Help Wanted

One of the most frustrating parts of being a pastor is volunteer recruitment and retention. I am blessed at Merrill Presbyterian Church to have a good number of people in the congregation who are willing to give of their time and talents to serve God by serving the community. Of course a good number of people is not everyone, but I'm not complaining.
At MPC we really run in seasons that are opposite of our farming community. Whereas farmers are pretty laid back in the winter, the staff (and congregation) of MPC are somewhat idle in the summer months (hence I take a lot of vacation in July and August).
As August begins to wind down, however, the church season turns to 'spring.' 'Spring' means we are preparing fields for ministry, planting new discipleship programs, evangelism opportunities, social justice and educational ministries. All of these planting activities require support from the pastor, the officers and (crucially) volunteers from the congregation. When Jesus looked on the many people in need he had compassion on them. He then said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." [Matthew 9:37-38]. I take that to mean that there will always be more ministry needed than ministers available to do the work.
So I come to the pastor's dilemma. I certainly have more time available than members of the congregation to do ministry, but I cannot possibly do it all, nor would it be healthy emotionally, physically or spiritually for me to do so. This year as a congregation we have some tremendous opportunities to do ministry. The question, then, is are you willing to step forward to serve? Are you willing to labor for the kingdom? Are you willing to step up and step out for the Gospel?