The Power of Volunteerism
A Weekend of Service
This weekend was incredible. As I shared in Friday’s post, we held our Spring Clean-Up Weekend at Whispering Pines Bible Camp. The weather was perfect, and we got a lot done. But here’s the truth: none of it would’ve happened without the amazing people who showed up to serve.
Never underestimate the power of volunteerism. These folks came ready to work: window washing, carpentry, deep-cleaning cabins, and so much more. As Director, what would’ve taken me a month to finish was accomplished in a couple of days.
Why Volunteers Matter
As leaders, we can get so caught up in the details of our responsibilities that we forget to acknowledge the people who make ministry possible. In churches and camps like ours, we don’t have the budget for a big staff team. We depend on volunteers as a core part of the ministry puzzle.
Without volunteers, we simply wouldn’t exist.
This weekend proved that truth once again. People from a variety of churches came together with one goal: to prepare the camp so children and teens can encounter the gospel this summer.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:25).
Vision That Fuels Service
Now, the camp is far from the city. The work isn’t glamorous, and the mosquitoes certainly didn’t make it easy. But none of that stopped the team. Their desire to see the next generation reached with the gospel pushed them forward.
The projects they tackled may seem small, but they fit into something so much bigger:
“To show and teach Jesus in such a way that our campers will know and follow Him.”
That vision is why we do what we do. It’s why volunteers give their time, skills, and energy.
So let me say it clearly: THANK YOU. To everyone who served this weekend, and to the many who continue to pour hours into camp ministry: may God bless you richly for your service.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Do you serve or volunteer in a ministry or organization?
- What draws you to serving there?
- What would that ministry look like without volunteers?
Hi~
I do volunteer at my local Pregnancy Care Center. What drew me to serving there is God. He opened my eyes to see the desperate need our community (and world) has in the family situation. I did not know how I could change that. Soon after God showing me the need and giving me a desire to do something about it, I was introduced to the director of the ABC Pregnancy care center. And I jumped in with both feet. One of our sayings is “save the mother save the child”…and that’s weather she is pregnant or has children already. If we can give hope, love and truth to the parents the children will be impacted and hopefully saved! The thing that keeps me serving there is our director. She is an amazing woman of God who truly cares about our clients, all the volunteers, and our community. Without her vision, and her communicating it, we would not be doing all the things we are doing for God’s kingdom.
If this ministry didn’t have volunteers it would not exist. The only paid position is the director. We have 7 board members, nurses, doctors, counselors, parent educator mentors, accounting/bookkeepers, front desk helpers and facility cleaners! There are more I’m sure I missed. It is so awesome serving with people who volunteer, because you know they are doing it for the glory of God…not themselves.
So good job as the leader for recognizing your volunteers. I have been involved with other ministries where this did not happen, and it was hard. I only kept going to obey God.
Thanks for your comment (and story), Nichole! In my opinion, ABC Pregnancy Care Center is a more than worthy cause to volunteer for. The blessings from your service obviously abound. My God richly encourage you as you continue to pour your time and energy into blessing those women and their families. Peace – Jeremy