From ‘volunteer’ to ‘ministry partner’

What would happen if churches banned the word “volunteer”? I don’t mean to suggest that the word “volunteer” is a bad word and should be lumped together with any other typical four-letter words. Simply take a moment to think about how that might change things, how it might affect attitudes and mindsets of both ministry and church leaders, as well as the members themselves who are serving in your church.

The definition of the word volunteer is, “A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service; performs a service willingly, without pay.” This description most definitely brings to mind the amazing and selfless volunteers we are privileged to work alongside everyday here at Saddleback Church. But compare this definition with that of the word “partner” and consider what your first reaction and feeling is: “A person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor; a sharer, associate.” How much more does this describe the church member who gives of his or her time, effort, talents, and gifts so consistently in order to help staff and ministry leaders actually carry out and bring to fruition a significant endeavor or purpose?

Since we, as church leaders and ministry leaders, know we simply could not see the fulfillment of any of our grand attempts, which are commonly large in scope and size, without assistance, it seems only natural that we view our volunteers as partners in ministry. They share the weight of the work, and in that sense, they become a sharer, a partner, as it is put in the definition of the word itself. I just wonder what it would say to our volunteers and what kind of affirmation it would instill in them if they knew that we as staff or leaders truly thought of them as ministry partners, serving alongside them with the same goal and outcome in mind.

I can say from personal experience that I would not be able to accomplish everything that is needed to maintain my ministry and all that goes along with it without the devotion, the willingness, and the generous commitment of the people who serve with me, the ministry partners who are a vital part of my team at Saddleback.

The word volunteer should certainly be considered a beautiful and eloquent word, simply because of the hearts of the people that it represents. But there may just be some worth in trying out a new term as a way to emphasize to your members who are serving that you are honored to partner with them in ministry. It’s something to think about.