We love what so many organizations around the world are doing to help spread the gospel and demonstrate Jesus’ love to others. Once a month, we’ll be spotlighting a few of the organizations we know and love here on our blog so you can learn about their work, as well.
I have this theory.
My theory is that if every single person is actively involved in making a difference in a cause they care about, the world would run a whole lot more smoothly.
We’re told in 1 Corinthians 12 that as Christians, we’re all members of one Body—the Body of Christ. We each have a role in that body, and it’s only when every part is performing its job that the whole body functions properly.
You see, here’s the thing about ears. They’re great at what they do, but plug your nose for a few minutes and see how well your ears help you smell. Close your eyes and let me know if they help you see. Walk around with your hands behind your back and tell me how easy it is to touch, type, or tell a story. And how good are your ears at digesting food, protecting your organs, or doing whatever it is that spleens do?
See where I’m going with this?
I love that God created each of us differently. He made us introverts and extroverts, organization aficionados and passionate artists, justice-oriented fighters and compassionate grace-givers. He filled the Earth with lovers of children, tweens, and elderly; people whose hearts beat to end modern-day slavery, keep animals out of shelters, and eliminate illiteracy; women and men who desire to work behind-the-scenes, on the front lines, and everywhere in-between.
He didn’t do this on accident. To bring His Kingdom to our world, He chose us, broken and empty vessels, to live out our roles to be part of His fully-functioning Body.
I think there’s a misconception out there that if you aren’t great with kids, a natural-born teacher, or an empty-nested retiree, there’s little you can do to volunteer. But if we really believe the words of 1 Corinthians 12, we know that it’s simply not true. There’s a role for everyone!
But where to start? Here are a few ideas for getting started finding a place to volunteer.
- List your passions. Take some time to write out what you’re passionate about. What breaks your heart? Gets your blood pumping? Drives you to action?
- List your strengths. Like I said, if you’re an ear, there’s no use in trying to be a nose. What do you naturally find yourself doing to contribute at work, church, or in the home? What experiences and skills do you have that you could make use of as a volunteer? Cooking, parenting, starting a business, planting a garden, and making quilts are all skills that can meet specific needs in volunteer settings, so don’t limit yourself to what you think of as “typical” volunteer roles!
- Find where they align. In his book, Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner says, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Your passions will fill a void in the world’s deep hunger, and living out your strengths will bring a deep, fulfilling gladness. This is where you are called. This is your role in Christ’s body, allowing you to bring His Kingdom to our midst.
But how? How do you go about finding where your passions and strengths meet? I highly recommend VolunteerMatch.com, which allows you to choose a cause you care about and find volunteer opportunities in your area. After it returns results, you can further refine them by choosing age groups, virtual or in-person opportunities, and more specific causes within your passion.
This is such an easy way to engage with the community and find out about opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise heard about! After a quick search for causes related to poverty in Nashville, I was returned with 361 opportunities, ranging from organizing books to participating on a panel for marketing professionals to mentoring a small business owner. I had no idea these opportunities were available in my area!
So, as we head into 2016 in just a few short days, I want to encourage you to start the new year by finding that beautiful place where you are called—where deep hunger meets deep gladness. There is a role for you in the Body of Christ, and no one part is more important than another, so don’t discount your skill set. Use it, sister! Use all you’ve got for God’s glory.
Do you volunteer in your community? How have you used your passions, skills, and experiences as a volunteer? We want to hear from you, so let us know in the comments!
Heather Warfield, the Lifeway Women Marketing Coordinator, is an optimist, coffee lover, and guacamole enthusiast from Michigan who currently plants her feet in the sweet, sweet south. Her favorite things include, but are not limited to: lakes, trees, sunshine, good talks, fair trade chocolate, new experiences, and people who think she’s funny.
