Volunteerism, “use of or reliance on volunteers.”  Did you know that according to statistics women are more likely to volunteer than men?  (Although the total number of women volunteering this last year declined as well.)  The age group most likely to volunteer are those age 35–44 with folks in their early 20's being the least likely to volunteer.  Being married seems to increase the urge to give of one’s time and energy as well as being parents.  Both groups were statistically higher in the “helping out” category.  That’s more than you wanted to know about volunteering, right? 

I wonder how most people see their labor in the Jesus movement, or Church, or ever how you want to term it?  Jesus used terms like, field hands or workers which may be a little too intense for some today!  Do we think of ourselves as volunteers when we’re involved in kingdom work?  Maybe it’s our own fault.  We use terms like “ministerial staff'”and “lay-people,” like there’s a difference in the labor.  In reality, although there maybe a difference in the specific tasks, there’s no difference in the calling.  As Christians we are all called to labor.  All called to use our gifts and talents within the body and upon the world.  Granted, some may have a more “body-sensitive” calling such as preaching and teaching and helping with worship.  But all are called to serve in some way inside and out.

So, if you’re presently just a spectator, you’re not listening.  Could it be the many wonderful sounding voices of the world are drowning out God’s call and Spirit-teaching?  Or maybe you’re just ignoring God’s voice, hoping it will go away and leave you to do your own thing?  Truth is, He probably will.

“What are you doing right now that requires faith?” • Francis Chan

– Dale