What’s My Motivation?

When it comes to church life, there are folks who are contempt with just showing up. They sit in their usual spot for a church service, pay their title, give a couple “amens” and “hallelujahs” and going home to resume their week. Other than that, they take no church positions, don’t participate, and don’t show back for up church for anything else. Why don’t people seem motivated to participate more in what goes on in church?

Leaders Don’t Participate I believe elders, pastors, chaplains, etc. have more of a duty than just preaching a sermon on church days. Not that I’m not impressed. I applaud anybody, man or woman, who has the gift to stand before multitudes and speak, not for their own glory, but for Christ’s glory. But it bothers me that some of these leaders can’t show for programs other than the divine worship. How can you, a leader, expect your church family to take the lead or take part in programs such as nursing home ministry; bible study; work bees, vespers service; and church socials, if you yourself rarely or never make an appearance. The church member thinks, If the leaders don’t participate, why should I?

What Can I Do? A good many of your brothers and sisters don’t take take the lead or get involved because they don’t know how they can contribute. The best solution I would suggest is going up to someone personally and asking what their talents/abilities are, or maybe a church survey would be better What gifts do they have that can be of service to Christ- singing, writing, reading, teaching, facilitating, babysitting, cleaning, financing, praying, public speaking, gardening, drawing, counseling, or just being a shoulder when someone needs one to lean on? God can use us in any way.

Better Things To Do It’s difficult to get others to participate in events and take charge when there is so much going on in the world like clubs, parties, movies, and so forth. The best way to keep members interested is by always having activities going on. Plan activities that involve fellowship with one another, such as game night; camping; kayaking; nature walks; ice cream socials; picnics; Thanksgiving dinner; Christmas parties. Go with anything appropriate that can bring you and your members together throughout the week.

Shyness Guests, new members and current long time members may want to participate in events and fellowship, but they’re just nervous about interacting with others. The few times I’ve ever attended a party I tended not to just go to an unfamiliar face and start a conversation. The best thing you can do is make them feel comfortable. Let them know that they are always welcome to participate and that you care about them. Our duty as brothers and sisters in Christ is to be there for one another.

If leaders participated more, and if members realized their abilities, had more to do in church, and overcame any nervousness about interaction, I believe the church could truly grow.

God bless.