As we give of ourselves, we are giving back to the one who gave of Himself

I confess to having a little anxiety in recent days. As I write this, we have the St. John Colony Days’ Picnic coming this weekend (Saturday, June 11), and the number of volunteers looks to be down somewhat from last year. In 2015 we fed 1,500 people in this event, which we offer the community in order serve them and invite them to experience the love of God. The number of attendees at this event has increased steadily in the last six to eight years. So, when we plan a big event like this and invite the community, we don’t want to be unable to do what we promise.

St. John is not the only organization with this dilemma of having difficulty recruiting volunteers. On May 17, Mike Alley, president of the Palmer Little League, spoke to our Kiwanis Club. He said, “A few years ago we had 270 youngsters playing baseball. This year we have 430 playing. But, we don’t have any more volunteers, and we’re having trouble finding them.” We have had the same discussion in our Kiwanis Club about finding workers. Other pastors have also shared similar struggles with me.

So, I asked one of our young adults about this issue, and I mentioned that we needed help for Vacation Bible School as well. His reasonable reply was, “Pastor, my wife and I are both working at that time.” It is understandably hard to volunteer if a person is working. This work situation is a change from family dynamics in the past. Fifty years ago, even 25 years ago, often only one person in a family worked full time outside the home. But work is only one of the pressures leading to fewer volunteers.

So, how can God’s church deal with this growing need for volunteers? There are some obvious answers, and there is also Scriptural guidance.

First, if the world changes, the church makes some changes. We don’t change the truth of God’s word. But, if the world around us changes, we can be sensitive to the need for different ways of doing God’s work. Maybe we plan earlier, or focus more on one or two ministry projects.

Second, it helps to realize there is much volunteer giving of time and talents that happens outside the local congregation. People also donate time at the Heartreach Crisis Pregnancy Center, or at MyHouse, or with the Boy Scouts, or other service organizations. When a child of God serves others in the name of Jesus, that is still Christian service. And, with decreasing funds and government cutbacks more organizations need volunteers. Even if the work is done outside the local church, such service in Jesus’ name only expands the work of the local congregation.

But finally, it is good to remember our calling as God’s children to servanthood and to service. It is also good to remember why we serve. After Jesus disciples argued over who was the greatest, He spoke these words to them. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

God’s people are called to service in Jesus’ name. Yes, our lives are busier today. Yes, sometimes it takes sacrifice to give our time and efforts in time in serving. But, we serve because Jesus served us. In fact, Jesus gave “his life as a ransom for many.” If Jesus gave up His life for us, we can give up some of our time and energy to share His love with others.

My anxiety has lessened a little over the past few days as people who did not put their names on a sign-up sheet have nevertheless told me they will be at St. John on Saturday to serve. My prayer is that this service is not a drudgery, but a joy. Imagine, as we give of ourselves we are giving back to the one who gave Himself on the cross so that we can have eternal life.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. This column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman or its parent company, Wick Communications.