As a leader, do you have a burden (synonyms: strain, worry, problem, care, trouble, duty, obligation. Get the picture?) for the well being of your volunteers?
I hope so…
Last week, I was heading to volunteer with a local para-church ministry. While planning beforehand at Chick-Fil-A a huge storm came through Atlanta.
By huge, I mean it was crazy lightning, ridiculous wind, and insane rain.
While driving to the church where they hold their weekly meeting, I knew I was going to get soaked trying to get inside. Typical of when it rains, you have 3 or 4 things in your hands. So continuing the tradition, I grabbed my drink, I was on the phone, had my keys in my hand, found an umbrella in the passengers door and headed to encounter the storm. I understand and fully accept responsibility for laying down my ‘Man-Card’ and using an umbrella.
In my defense, I did arrived fairly dry. I may have to embark on the life of umbrellas from now on (under further review).
Anyways, after arriving and participating, it was on my way out that I felt the way I think a lot of volunteers in student ministry feel when they are done serving…
Empty….
I walked in with my hands full. But leaving was a completely different feeling. I left with no cup of Sprite, my phone was in my pocket, as were my keys, and my wife had taken the umbrella (‘Man-Card’ back!).
By now the rain was gone and I was walking slowly, enjoying the cooler weather. As I reached my car I had an immense feeling I was forgetting something. The feeling that I came with so much was now replaced by the feeling of leaving with so little. I had arrived with so much in my hands. And now, my hands were empty.
I have an overwhelming burden that I carry. I shutter at the thought of one of my volunteers leaving feeling empty….physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Emptiness leads to discouragement and discouragement ultimately leads to a burned out leader.
I think as leaders of leaders we have the responsibility (another synonym of burden) to make sure they never feel the same way I felt that night walking out to my car. Our job is to make sure they leave the same way they hopefully came in, full.
What can you do as a leader to make sure your volunteers are not only serving filled up, but leaving filled up?
