Have you ever heard an employer say, “We need to hire a few more slackers.” Or “We need a few more quitters to replace the ones who left during the pandemic never to return.”? Of course not. Businesses do not intentionally recruit slackers or quitters. As a recruiter or business owner you always want to find prospective winners. You want people with capacity to “do the job” needed. Your desire is for people passionate about the work to be done.
In the church we should be following a similar pattern, though often times we don’t. When filling a position in the church (especially volunteer position) we generally look for the first person who will say yes to the position. We’re not looking for potential, passion or giftedness. What we’re looking for, and I’ve had many people tell me the same, is a warm body to fill an empty slot.
My friend Allan Taylor has said, “We recruit most of our failures.” In other words, one reason our ministries do not flourish and produce desired fruit is often due to our own negligence in properly recruiting the best people for a given position.
People will serve out of their passion. As leaders we must assist church members and attenders in finding their God-given passion and link that passion to service in His kingdom. A person’s passion will always have correlation to their giftedness (spiritual gifts) and natural God-given abilities. Every person wants to utilize his/her talents and gifts. Using them for God’s glory in His service is what we were created for and where we will find our greatest satisfaction.
When it comes to recruiting for new members and attenders, we do not go hunting like the corporate world, although that brings up some interesting thoughts for future discussions. While we do not recruit like the business world, our best recruiting is done by word of mouth from existing members. Therefore, every member serving out of his/her passion will likely share with others. Why? Because serving this way brings joy and satisfaction that cannot be found any other place.
If you are passionate about something you enjoy sharing about it. You desire to tell others. Why do we have so many sourpuss Christians today? Hmm! Perhaps, we need to implement passion driven, gift-oriented ministry in our churches. What will you undertake this week, beginning today, to implement passion-driven ministry in your church?
Contact George Yates today for complimentary surveys, assessments and other information on moving to a passion driven, gift-oriented ministry in your church.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.