Renewing a Culture of Service

“I just have bad people.” Over my years of ministry there have been times of discouragement when this thought goes through my head. It typically follows a conversation where my fellow leaders are trying to raise up more volunteers to serve in ministry and there just doesn’t seem to be enough people willing to serve.

The idea that the church I am leading has “bad people” seems a logical explanation, but it is not helpful. We say things, like: “They just don’t understand discipleship,” “They are just not committed to the vision,” and “They are so consumed by their own schedules.” Saying these statements is convenient because, if I have “bad people,” then I am off the hook as a leader! I would encourage you not to go down that path!

God has entrusted you to lead his people. They are created in His image and called to serve in his Kingdom. You have an amazing church filled with great people.

Now, the important question is: How do you as a leader equip your people for works of service? Here are some places to start:

Five ways to create a culture of service

Invite people to join the mission

Raising up volunteers to serve should not be something we do once a year. It should be part of the culture. There should be a clear path for discipleship that includes service.
The church’s discipleship pathway should be something 90 percent of the congregation are familiar with. Everyone should know that discipleship is the goal and that serving is a vital part of reaching that goal.

Serve like Jesus

As leaders we have the incredible privilege of empowering people to be more like Jesus. Every time we challenge someone to step into a ministry role, there is the potential for them to become more like Jesus through it.
In addition, each person has been endowed with gifts from the Holy Spirit. When you give them the opportunity to use those gifts, God’s presence is revealed through them.

Stop the bleeding

Having people on the team who are excited about the ministry and understand the difference it makes in people’s lives will draw others to serve. The opposite is also true. When people on the team are just filling a slot without any investment, they tend to avoid joining the team.
Team members serve out of a sense of obligation rather than calling can be resistant to change and indifferent about the quality of the ministry. That attitude will spill over onto the rest of the team. As difficult as it may be, we as leaders need to guide those folks to a new place of service or a new approach to ministry.

Reward what you want repeated

Our church recently started celebrating discipleship. We started announcing those who were being discipled and celebrating those who were discipling others. Something wonderful happened. We got more disciples!
There is a “buzz” about discipleship at our church because we are celebrating those who are participating in it. The same is true for service. When we celebrate those who serve, we will get more!

Develop the “art of the Ask”

Too often we fall into the mode of using demotivating language: “I’m sorry to ask,” “We really need help in,” “Everybody hates changing diapers but,” “I know you’re really busy but could you,” “If we don’t get more volunteers, we will have to shut down this ministry,” etc.
We remind ourselves — and the people we are inviting into ministry — that serving is a privilege rather than a burden. We shouldn’t have to dig too deep to find the life-changing, Kingdom-building vision that will inspire participation. As leaders we need to develop the “art of the ask,” and we need to train our ministry leaders to do the same.

The bottom line is the more people who serve for the right reasons in the right places the more your church will grow, and God will get all the glory. Developing a culture of serving takes thoughtfulness and intentionality. May the Holy Spirit grant you inspiration and wisdom.