Several of us keep asking ourselves the same question recently: why are we serving and leading in this ministry?
This isn't particular to any particular church, but to all of them, especially in the US church.
We know we've been called to serve – but circumstances cause us wonder – why do we continue when we receive little support, little training, little encouragement? There is a layer of church leaders, serving as volunteers, who are frustrated and discouraged by the lack of clear direction and guidance they receive from pastoral staff.
Regardless of the "your treasure is in heaven" arguments, as individuals it is increasingly difficult to serve without a clear direction or purpose, without a sense of self and the meaningfulness of the service. Time and again, the church makes excuses for practices that would never be accepted in any other organization, under the guise of "ministry." It accepts behavior that would not be tolerated in any other environment. It accepts sincere hearts and good intentions as substitutes for competence and planning. The lay leaders need guidance, encouragement, affirmation from the paid church leadership — the pastors and program directors — if we are to buy into and carry out your vision.
Enough already! The purpose of the church is to "equip the saints." When volunteers step up to serve, provide them with an orientation to responsibilities, with a mentor to guide them into their leadership service, with a clear idea of the boundaries of their leadership.
Where this is of critical importance is in areas that may involve a disciplinary issue, which unfortunately may need to happen if a behavioral issue has been allowed to continue, unchecked, for too long. After the Matthew 18 process has been followed, how should the situation be handled? Is there a code of conduct that was violated? Is every adult leader in the ministry familiar with the process and outcomes?
Pastors, equip your people. You will lose them if safeguards aren't in place, if they become discouraged because they don't feel like the church (personified, it's the people leading the church) care about them.
We know we're on the same team, it would be encouraging for us to know we're appreciated and respected as part of the team.
