MIM Ezine, August 19, 2009

-- Purpose-filled Ministry: A Cause to Believe in: When Volunteers Buy Into the Vision, by Teena Stewart.

-- Book Review, "The Short List: In a Life Full of Choices, There Are Only Four That Matter," By Bill Butterworth, reviewed by Tim Burns.

Recently, while manning a table at a volunteer fair for the non-profit organization that employs me, I was surprised at the number of people who informed me they were considering volunteering because they had extra time on their hands after losing their jobs.

Our organization, a women’s rescue mission, seems to attract more volunteers than many of the other non-profits because of the population it serves. When people want to make a difference through volunteerism, they often think of helping the poor or homeless. But with the economic downturn, many people are frightened by what the future may hold economically speaking and especially as it applies to the shrinking job market. They are rattled enough to start looking within themselves for something deeper, perhaps even more spiritually oriented that they can focus on.

They may be totally unaware of this hunger within themselves as they seek out volunteer opportunities, but the current trend speaks to it nonetheless. People want to believe they have the power and capability to bring about noticeable change for the better. If their own lives are in chaos, they might find stability and fulfillment by giving something back, thereby taking their mind off their troubles.

Recently, I worked shoulder to shoulder with Lena, a woman who attends our small home church. We labored together tearing boards off a wall of a retail space in preparation for Java Journey, the Christian coffee shop ministry that will house our ministry in the near future. (Visit http://www.javajourney.org). Due to budget constraints, we have purchased used equipment, and have been relying greatly on donated materials, but God continues to close the gap on our expenses.

Though Lena is a single mom with extremely tight financial resources, she is a master of accomplishing much with only a small amount. She connected us with her sister who helped complete architectural drawings for us at no cost. When Lena learned that we needed interior French doors, she headed to the local home improvement store to inquire if any French doors had been returned (which she knew would be considerably discounted). A short while later she showed back up at the coffee shop store front, with a young man who delivered used French doors that Lena paid for. By divine coincidence he just happened to overhear her talking with a store rep and informed her he had some doors.

Though French doors may not seem all that significant, I see them as highly symbolic of Lena’s journey. Lena has only recently become actively involved in ministry. She has whole-heartedly bought into the Java Journey Coffee Shop ministry cause-- a ministry that will reach unchurched people and transform broken lives. It really wasn’t about doors the day she had the French doors delivered. It was really about making a lasting difference and helping out a cause she believed in.

Churches and ministries would be wise to recognize several things in today’s present climate. First, the turmoil around people is driving them to search within and reach without in order to make a difference. Second, that what ever area they wish to volunteer in isn’t just about a menial task. Most truly want to impact their world. Third, because of this spiritual need, the time may be right for reaching non-Christ followers with the good news about a savior who also wanted to make a difference. Leaders, don’t just look at your volunteers as free labor. Look below the surface to the heart that beats beneath. Take note of the passion. Value their assistance and amazing ability to be resources. Give them a voice. Let them lead whenever possible. Most importantly, connect with them about spiritual matters even when they are in the midst of sorting clothing, painting walls, or tearing out boards. You might make a spiritual difference in the life of someone else who wants to make a difference.

Teena Stewart is married to an ordained minister and is a published author, ministry consultant and coach. Her most recent book is Successful Small Groups from Concept to Practice. For more info see http://www.serendipitini.com or http://www.ministryinmotion.net/teena_stewart.html. You can learn more about her coffee shop ministry at http://www.javajourney.org. You are welcome to email her with questions or comments at smartwords@embarqmail.

For more than 20 years, Bill Butterworth has made a career in speaking, writing and counseling others onto pathways of deeper faith and higher quality relationships. His training, experience and passion have been combined to create this latest book, The Short List. Published by Tyndale, The Short List addresses the issues that most Americans struggle with throughout their lives. What is really important? What will outlast me? What will I be remembered for that is of real value?

Butterworth addresses these questions from personal stories of his family. In the end, his conclusion is that the relationships he has with his family and his God complete the short list. “In a life full of choices, there are only four that matter” he says. The eight chapters of the book unpack those four major priorities.

Butterworth sets up each of the four items on his list with a story from his family. For example, his lesson on love is illustrated by a story from his son’s little league days. Love and little league? Yes, they blend like espresso, milk and a touch of cinnamon when looked at through a lens of positive relationships. What is really important in life? Being a genuinely loving person, and knowing how to apply unreserved and influential loving behavior to your most important relationships is item One on Butterworth’s short list.

I would tell you the other three, but then you wouldn’t need to pick up the book, and this book really needs to be read in today’s digitally segmented, post-modern world. What really lasts isn’t found in the 24 hour news cycle or the latest Internet social networking craze. Often what is important plays at our feet when we are too engrossed in the either of those other distractions.

I recommend Bill Butterworth’s The Short List. As a summer book, it will aid the reader in recovering what is really important, and provide a plan for obtaining, practicing and mastering life’s short list.

Timothy Burns lives in West Michigan, and has written professionally for six years. Timothy’s writing reflects a deep connection to cultural influences, Christ centered living, and how often unwritten patterns can influence our behaviors and beliefs, because while people differ by continent and decade, human nature does not. The ability to identify the human element or organizational culture sets Timothy’s work apart from what can be otherwise commonplace copy. His writing spans topics of Christian living, apologetics, and the hidden benefits that often surface through personal trials. You can find Mr. Burns via email, his blogs or web site.

Looking for something, but not sure where to find it? DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion has produced a 50-page Resource Guide that just might have what you need. And it's FREE! You need adobe acrobat reader (also free) to read the document. Check it out at: http://www.ministryinmotion.net/christian_ministry_resource_guid.html

Site Build It -- There are many different hosting plans for those wanting Christian websites but few work with you to drive traffic to your site. SBI differs from these because it is an all-in-one do-it-yourself website program that doesn’t require html knowledge. Includes domain registration, hosting, keyword research tools, search engine optimization, ezine mailing, and non-interactive blog option. The system guarantees success in getting good ranking with search engines thereby assuring you of more traffic. This website system is used by DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion. Site Build It Quick Tour

Be sure to visit Ministry in Motion's Bookshop. Every resource is developed from hands-on church experience. Help members discover their spiritual gifts, how to connect them in ministry and more. Visit MIM's Bookshop.

Just $10 per classified listing. For more information on advertising visit our advertising page.

Ministry in Motion is looking for columnists and writers in the following areas: women's ministry, men's ministry, single's ministry, youth ministry, worship ministry, small group/bible study ministry, and general ministry. We are also open to general church ministry related freelance articles. If you have an idea for a column or would like to share ministry insight or even short ministry tips, we'd love to hear from you. Present payment is promotion only -- no pay but great exposure for you, your ministry, book, or website. Please read our writer's guidelines here.

One of the needs we have perceived at Ministry in Motion is a service to help connect qualified ministers and church workers to ministry related and church staff positions. If you are presently in job search mode, or if you have a ministry position you are looking to fill, be sure to check out this site by clicking here.

DBMIM August 19, 2009