The Volunteer Revolution

This year I've set myself a goal of reading 15 books, both for enjoyment and for study.  I've just finished reading Bill Hybles excellent book entitled 'The Volunteer Revolution.'


Hybles is an outstanding writer and leadership expert and has authored or contributed to nearly 50 publications.  He founded and is a Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, Illinois where they gather over 20,000 people each week!  He was an advisor to Bill Clinton and is believed to be close to President Obama.  Needless to say he's a fairly big cheese with lots of experience to draw upon.


'The Volunteer Revolution' is a very easy read, full of testimonies of people who have served Hybles and the ministries at Willow Creek.  Testimonies that show God's blessings upon men and woman as they give out of their passions, skills and experience to serve their communities.  Hybles states that following Jesus' radical call to servant-hood is the only way to experience fullness of life and that happiness will never come through selfishness or self gratification.  Although as a Church we shouldn't be motivated to serve in order to 'get back,' the truth is that when we do serve, we do 'get back.'


How is this true?  Jesus said 'whoever would lose their life for me will find it' (Matthew 16:25).  In the kingdom of God, obedience leads to a blessing (Psalm 119:35).


I'd recommend this book to anyone thinking about volunteering (in any sphere) and to anyone who leads teams of volunteers.


I personally have the honour of leading an amazing team of about 20 volunteers in the ministry (Revelation) I lead at Bishops Stortford Community Church.  I've grown to admire the energy and commitment they show week after week, giving up valuable time to bless the young people under our care.  They are the true heroes of Revelation and I'm indebted to them.


In another of Hybles books, Courageous Leadership, he makes the bold statement that 'the local church is the hope of the world.'  I love this quote because it's true (Ephesians 3:10-11, Matthew 28:18-20).  However without volunteers, the church is like a car without petrol or a fire without a flame.  It's impotent and going nowhere.


Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, let me encourage you; get involved in serving your local church, community or neighbourhood.  It'll be the best decision you ever make.