Because of the Easter weekend, I skipped over some historical events and National Day Calendar events to focus on the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Now, I have several topics to which I can backtrack and introduce some of the celebrations we missed. For instance, yesterday was National Volunteer Recognition Day.
“Over a quarter of Americans ages 16 and older — 75.7 million people — gave 5 billion hours of formal volunteering service in 2023. That’s an average of 66 hours per person (or 8.25 business days). Meanwhile, over half of Americans 16 and older provided informal help to neighbors…
“Nationwide, Americans were more likely to help neighbors than participate in formal volunteering efforts. State rates of informal volunteering in 2023 ranged from around 46% to 68% while formal volunteering rates hovered between 19% and 47%.”1 Nevada and Hawaii are the least volunteering states while Utah, Vermont, Minnesota, and Nebraska have the highest rates of volunteerism.
Most churches function through the work of volunteers. I was curious so I looked at our church officers and Sunday School officers. There are 61 positions that must be filled. Several of the positions are filled by multiple people (ie. one position listed as “deacon” but four fill that position) or there are departments that have several staff members (ie. WOL, Olympians, etc.).
Looking at our church directory, it is exciting to see that we far exceed the national standards and statistics. Typically, it is said that 10% do 100% of the work. I’m sure my figures are off a bit but to the best of my ability, I found that at least 75% of our active church members are also workers. Some do multiple jobs while others might just be able to do one. Of the remaining 25%, we cannot calculate how many of those may not be physically able to do much, but they are prayer warriors, waging the greatest battle and serving in the most necessary position. My heart swells with excitement when I think about this, and I am so grateful for every person who gives of their time, talents, and energy.
THANK YOU!!!! My gratitude doesn’t just stem from the fact that workers are filling positions. I am excited when Christians get involved in the work of the Lord because they get to be blessed in that work. As a pastor, I know what it is to be blessed by serving the Lord. I want others to know that thrill as well.
Now, National Volunteer Recognition Day has nothing to do with Easter. National
Volunteer Recognition Day falls annually on April 20th. Easter does not and the date for Easter changes every year.
Think about something else. Jesus didn’t volunteer to go to Calvary. That would insinuate that God said, “Is there anyone willing to do this?” After nobody else raised a hand, Jesus finally and reluctantly slipped His hand up and said, “Well, I guess if no one else will do it, I’ll do it.”
We know that didn’t happen. 1 Peter 1:18-20 reminds us, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you…” This was the plan of the Godhead and Jesus was the only one willing, able, and capable to provide what we needed. He was appointed to this before the events of Genesis 1:1 ever unfolded.
John 10:7, 11 also reminds us that Jesus came willingly. “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep… (11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Even though Jesus didn’t volunteer, it seems that the Bible does encourage volunteerism. Isaiah 6:8 says, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” There was a great need for someone who would deliver God’s message and Isaiah stepped up.
Perhaps the greatest call to volunteer was issued by Jesus Himself in Matthew 9:36-38. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (37) Then saith he 
unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; (38) Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
God sends the laborers but He doesn’t coerce them into service. Many Christians sadly do not share their faith, even though they should. What is needed in every Christian volunteer into the Lord’s service is found in Romans 12:1. May we answer the call, starting with this verse.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
1https://usafacts.org/articles/which-states-volunteer-the-most/
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