The story is told, of one Sunday morning when the congregation was gathering for worship. The minister was mingling, saying hello and being friendly, when one of the congregation, a man known for being straightforward and speaking his mind, approached the minister and asked a question that would change that minister's life. “Which is it today?” the man asked. “Pardon?” asked the minister. “Your sermon,” the man asked, “Which is it today?” Again the minister uncertainly responded, “Pardon me? I'm afraid I don't understand your question.” “Well,” the man went on, “Your sermon. Which is it? I've been listening to you for some time now and it seems to me you really only have two sermons. “Work harder” or “Give more.” Which is it today?”
Ouch.
I guess it can feel that way though, can't it? Every time you turn around someone wants you to do something, or help with this event, or sit on this committee. I remember hearing a group committee person trying to recruit a parent to be a leader in scouting. “It's only 1 hour a week!” Funny.
Likewise with our money, isn't it? How many “opportunities” each month do we get to give money to a worthy cause? I think Canada Post makes a substantial amount of money delivering those opportunities to us.
It seems like more and more, we are asked to do and give, more and more.
And yes the church can be guilty of that, as well. Too many times, if people are honest about why they back away from a church, or are hesitant to get involved in the first place, the answer has to do with the belief that they are only wanted for the resources they bring.
Think about it. When you imagine new people coming to your church, are you thinking about which positions they would fill? Or how soon is it appropriate to give them offering envelopes? (or better yet, get them signed up for PAR!)
Congregational leaders suffering from burn-out. People on committees feeling trapped and unable to get off because of guilt.
I know of a church who had this unofficial rule, “You can't get off the Board, unless you die or get pregnant.” Hard to get a break, eh?
Many churches have a rule that sets a fixed term on committees, after which you MUST take a year off of all committee work. It's part of trying to learn from other situations and take care of people, so they don't get stuck on committees forever and feel overworked. Yet I'm sure, there are still times when it can feel like all the church wants is more time and more energy and more work.
So, while I'm trying hard NOT to make this a “work harder” message, I want to think with you today a bit about what's behind the church's never ending need to get people to do things.
Maybe your church has a few positions open on its committees or Board? You may be worrying about activities that won't happen this year without more people involved?
One reason that a church may seem to be constantly trying to get people involved, is because in order for certain things to happen, you need people to do them. We're good at communicating that one. Without people's willingness to help, things won't get done. That's a very basic reality, and probably the main reason which the church portrays for its never ending recruiting drive.
Another reason that a church may seem to be constantly trying to get people involved, is because of the rules. This goes hand in hand with the last reason. “The Manual says” we must have such and such a committee, so we need people to sit on it. “The Manual” is the United Church rule book. So we look at people with this helplessness in our eyes and claim it's not our fault that we're asking them, and would they please consider it. And there is great hand wringing and moaning and gnashing of teeth.
Now both of those reasons for constantly trying to get people involved are real and true. In order for things to happen we need people to do them. The rules say we must do certain things certain ways and so we need people to do them. However, neither of those reasons really gets at the heart of why we as a church spend so much time and energy trying to get people involved. Neither of those reasons is good enough.
After all, if they were, we'd have people lining up to help and we'd have to turn them away. Our committees would be full. On Sunday morning, a person would stand up, make an announcement describing a need for people to help, and before they sat back down the need would be filled. But it doesn't seem to happen that way, does it?
Talking about need doesn't do it. Talking about need doesn't do it, because people don't tend to give toward need. And when we're talking about such a precious commodity as time there has to be more to it than just need.
It has to have meaning. It has to help people. Bottom line, it has to make a difference. The word we use in the church to describe activities that help people and that make a difference, is: ministry.
Why does the church spend so much time and energy trying to get people involved? It's because we believe, no we know, that the best way for a church to help people grow in their faith as Christians is by involving them in ministry. And that's our purpose as a church, to help people grow in their faith and become strong disciples of Jesus Christ; which in turn will transform the world around us.
2 Corinthians says it this way: “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 3:18-4:1 – NRSV)
Unfortunately, all too often that purpose, that reason for involving people, seems to get lost or forgotten in the need. When we return ministry as an avenue to faith growth back to the forefront, it places everything we do in a different perspective.
Now, helping with the roast beef supper becomes more than just helping the church make money. It becomes a way to build supportive relationships among ourselves. It becomes a way to bring people into our building to see how disciples of Jesus get along and enjoy each other, so that if they are looking for a faith community, we’ve given them a good reason to choose us.
Now, giving two years on a committee becomes an investment in your faith life and the faith life of other people. It becomes a way to get to know two or three fellow committee people on a deeper level, to support each other and care for each other. It means growing in your faith by helping build up your church.
So instead of always talking about what the church needs, maybe it’s time to start talking about what the church provides. Even better, hearing stories from each other about how getting involved made a difference in other people’s lives, but also in each of ours.
That’s really why the church spends so much time and energy trying to get people involved. It's because we know that the best way for a church to help people to grow in their faith as Christians is by involving them in ministry. It's definitely not just “Work Harder” or “Give More”. It's “grow closer to God; be more like Jesus.” In order to live fully, thankfully, and joyfully.
Think about it!
2. How has your church helped you to grow in your faith?
3. In your praying or meditating; ask God to continue to transform lives through your church.