a call to ministry.

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:37

vol·un·teer – n. one who chooses freely to do something vt. To offer or give of one’s own free will. vi. To offer to enter into service of one’s own free will.

Why do people volunteer?

• They want to be needed
• They want to help others and make a difference
• They want to learn new skills or use skills they already have
• They want to belong to a caring community and feel accepted as members
• They seek self-esteem and affirmation
• They want to grow in their faith and share their God-given gifts
• They want to keep from being lonely
• They want to support causes they believe in

When seeking to involve people in ministry: Continue reading Calling Teachers to Teach →