Volunteering – Who Really Benefits?

February 8, 2009

By Duane Careb

President RVchurchesUSA

Volunteering is very noble, necessary and noticeable. But have you ever considered who benefits more – the recipient of your efforts or you?

Wikipedia defines Volunteerism as the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain.

I love that definition because it is so succinct:

  • Willingness of people – as in God’s will manifested through you. In Christianity, that’s referred to as submission to His will or following a Godly leading. A cause stirs within you that just won’t go away.

Soon, that leading develops into a passion for the cause. Time after time you are emotionally touched by this cause and soon find your self sincerely desiring to respond in some way which leads to  ………

  • Working on behalf of others – as in expelling an effort to be “used” to the degree that a personal sacrifice ensues. To volunteer means to go “beyond” the realm of the normal work load most of us execute because of financial needs, among other reasons.

It is during this stage of the definition that we joyfully grasp at any one of the “gifts” we each possess such as teaching, administrating, helping, leading and (yes) even following!  Actually there are twenty three “spiritual gifts” described in the Bible that fit the bill for volunteering. We all have them – sometimes it takes the act of volunteering to bring them out which leads to ………

  • Volunteering without being motivated by financial or material gain – as in not having any expectations of compensation (monetary or tangible) or acknowledgement.

To not expect anything in return for volunteering is the essence of submission mentioned earlier. Whether we processed the thought of serving others in some meaningful way for quite a while or made an impromptu decision based on the genuine passion of our heart, having realistic expectations – no compensation or acknowledgement – is the key to volunteering joyfully.

Within my ministry to serve the RV Community – RVchurchesUSA – there are many opportunities to volunteer.

The mission of our ministry is to encourage and equip campground owners to start or maintain on-site nondenominational church services or Bible studies.

Many campground owners desire to serve the RV Community’s needs for spiritual growth and outreach as evidenced by the emails we receive. However, many owners feel ill equipped to organize, administer or speak at their church services.

Our Ambassador Club bridges that gap by providing serving opportunities to retired or active pastors, church outreach ministries, experienced Bible Study leaders, chaplains and other spiritually mature followers of Jesus Christ. All Ambassadors possess a passion to serve as speakers, administrators or worship leaders to campground owners in their area. They may also mentor owners as they develop on-site programs for their patrons and any local residents who may attend services as well.

The Ambassador Club members serve with zeal beyond their expertise and with focused purpose – happy to lift the spirits of the recipients.

Regardless of the type organization you volunteer for – political, educational, medical, religious  etc – I challenge you to serve with passion, excellence, intention, joy and an encouraging word.

There is a book I read almost every day that says it all: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”  Phil 2: 3-5 The book, of course, is the Bible which offers excellent guidance for all who desire to volunteer.

By volunteering one can gain experience in areas outside their “comfort zone”, help meet real needs of recipients, realize personal satisfaction putting other’s need ahead of their own and fulfilling a passion for a cause that requires personal sacrifice.

Try volunteering then evaluate who benefits most – the recipient or you!.

Posted by RVchurchesUSA | Filed Under RV Lifestyle, Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, ViewPoints 

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