Watching a young toddler try to place boxes inside one another reminded me of trying to place a person in a position of leadership that require a good fit. With the toddler, some boxes were the right fit and slipped into place easily. But with some, there was a struggle because the box simply did not fit. When the fit was not right, the boxes tumbled, and he had to start over.
One of the challenges of leadership is, not only having the needed number of volunteers, but having the right fit – especially for leadership roles. Good leadership is able to identify those who are qualified to serve in positions of leadership making the fit just right for effectiveness in ministry. When the fit is not right, that area of ministry will flounder.
The great thing about volunteerism is there is room for everyone. But even volunteers lose interest if not operating out of the gifts God has given us. Fitting into the right ‘box’ is key to effectiveness and longevity. A good leader is able to place a volunteer in an area where they will thrive as well as meet ministry needs.
Dwight D. Eisenhower stated that ‘leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.’ And I am going to add, getting someone to do something that is needed because he wants to do it.
Most volunteers serve because they want to do it. Discovering what a volunteer wants to do is a key to a good fit. You may need to tap into the new resources available through new members. There may be new members who have served in leadership in their last church just waiting for an opportunity to serve. Find out who they are. Talk to them. Discover what they want to do in their new church home. Don’t let new resources pass you by. Find the right fit for a new member to serve. Ask what volunteer role from the past they enjoyed most. Discover what spiritual gifts they operate out of. What are their communications skills? And very important, does their lifestyle reflect godly living?
As the body of Christ, we are all to work together for the common cause of growing the body for being built up in love. Will the new leader in ministry reflect the love of Christ in the role they have been chosen to serve?
“…from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16, NASB
