Slow Your Role
Ministry weekends tend to be a blur:
Prep that service Host that meeting Have that convo Guide that vol Put out that fire Set up that event Find that item Answer that text Remember that announcement Jot down that note Pass along that info Lead that training
And the thing about ministry leaders, we often like to be a blur. Being a blur means that we’re important. Necessary. Indispensable. If we’re busy, that must mean we’re a big deal.
But our guests value our presence more than our preoccupation. They need us to see them, to care for them, and to be fully present on their behalf.
Here’s what Jason Young and Jonathan Malm say in The Come Back Effect:
Being spiritually “fully present” means understanding what God has entrusted to you and what he’s asking of you. It’s acknowledging what God is doing in and through you in the role, while also fully focusing on the guest.
They go on to say:
When you encounter a guest, it’s important to realize they don’t know your role. They have no idea that your responsibilities might include opening the front door and handing them a bulletin. They don’t realize that you’re a “lobby greeter.” They simply see you welcoming them. They simply experience your guidance as you help them find the children’t environment or the worship center. Your role feels monotonous and automatic.
And here’s the kicker:
But imagine if you weren’t there to perform that task. The guest would feel lost and would be left to find everything on their own. They might wander around for a few minutes trying to find the restrooms, then the children’s rooms, and ultimately arrive late to the service. your role in the big picture is more important than it seems. A guest has no idea what you do, but when they see what you’ve done it’s important.
We can’t be present for our guests if we’re not present (you might want to write that down, it’s genius). And we can’t be present for our guests if we’re preoccupied.
They may not know your role, but they’ll be able to tell when your role has been fulfilled. Or worse…not fulfilled.
How can you slow your role this weekend for the good of your guests?
