The Production Assistant

Working at church the other day, I noticed a copy machine of sorts printing off bulletin inserts at break neck speeds. I began to recognize how much the average American church invests in it's Sunday services. A majority of the church operates much like a theatre or show place. (The point of a church is not just the service, but a lot of effort does go into it)

Every week there is another service, come rain or shine. Each week is spent in preparation. Sermons are written. Songs are rehearsed. Bulletins printed. PowerPoints created. Coffee and cookies are baked.

This happens every week because God strengthens the church body, but also because He has created the church volunteer. Here's the thing about volunteers, they rarely get recognized for what they do.

Sure the church has paid staff to do much of the organizing and planning, but let's be honest....the church RUNS on volunteers (and the volunteers run the church....)In the church-body analogy so often used in Scripture, the volunteers could be considered the blood. Moving throughout the body and supporting everybody else.

But seriously, they make everything happen, and usually without us noticing. That's the mark of a great volunteer. They are sneaky and do things without being asked (or without looking for recognition) and often go unnoticed. They are like the perfect Production Assistant....

Ministry wouldn't happen without their support. They central to every evangelical effort and discipleship growth. Crucial to the work of the Kingdom.

So here's to all of the church volunteers. Thank you SO MUCH for all you do. Making Sundays happen in sanctuaries, gyms, libraries, kitchens, and hallways week after week. Overcoming all obstacles with a positive attitude screaming, "The show must go on!"

(Again, church is NOT about the Sunday service, nor should worship be viewed as a production or show...this was merely a comparison used for creatively describing the role of volunteers)