Have any of you ever heard of a “super volunteer”?  Whether it is a congregation or a community group, a super volunteer is always there, keeping things running smoothly.  Many hours are spent doing the tasks that need to be done, setting up or cleaning up when needed, and getting other volunteers involved.  The super volunteer, however, is a dying breed – or so it seems.

            As you may have heard, many different organizations are having trouble these days simply to find enough volunteers – let alone some super volunteers.  There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is simply an aging population.  Another factor is the number of different things that many people are juggling from week to week.

            Some people are working multiple jobs and simply don’t have time or energy for anything else.  Some are in the “sandwich generation” – looking after their children and also their aging parents.  Some are trying to keep up with their kids’ activities – driving them here and there while also working and looking after a home.  Some would rather have some screen time than some people time, and some are dealing with depression, or anxiety, or various other mental health challenges.  Some are also juggling school, work, and other commitments.

            Whatever all of the reasons may be, there are far less “super volunteers” to be found – which means that, as a congregation, we need to learn how to function differently.  Ideally, each person would contribute whatever gifts God has given them – not out of guilt, or in order to fill a hole, but as a response to God’s grace and salvation.

            As a number of Paul’s letters assure us, God provides the different gifts that are needed in order to build up the body of Christ (cf. Eph. 4; 1 Cor. 12).  The trick is to get people doing the things that they are good at – the things that give them joy – the things that God has in mind for them.

            One of the things that always comes up this time of year is finding people who will serve on church council.  A number of different gifts and abilities are needed in this respect, as the council is charged with having general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation.  No one person has to have all of the gifts that are needed, but there are some qualities that are helpful.

            Number one would be a commitment to following Jesus and living out your faith in the world, as council members are called to set an example in faith and life.  Some of the other gifts that are helpful include attention to detail, organization, and the ability to see the big picture.  It is helpful to have dreamers as well as pragmatists, creativity as well as linear thinking.  A sense of humour helps greatly, as well as an ability to communicate well and to work well with others.

            Another thing that is helpful is quite simply, taking turns – not just for serving on council but for any of the other areas of ministry that need attention.  It is also helpful to maintain an openness to getting to know new people and to doing things in new ways.  There is nothing that says that everything needs to function the same way as it did 20 years ago!

            Meanwhile, consider the gifts that you have been given, and consider identifying the gifts of others.  To what type of ministry is God calling you at this time and in this place?

            In Christ,

            Pastor Lynne Hutchison