Whether you call it:

Volunteer Ministries
Assimilation
or Lay Mobilization

many churches today are working to better help their members use their God-given gifts in ministry.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ~2 Timothy 1:6

Contact Carol Cohrs at the District office if you have any questions.

The Gathering

Volunteer Directors Gathering meets three times a year on the first Thursday of February, May, and October. See the latest invitation.

Our goal is to network and train assimilation, lay mobilization and membership directors on the subject of volunteerism.

Volunteerism
What is it and what does it include?

Whether you call it Volunteer Ministries, Assimilation, or Lay Mobilization, it all boils down to assisting believers to use their God-given gifts in service to their Lord.

It Includes:

-Helping new members, and long-time members, find a place to serve

-Helping all members, become fully involved in the church, thus help to close the church's back door

-Unleashing and empowering people to discover and use the gifts and talents God gave them

-Recruiting for the Church's needs on the basis of finding the right person rather than simply filling slots with warm bodies

-Trainings, supporting, and appreciating volunteers as they work

Resources for Congregations

Many resources are available to help congregations improve the ways they recruit and support volunteers. Some of the most prominent books, tapes, programs, and workshops available are described here, along with sources of more information.

*NEW* - The Equipping Church by Sue Mallory.

“Concerning Spiritual Gifts,” a document from the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations; $1.90 from Concordia Publishing House, 800-325-3040; www.cphmall.com.

Leadership Training Network, www.ltn.org, 2501 Cedar Springs LB-5, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75201, 877-586-5323, has a good list of resources on its website. Some items they offer:

1) The Starter Kit for Mobilizing Ministry, a manual in a 3-ring binder, is designed to help churches start a lay ministry system or enhance an existing effort. The first section is to church leadership on laying a foundation and providing guidance; another section provides hands-on help in building a program. A resource and reference section is also included. $69.95.

2) One day Seminars, “Vision for an Equipping Church,” are held throughout the country.

3) They also offer a 5-day training program, “Building the Equipping Church,” and periodic national conferences, including one in San Diego in September 2001.

Bruce Bugbee & Assoc., Network Ministries, Int’l, www.networkministries.com, 25108-B Marguerite Pkwy, Ste. 217, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, 800-588-8833, offers the “Network” program, which helps members discover their spiritual gifts, passion, and personal style and then get involved in ministry. The kit of teaching and implementation materials is $179.99. Individual participant guides are $10.99; quantity discounts are available. A book, “What You Do Best in the Body of Christ,” by Bruce Bugbee, $10.99, is written to “average believers” and is a simple explanation of the Network philosophy. Both resources, and many others, are also available through Willow Creek Association, www.willowcreek.com, P.O. Box 3188, Barrington, Illinois 60011-3188, 847-765-0070.

Every Member in Ministry, a 45-page book by John Ed Mathison (Discipleship Resources, P.O. Box 189, Nashville, TN 37202; 615-340-7284), outlines a plan for asking every member to make an annual commitment to ministry; includes importance of follow up, accountability, and training.

“Discovering My Ministry” is a set of audiotapes and an outline from a four-hour class developed by Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Valley Community Church in California. He teaches this class to his members who have already completed membership and spiritual growth classes. It discusses ministry and helps individuals discover their “SHAPE” (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality and experiences) for ministry. After the class, they meet individually with other volunteers who help them get involved in a particular ministry. Cost $30; order from The Encouraging Word, P.O. Box 6080-388, Mission Viejo, CA 92690; 714-587-9534, or www.pastors.com/pcom/class.

Energize, www.energizeinc.com, 5450 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144; 800-395-9800, has volunteer management resources for both secular settings, which, in many cases are helpful to churches, as well as resources specifically designed for churches. Two recommended resources:

How to Mobilize Church Volunteers by Marlene Wilson, $11.95. Already a “classic” in church volunteerism, this 156-page book discusses how sound principles for human resource management apply in the church.

No Surprises: Controlling Risks in Volunteer Programs, a 60-page book, $9.95. Churches can and do get sued for the actions of their volunteers. This short booklet presents a good overview of the reasons for considering risk management, practical guidance for dealing with the issues, and help creating and implementing policies and procedures.

“Equipping Your Team for Ministry” a presentation by John Maxwell at various times and locations across the country now on videotape. Good motivation for staff and lay leaders; excellent vision of the importance of all church members working together. Get schedule, or order, from Injoy, P.O. Box 19900, San Diego, CA 92159-0900, www.injoy.com.

“Reducing the Risk” is a set of materials (96-page book, videotape and audiotape) on reducing the risk of child sexual abuse from The Church Mutual Insurance Company, 3000 Schuster Lane, P.O. Box 357, Merrill, WI 54452-0357, 715/536-5577. Since public volunteer programs (Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Sisters, etc.) now screen their volunteers carefully to weed out those who might be looking to harm children, the church, where we warmly welcome any and all volunteers, might be considered an inviting place to those who wish to have close contact with children for the wrong reasons. This kit explains the need to church leaders and suggests policies and procedures to reduce the risk.