Expect People to Say “Yes” To Ministry

I find that many people have “never done anything in the church” because they have never been asked; they don’t know how to go about getting involved; they think ministry in the church is for “super Christians”; or they are afraid they will appear presumptuous if they step up to do something. 

A simple survey is an effective tool for organizing an Adult unit. By checking one or more items on a short survey, a member has already made a tentative commitment in their mind to be an active part of the class. When you call to enlist them, they are not surprised, and their mind is open to serving. Surprise!  Some people who volunteer for a particular task are ones you might never have considered. 

Some of the benefits, especially as members “on the fringe” find something they can contribute, include members who take more ownership in the class ministry, become more regular in attendance, and are less likely to complain and more likely to work at a solution. An added plus is many “first-time” members involved move on to other responsibilities in the church. 

Guidelines for using “Teamwork: Count Me In” Survey

1. Adapt your survey each year to fit your situation. List service opportunities with check boxes such as: Care Team; Outreach Team; Socials; Prayer Leader; Treat Schedule Coordinator; E-mail Person; Greeter; Class Secretary; Newsletter; Substitute teacher; Working in another age group.
2. Distribute during a class session. Be positive and genuinely enthusiastic. Giving people an opportunity to serve is an important part of their spiritual growth.  Serving God should be a joy, not a punishment.
3. Introduction to the class: “Sunday School is too big a job for one person, because it’s much more than just listening to a teacher for one hour a week. If each of us will do one small part, some wonderful things can happen in our group. Take a minute to consider what you might be interested in doing. Here are the disclaimers! If you check something, there is no guarantee you will be asked to serve; and if you are asked, you do not have to say yes.”
4. Members can check items as you quickly explain what each task involves. Ask everyone present to turn in a survey, even if it is blank. Then collect them – don’t let them go home because you will never see them again!

 Don’t forget: as an adult leader, you have a responsibility to help people know the “what” and “how” for their new responsibility.  Regularly encourage them, praise them, and hold them accountable.  One of your key tasks is equipping members to serve.