Duty or calling?

 

Saturday was our annual volunteer celebration here at the Jesus Centre. it's a time when as staff we turn the tables and serve our volunteers to thank them for their service throughout the year; and when we hope they forgive us for the umpteenth time for ringing them at short notice to cover a shift! The cafe team always excel themselves with a fabulous meal and we feedback the main hi-lights of the year; the lives we've touched, the new services we've started. This year the focus was on promoting the fact that we are much much more than a day centre for the homeless, with business breakfasts, ESOL classes bursting at the seams, activities and self help groups, keep fit classes and art exhibitions and special interest theme nights hosted in the cafe.

However, part of the aim of the event is also to inspire an increase
in volunteering. In fundraising they say if you want to increase your donations start by asking the people who already give to you to give more. It's the same with volunteering.

One of the words that has stuck with me from the event was "You cannot serve two masters: the two masters being Duty & Calling"

It is so easy for any of us to become a slave to duty. To faithfully come in because that is what you feel is expected, what you have always done or because you feel guilty or obliged. Dutiful volunteering lacks the sparkle that will inspire others to do what you do. It will simply turn up, do what is required and go home again. A job has been done but nothing and no one has been changed.

However, those who serve their calling carry that sense of vision, purpose and direction; they have a passion and energy for what they are doing and that inspires others to follow them and become part of the team. There is a sense that volunteers believe in what they are doing and that belief brings life to all that they do.

One thing we've struggled with, (as does any volunteering project) has been getting young people on board with our vision. This is absolutely vital to the health of the project and to the morale of our faithful silverhaired veterans. People need to carry a sense that what they are investing in has a future.

Towards the end of the event 6 of our young men who volunteer shared on what being involved meant for them and how they saw the future shaping up. The message was loud and clear. They need those of us who can barely remember what it felt like to be starting out on our adulthood with the vast unknown story of our lives still unwritten, to believe in them and set the example for them; but they also need us to re-discover and carry a sense of our calling and ministry  so that what we do carries life and energy that inspires them to get involved.

They also want the space and the scope not simply to continue in our footsteps but make new ones and our patience with them as they learn to walk.