|
|
|
Leadership Vignette A pastor tells what was learned through “Trading Places” with church volunteers. Several years ago I learned of a company where the officers took the jobs of particular workers for one day each year. The program was called “Trading Places.” I have adopted this practice in my church – and learned a lot in the process. I try to do every volunteer task in the church once each year. This gives me the opportunity to experience all the different tasks that others are asked to perform. Obviously, some are easier to arrange than others. One of the more challenging is serving as a nursery volunteer during the Sunday morning worship services. However, at least one Sunday each year the choir presents a special musical program, giving me the opportunity to be a nursery volunteer. While I make every effort to volunteer in the least conspicuous way, it is certainly noticed; and the symbolic value seems to be deeply appreciated by the other volunteers. But the most important benefit is what I learn through these personal experiences. Virtually every time I serve in a role, I discover things that should be changed to assist the volunteers in their ministries. I often can make these changes easily. However, I would never have been aware of the need without the actual experience working with the other volunteers. “Trading Places” puts leaders in places where they can get the knowledge they need to be more effective — as well as more appreciative — leaders. I am sure there are many other ways to stay connected to what is happening on the “front lines” of different ministries, but I encourage all pastors to stay connected in some appropriate way. |
|
|
