"Restore My Soul!"

As you faithful readers have certainly noted, I have been at “low power mode” for the past two weeks since the blog anniversary article. I needed to take a break from writing due to a preaching opportunity, a graveside service, two training events, and two fellowship events to support other ministries in our busy church life. It has given me a welcome opportunity to recharge spiritually and reset for the fall!

"Hard to look more relaxed!"
- FB Comment by Marc K.

One of the training events was our annual staff retreat where we spent the day off campus in a beautiful and nearby setting at the denominational conference center. It was my third opportunity to retreat with fellow staff members and receive training and instruction in “building a volunteer culture that thrives.” The leaders were in-house, but I thought several times, “This subject is so relevant that these leaders should ‘take this on the road’ and do conferences for other churches!”

The day-long training included a great catered lunch, interaction exercises, worship, Communion, and “crazy fun games” that got us up and moving, while promoting team building. At the end of the six hours, I was tired but felt spiritually enriched, informed, and refreshed! There is something indescribable that happens when God’s people get together for study and fellowship. The Scripture describes it as “His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children!” (Romans 8:16, NLT).

During our volunteer and connection building instruction, our lead pastor and director of connections pointed out several principles to keep in mind.

·         Volunteers are ministry partners.

·         The goal is “the right people in the right place for the right reason.”

·         Volunteers need the “why,” not just the “what”

·         Volunteers need to feel seen and appreciated.

·         Say when enlisting others, “I see gifts in you!”

·         Building relationships is more important than promotion.

·         Give others the best opportunities to serve!

Our pastor emphasized the importance, numerous times, of building relationships before asking a prospective volunteer to make a commitment. The reason is that people are more likely to volunteer for service because someone noticed them, believed in them, and personally invited them. Years ago, I remember reading this insightful principle on how to help others discover their spiritual gifts: “Expect confirmation from the body (the church).” (Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow by C. Peter Wagner, p.131.)

The more we get to know others, the more we can follow the Lord’s leading in our mentoring, encouragement, and enlistment. It is no longer conjectural just to say, “I see something in you!” Often people cannot see these qualities in themselves. So, we must help them clarify their gifts with Holy Spirit-led affirmation and validation. I have personally witnessed how God has used this encouragement to inspire others for service. I remember occasions, as a young teenager and “preacher boy,” when older adults in my church would hug my shoulders and say, “Mike, you do that very well!” Those moments were formative for me as I sorted out God’s will for my life and service!

Well, friends, I am back in the writing mode once again. I needed to heed the Shepherd’s prayerful plea, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul!;” (Psalm 23:1-3a, NKJV). As we come through these dogdays of late summer, ask yourself, “Do I need a spiritual reset? How will I be available for recharging?” Let’s start with this simple prayer, “Lord, restore my soul.”

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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