Sorting the Church Volunteerism Dilemma

by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader

Sometimes it seems like there is an invisible, secret code hidden somewhere that we must find and crack open. We feel like someone is intentionally hiding the key that can unlock the door when it comes to people volunteering to serve in our churches.

Well, that’s what happens when we are facing a dilemma which is multi-dimensional. There’s not a magic bullet, or single answer. Rather, the volunteerism dilemma in churches is part of a web of issues and items having to do with how we function as churches.

So, rather than simply accept what is, unable to make headway, the following diagram can help. It’s helpful in various ways. First, this diagram helps us understand why cracking the volunteerism code is daunting… it’s connected to so many parts of our church lives. I’m hoping that’s comforting, reminding us this is a complex issue, rather than indicating we aren’t capable problem-solvers. Second, this diagram suggests that any positive movement or mission-congruent change in any of these bubbles, will help. Changes in more than one; in three, four, or five bubbles, will significantly influence volunteerism in our churches. Given this, here’s a brief description of each.

Missional Clarity And Urgency – This is in the center, since it is the center of our church lives, acknowledged or not. The greater our missional clarity, the more likely our urgency for living the mission rises, giving energy and direction to everything else we are and do. This is missional alignment, and is worth more than gold in terms of progress and forward movement, drawing people into serving.

Essential Church Functions – There was a day when churches had the luxury to do many mission-peripheral activities. Those days are over. Now is the time to sharpen our focus, clarifying our callings and mission, living into our best selves. Identifying what’s essential, what we MUST be and do, is a great way to gain clarity. When this work is done, those serving know they are part of something essential and significant.

Ministries And Programs – Sunsetting. Do you know that word? This is one of the most difficult parts of church life—giving a dignified death to long-term cherished ministries and programs. But I can tell you, the relief and energy boost afterwards will confirm your work in sunsetting that which is already coming to a close. Obviously, the number of volunteers needed decreases as these tired and unhelpful activities decrease.

Church Staffing – We can’t hire our way out of the volunteerism dilemma. Even the most cash-flush churches can’t hire enough people to do everything that needs doing. Instead, we do need to staff certain strategic functions. One of those functions is the training and equipping of the saints for ministry, thereby increasing the number of those who serve.

Financial Resources – Where we direct our church’s finances is always important. Training those who serve, equipping them with what they need to serve, and hiring staff persons to invest in them all require money. Missional alignment of our finances will increase the number of people who serve in and through our churches.

Committees And Teams – Nearly every church we engage has more committees and teams than they need. Eliminating the unnecessary will actually increase the numbers of people serving. They will come to see committee and team work as important parts of your church’s mission, rather than simply staffing what the bylaws require.

Local Context Situation – I’m coaching a pastor of a Washington, DC, church whose people are largely federal employees. Currently, many of them are losing their jobs, clearly affecting their ability to serve in their church. This is one example of how challenges in local contexts are interactive with church life, especially capacity to serve.

Pinch Points and Conflicts – Our emerging Crossing Thresholds Visioning Process (coming soon) includes a Pinch Point Survey for identifying them. These are places where churches are stuck, with momentum slowing or grinding to a halt. Conflict and unresolved tension can function the same way, resulting in fewer people willing to give their time and energy to service, given the unresolved problems and concerns.

Abled People Available – Recently I was with a church where the vast majority are over age 70. This reality clearly influences those who are available to serve. Certainly older persons can serve up until the day they join the church triumphant, yet the number of people with greater capacity for service directly influences our pool of people for serving.

Volunteerism Culture – I would love to say that people in churches are always motivated to serve, regardless of how the larger culture around them values volunteering. But until we are fully mature and complete, we are influenced by our cultural contexts. Consumerism, hyper-speed living, pressures to succeed….all of these influence our understandings of what it means to serve.

I’m hopeful this diagram and brief explanation of each bubble will equip people in your church to consider how to sort your church volunteerism dilemma. A team could look at each bubble, recommending changes. On the other hand, church leaders can simply make the changes needed in each bubble, observing the outcomes.

May we use every tool available toward living into greater expressions of church this day, and ever more.