Ministry Opportunities

Countless persons have discovered the joys of volunteering and the subsequent pleasure of doing things that they derive genuine pleasure in being a part of. One of the most significant traits of this movement lies in the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing. One person once said to me after an extensive eat and meet gathering that they would rather clean toilets than just sit and once more hear about what others were doing. If you are among those itching to “do” in light of God’s gifts and abilities given to you, I challenge you to consider those things that allow you to serve in the name of Christ those near you. If some suggestions would be in order, let me share a few thoughts.
Volunteer to serve at a local food kitchen, or to stock shelves for a food pantry, or coordinate purchases for a local food bank assisting others in distributing food to needy families.
Volunteer at a local school to assist students who need extra help with establishing reading skills, or as a volunteer in a classroom that allows you to assist the teacher with any number of classroom activities. With budget crises in schools, assistants are often in short supply.
Volunteer to work with a local scouting organization sponsored by your church.
Work to coordinate with church ministries to enhance rather than detract from church ministries. Engage with church leaders in opportunities to offer scouts opportunity to explore and grow in their faith.
Volunteer to teach a bible study class at a local nursing home as a ministry of your church. Your consistent presence and interest in those who are in a facility would allow you to minister to them in countless ways and to serve as a liason for other church ministry groups.
If your time is limited, but flexible, consider offering your assistance with practical aspects of church ministry often needed at special times of emphasis in the life of the church. Offer special assistance with church history preservation efforts, recording of historical interviews, filing church documents for long term preservation, to name a few.
Church evangelistic efforts may include assisting with special mailings or calling efforts. Bible School always can utilize volunteers with a love for children and a patient spirit to teach and instruct. Church libraries often need those with skills in cataloging new materials and preparing them for circulation. Others can assist with shelving books, assisting with checking out books and even acting as a one person committee to take books to interested readers. Those with interest in assisting those with visual impairment might assist them in initial use of resources from the library for the blind.
Hospital volunteers are often utilized in gift shops, information desks, and flower delivery and mail delivery capacities. Chaplains often appreciate church volunteers offering their time and resources to their ministries.
Those working with foster children and many denominational children’s homes have need of assistance with special projects and coordinating such endeavors for members of your congregation to participate in is a great way to encourage doing by others as well.
Churches often have landscaping needs beyond the routine lawn and hedge cutting. Those who can assist with watering flowers, delittering parking lots, or replacing outdoor lightbulbs can be of great help.
Churches often need help tastefully decorating for special events. Preparing bulletin boards relating to ministry needs and church focus can often make great impacts on the cooperative endeavors of the congregation. Offering educational materials relating to Mission emphases and highlighting special events can go far to encourage others to be a part. Talk with your minister about becoming the “Bulletin Board Designer” if you have skills in that area.
Consider volunteering with a Habitat for Humanity building project. Volunteers often are needed to coordinate and serve meals for workers. Others do carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work as they have abilities. Others simply offer their skills at the level of ability they have to offer. What matters in willingness. What matters is helping others in Jesus’ name. What matters is finding your gifts and using them in service to God and his body, the church.
Yes, there likely are toilets that need cleaning….packages that need wrapping…bible lessons to be taught….conversations that need to be shared…visits that need to be made…prisoners and soldiers that need encouragement and prayer…missionaries that need support and assistance…neighbors who need your time and your Christian witness. Do what you can, where you can, as often as you can….
The blessings of being “doers of the word” and not “hearers only” will be quickly apparent in your life. There is joy in serving others in Jesus’ name. It makes a difference. Remember…do what you do, not for personal praise, but for the glory of God. That is what brings a satisfaction and joy beyond measure.