Leaving Your Footprint

I recently visited a church I served at nine years ago and was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. As we arrived to the parking lot, we noticed several golf carts picking people up to save them the walk to the church building. We parked and sure enough the man in the cart noticed us and came by. I was surprised because it was the same cart and same volunteer that I put in place nine years ago. We had a brief reunion on the ride and enjoyed reconnecting with Dan. 

During the worship service we sat with a couple that are dear friends and the husband had just returned to church after a year of recovery from a double lung transplant. The pastor acknowledged Barry's miracle to the congregation and when he saw us sitting next to him, made us stand too as he acknowledged us as former staff of the church. All during the service people came and hugged and loved on us. During the welcome time, a couple came by and were wearing greeter name badges. Linda and Chris said that if we would have come in the front worship center doors they would have greeted us because that is where I left them nine years ago. 

No this is not about me! It is about how God uses us to leave footprints when we serve him. As I thought back on my ministry there, I remember it like it was yesterday. Leaving your footprint comes from intentional ministry and a vision. Back when I was setting up the “Pit Crew” to drive golf carts, I recruited volunteers to be a part of a vision and purpose. I didn’t just recruit people to fill a time slot to volunteer. I shared a vision of first impressions and the need for some people that needed help when having to park so far from the church. They took that vision and made it their own and thus you have it being carried out, nine years later.

Back when my wife and I revamped the greeter ministry there, it was all about the vision of first impressions and how people needed a warm smile and handshake when coming to church. I didn’t just ask volunteers to fill a time slot. I shared a vision and a ministry to all ages and they took that vision and make it their own thus you have it being carried out years later. 

The secret to volunteerism is having a vision and then sharing your vision and letting others join you and taking some ownership.  Once you do that they will join in and take it further than you could have alone. Now you have multiple people involved in the vision sharing their ideas, dreaming with you, and it begins to grow exponentially. 

Don’t just recruit people to fill time slots or duties that need to be done or they will drop like flies in a short time and you will be recruiting constantly. Start with a vision of ministry and get people to join you and they will serve for years to come, even when you are gone.

Comments? Suggestions?