First, it supports an unhealthy model of staff dependency. After all, many churches expect the program staff to be the primary “doers” of the ministry since they are the ones being paid. These churches are missing a key to a thriving ministry: a program staff person whose primary responsibilities are to equip, empower, and encourage volunteers.

It also gives the volunteer an easy out. If a volunteer has the perspective that he or she is just a volunteer, one may be less inclined to live into his or her role by not fulfilling obligations. If given the chance to show up for a church meeting or enjoy the first sunny, 75-degree day in the spring, such people could very well blow off their church commitment. After all, they’re just volunteers.

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I was looking up images to use for this post. I found many phrases that boasted, “Volunteers Make a Difference.” I don’t believe that. In actuality, volunteers make THE difference. They aren’t “just” anything. They are almost EVERYTHING.  So next time, think twice about referring to yourself or someone else as “just a volunteer.”

What are some cultural dynamics you think contribute to the ‘just’ mentality?  And what can we do about it?

by Melissa Rau, A member of the Small Church Ministry Architects team and a Simply Youth Ministry Conference Inside Track Team member.

Originally posted here.

Recently adopted, but passionately felt is this mission statement of ours. We’re going to serving our community through something we call The Great Day of Helping. This will take place on Saturday, June 22, 1-4 p.m.

We are inviting those who are in need to come and join us. Among other things, we will be offering canned food and other non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, haircuts, and family photos.

If you are interested in joining us and helping plan this event, contact the office. There are many people working together to make this event a success. There will be plenty of things going on that day, including activities for children. So there is plenty of things needed before we get to the event.

The more in love we are with the Father and with our Savior, the more we become like Jesus Himself. And that’s not unique to the relationship between our Creator God and us, His creation. Maybe you’ve noticed that couples who have been married for a long time say that they know each other well enough to be able to complete the other person’s sentences.

Imagine having that same relationship with God—to communicate with Him so intimately and often that we know His thoughts well and can complete His sentences. Imagine the benefits of such a relationship; imagine the strength and peace that would come with that kind of loving and that sense of being loved.

God longs to share His heart with us. He is not looking for perfect little robots programmed to follow His directions, but for people who will receive His love and love Him and others in response. I think it’s very difficult for us to embrace the love of God because we have never been loved that way before. That’s because all human love—even the best we have experienced— is conditional and is impacted by our behavior or changing circumstances. But God’s love is not. God wants people who will share His heart and work with Him for things that have eternal worth.

In what ways would your life—your thoughts, words, and actions—be different if you walked around every day with a deep awareness of the truth that you are overwhelmingly loved?

What steps can you take toward living in the truth that God’s love for you is immeasurable, unconditional, and unshakable?

God of love, may the truth that You love me not just be a fact I hold in my head, but a truth that lives in my heart and guides me 24/7. You love me . . . I sit in awe of that truth, feeling thankful and blessed, humbled and joyful. Thank You for Your love—and teach me, in response, to love You and others well.

Digital Parenting

Check out this infographic. As parents, we like to know who our kids are with and where they’re going to be. This is just as important online.

You Are Beautiful

This link is somewhat different than what we normally pass on. But the message is powerful and would make for a great family devotional time. The questions are written for a teen small group, but parents are good at adapting, so rewrite for your family. This has a video made by Dove, a powerful message for our world today.

Smash

This is a new book by a couple of youth ministry guys I follow and use for resources all the time. Should I just Smash My Kid’s Phone? is their new book on creating and sustaining boundaries with our teens and their technology.

You can find the videos and descriptions here.

Love . . . always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Love . . . bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV)

Wouldn’t it be nice if love were like a cafeteria line? What if you could look at the person with whom you live and select what you want and pass on what you don’t? What if parents could do this with kids? “I’ll take a plate of good grades and cute smiles, and I’m passing on the teenage identity crisis and tuition bills.”

What if kids could do the same with parents? “Please give me a helping of allowances and free lodging but no rules or curfews, thank you.”

And spouse with spouse? “H’m, how about a bowl of good health and good moods. But job transfers, in-laws, and laundry are not on my diet.”

Wouldn’t it be great if love were like a cafeteria line? It would be easier. It would be neater. It would be painless and peaceful. But you know what? It wouldn’t be love. Love doesn’t accept just a few things. Love is willing to accept all things.

“Love is willing to accept all things.” Do you find this difficult? Why?

…Spiritual maturity has less to do with long-range visions than it does with moment-by-moment sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And it is our moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Holy Spirit that turns life into an everyday adventure.

Excerpted from Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson