Volunteering That Impacts Eternity
I grew up playing soccer.
Obviously, I want my boys to embrace the game as well, and they have. We enrolled them in soccer each year, typically outdoor in the Spring and indoor in the winter. These seasons have worked well for us, allowing for summer camping and traveling.
As is always the case with sports, it takes a huge team of volunteers to run a league. Because I want to be a part of our boys’ experiences, I’ve volunteered as a coach from time to time. My two oldest are now in their teens and prefer other coaches. But I’m still coaching our youngest, starting a new season in a couple of weeks.
A Natural Way to Connect
When I think back to coaching my older boys, it’s a great opportunity. As a believer, I see it as an organic way to connect with the local community. Parents depend on me to teach their children the game of soccer. Through conversations about their kids, people open up quickly.
They want to know who I am. (Coach Jeremy, that is, not Pastor Jeremy.)
To coach their child well, they want me to understand their family dynamics and values. They share their child’s personality, likes, and dislikes. Unlike a typical church setting, people want me to know their story.
Shared Life Builds Trust
This doesn’t just happen anywhere. But it happens quite easily when we step into clubs, sports, or community organizations that gather around a common interest. As people share life, trust grows. And over time, the door opens to speak into each other’s lives.
Lord willing, sometimes eternal potential shows up.
The people around us notice something different. Maybe it’s peace or joy that sets us apart. Maybe it’s confidence rooted in Christ. They may not be able to name it, but the Spirit makes His move.
Through everyday conversations, He leads our words toward Christ-centred hope.
As Paul wrote, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).
Eternal Potential in Everyday Service
Not every conversation will become an evangelistic moment. But some will. A single conversation could change a life forever. Even after the first week of coaching each season, I get excited to see what God will do.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not always easy to work hard at something you’re not being paid for and sometimes not appreciated for. To be clear, some days you regret you signed up for it! But then you remember there’s a bigger point to it all.
On the base level, I’m supporting my son; on the wider level, I’m having an impact on his peers. On the highest level, I’m being a witness for Christ to parents and families in our community. And when the time comes, may I step into the conversations God has prepared. May others be receptive to the Spirit’s work.
Where are you connecting with your community?
Every Christian should devote some of their time to serving the church. But we shouldn’t give away all our volunteer hours to Christian circles. Each of us should look for a club, sport, or group outside the church where relationships can grow.
As Paul reminded us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Sign up to volunteer. You never know the eternal impact of that step.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Where are you spending your volunteer hours?
- What non-church club or sport are you a part of?
- How is that organization impacting your faith?
