Molly Wright

Back in the early 70s, I was in love with Burt Bacharach. Well, maybe not in the romantic way we see portrayed on TV or the big screen, but I did love his music. And one song in particular was a favorite of mine: “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” lyrics by Hal David. It spoke to me in my youth when the idea of love was just beginning to take root. Now, more than 30 years later (wow, I feel so old!), as a wife, mother, and ministry director, it speaks to me still, but it has more meaning for me now than it did when I wore pigtails and skipped rope.

God commanded us to love one another. Paul spoke of love being patient and kind in his first letter to the Corinthians. Jesus spoke of loving your enemies. These are beautiful examples of what love can be even in a world where this word is often casually tossed about like confetti, with little care where it lands. But for most of us, love in its truest sense is something we desire and hold dear. Love for others is often the reason people move intro ministry. Just as importantly, though, not feeling love while working in ministry is the reason many choose to leave.

A healthy dose of love for others is an absolute necessity in working in ministry. So how can we make sure our volunteers are receiving their fair share? By following a couple of simple rules: First and foremost, remember love is a gift; second, you can't keep the gift—you've got to pass it on!

Love hurts (sometimes). When working with your volunteers, recognize that they are truly a blessing to you and your program—even when you disagree or have trouble communicating. God didn't say, “Love those who love you.” When love doesn't come easily, take the extra time to really listen to the other person and try to see God in them, in what they say, and in how they approach situations. Pray for guidance in recognizing the good in those who rub you the wrong way. Accept the fact that you may not agree, but you are both children of God.

Focus on the gifts that others bring to your programs. Look for things that make each volunteer an individual, and then praise them whenever you can for how they bring their gifts to the program. Love is spoken in many ways.

Love those you work with by going the extra mile. When you see volunteers struggling with a project or trying to settle a room full of exuberant children, step in and support them without being asked. You be the extra pair of hands needed for cutting last minute projects or the calming voice who settles the room. What would Jesus do? Then, show your love by making yourself available and helping others succeed in their efforts.

Those who work in ministry give love on a daily basis but often neglect to replenish their own supply. We all need love—even those that aren't very good at asking for it! Don't wait for obvious signs that your volunteers are unhappy. Demonstrate love whenever the opportunity arises. Slip small gifts and encouraging notes into teachers' classrooms or write a note of thanks on the chalkboard for them to find. Stop them in the hall and tell them how much you appreciate everything they do. Commend them on specific projects and activities they accomplish. Remind everyone who helps in your programs of the important role they play in the faith development of others, whether they teach in the classroom or bake the cookies for the snack. The love they demonstrate so generously today will be remembered and passed on in the future!

Finally, don't neglect yourself! If you drain the pitcher you can't continue to fill the cups of others. Take time to refill your own supply of love. Take advantage of church-sponsored retreats, surround yourself with good friends and better books, and always keep one ear open for God's comforting words of encouragement.

Paul said it best. In the end “…faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.”

Molly Wright has served as director of religious education at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri, for 10 years, and is a member of the Church Volunteer Central Advisory Council.

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