Volunteer Culture
Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:16) In families and homes, each person serves a unique purpose, plays a specific role, keeps up the house, and cares for the other family members. Likewise, God gives us interests and skills that, when put to use, enable us to make a meaningful difference in our church and community. When we decide to willingly and lovingly serve, we find a connection to community, a passion for purpose, and a satisfaction in knowing we have responded to Jesus’ call to serve one another.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) The fulfillment most people are looking for comes from being in the center of life’s actions, which requires energy and effort rather than passive observance. Whether you have 40 hours a week of free time or your schedule is so busy you can hardly squeeze out 40 minutes a month, you have the potential to make a difference in the GracePointe community, and in another person’s life. What do you have to offer? More than you probably think! You have the gifts and talents you were born with, the passions that inspire you, the blessings of education, the skills you’ve sharpened as you’ve worked at home or in a professional setting, the life experiences that have matured you, the pain that has deepened you, and the love of a friend or family member that has shaped your heart and soul. These are powerful tools that God has generously given to all his children, so that we can generously give to others.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Whether or not you know exactly what your ideal serving destination would be, embrace the fact that you are most like Jesus when you take a leap of faith and fulfill a need in your church community. Begin by using the understanding you have of your personality, passions, areas of interests, talents, and preferences to guide you in a general serving direction. Look at the available service opportunities in the GracePointe community. Then jump in with a willing heart and an open mind. The key is to understand that finding a good fit may be a process, through experiencing the joys of making a difference as you journey on the service pathway. Please feel secure and confident in trying different service opportunities until you find that fit, and give yourself permission to learn as you experiment!
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. (Ralph Waldo Emerson) You can make a significant difference in your community and find deep, personal satisfaction at the same time. While being treated with consideration and appreciation is vital, you will feel most connected, significant, and enthusiastic by being given empowerment and the ability to take ownership of your service position. Your ministry will be most meaningful to others and to you when carried out through guidelines balanced between a basic and defined service framework, and the honest expression of your own gifts, talents and skills.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)As a volunteer, you can most effectively serve others when supported by a church community that is bound by love and respect, that is marked by acceptance and genuine friendliness, and that is surrounded by a spirit of true caring and kindness. And, as a person, you can best be served by a church community cultivated through a sense of collaboration – one in which the contributions of all are equally valued and embraced. At GracePointe Church, we empower you and encourage you to use your own unique mix of gifts, passions, and life experiences to become an instrument of healing, hope, and transformation in the hands of God.
The following is a list of terms that identify the GracePointe Volunteer Culture.
- Acceptance
- Love
- Affirmation
- Peace
- Empathy
- Respect
- Honor
- Integrity
- Good Fit
- Character
- Belonging
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- Enthusiasm
- Trust
- Creativity
- Confidence
- Graciousness
- Caring
- Family
- Structure
- Independence
- Value
- Appreciation
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- Consideration
- Responsibility
- Safe
- Passion
- Excitement
- Inspired
- Invigorating
- Enjoyment
- Connection
- Esteem
- Community
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- Encouragement
- Collaboration
- Kindness
- Compassion
- Courtesy
- Friendship
- Empowerment
- Purposeful
- Significance
- Openness
- Awareness
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