The attitude of service

It's a beautiful fall day here in Ohio and I am sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee and sermon notes spread around trying to concentrate and failing miserably. My mind keeps wandering to this and that. I have been thinking a lot lately about how/why people serve in the church and I have noticed a few things over the years.

1. Too few people are often involved in the serving. This is nothing new and something I have heard over and over again you know the whole 20% of the people doing 80% of the work, or whatever percentage you choose to put in. And mostly it is true, I have found that sometimes it seems to be the same few people who are doing most of the jobs.

2. People act like they have to serve. Okay now I am not saying this about everyone, but I often times see this attitude. Well it needs done so I will just do it. Well, if you "serve" with an attitude of "I have to" then you aren't really serving.

3. We miss out on people who would be amazing at serving. It's our own fault really. We fail to seek out new people to serve. Why does the same lady who volunteers 3 out of 4 Sundays in the children's department also have to be the one to coordinate the food for the pot luck? But the problem is we didn't even bother to ask one of the many people who aren't serving in any way if they would be willing to step in and help out. Sure maybe the thought of doing crafts and singing with kids totally creeps them out and makes them want to run in the opposite direction, but maybe the thought of accepting food for the potluck, organizing it, and setting it out is something they feel they can excel at.

I heard someone recently say, "well, I guess I'll have to do it." And sure sometimes we do just have to step in and help out. But when you have the time because it isn't an immediate need, then why not take the time to ask around. Maybe that couple that sits quietly in the back have some musical talent they would be willing share, and maybe that guy who would melt at the thought of getting up front would be happy to help out in the sound booth or passing the offering plate. We shouldn't just assume that no one else is qualified or willing and then grumble and complain when we find yet another thing piling up on our list to do. We should be willing to listen, cause someone might offer some valuable insights in to their gifts and talents. Oh you mean you know how to make really awesome fliers or you often have some extra time with which to make a few phone calls. Or they might lend an idea of someone they know who would be perfect for the job.

My husband often says, "you have not cause you ask not." How often do we really ask or seek out to actively involve new people? Just a few thoughts to think about, instead of complaining of all we "have" to do, why don't we pray about who new we can get involved.