“Our Job Is not to recruit people for our ministry but to empower people for theirs.”
This could be semantics. But what if our focus for recruiting and inviting people to serve was for them to find their niche, invest their gifts, and be fulfilled in serving in kingdom work?
Too often, we may be looking for people to join us and fill slots, or finding “warm bodies” (a phrase that motivates no one).
It’s not that people don’t want a leader to follow, a vision to embrace, or a ministry role in which to invest. Leaders are named in the church for the exact purpose of helping to equip the saints and grow the church. But it quickly becomes cumbersome when we focus more on ourselves and our work than on those who serve.
Here are a few thoughts for making sure you’re empowering your people to find their ministry:
Remember, It’s God’s Ministry
Invite people to discover their place in God’s church and ministry. Encouragement, invitation, training, and asking are important. When I think of inviting people into God’s ministry, I’m more motivated to involve them.
Build a Culture of Trial and Error
Help teach people that trying something and not liking it is OK. Encourage them to try other things instead of quitting. Encourage them to discover what they enjoy and where God is calling them to serve. Every church member should serve in some role.
Build A Culture Of Commitment Blocks
A specific time allotment for ministry provides a light at the end of the tunnel. It gives people freedom. Too often, I have known people who felt stuck in their roles – not a good frame of mind for serving. When people know they have an end date for their role, they have the option to step back if needed, or continue serving in back-to-back time slots when they feel called and fulfilled.
Build a Culture of Invitation
People want to be asked. One of the best ways to empower someone for their ministry is to invite them to experience something. Building in this invitation style at the very start is a great way to do it. During a church membership class, an orientation for a ministry, or any other foundational time, encourage people to be ready for an invitation to discover their place.
Training Is Important
Training is needed to empower others for ministry. The church needs to understand that we are all ministers. Training might include explaining ministry needs and visions or how to get involved in particular ministries. It can also remove barriers that may keep people from jumping in, for example, not knowing who can answer their questions.
