Over the years I’ve learned that the best way to get someone to come to church…is personal invitation! That’s not to say that billboards, T-shirts and ads don’t work, I think they do! However, the most successful method of getting people in the doors and taking that first step, is to ask them!
Likewise, I’m finding that the most successful way to get new people volunteering in our ministries is to…ask them. Many times we stray from this because…
- We don’t want to PUSH something on them
- They might not like our area of ministry
- It can be awkward
- They might say no…
The truth is these are all legitimate fears, but they don’t take away from the fact that “the ask” works. At the same time I’ve learned that I should be prayerful with every conversation. Realizing that my role is to help people take their next step…whatever that may be.
Many times people are just standing there waiting for someone to ask them to take their next step and get plugged in volunteering. That being the case, “the ask” is such a powerful tool to help others find their “sweet spot!”
I’ve just got to be willing to ask…
August 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
My own reflection is that this is true not just about new members and volunteers but almost everything where we want someone to do something, like offering, tithing, joining small groups, etc.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
“You have not because you ask not” applies to MANY things in life!
August 29th, 2008 at 12:03 am
How true that people are often waiting for someone to ask! I am in the thick of inviting people to join our ministry teams for the new school year and was reminded of “the power of ‘the ask’” last week when I thanked a first-time volunteer greeter. With a huge smile on her face she thanked me so much for asking her to join our greeting team. She said she had been wanting to get involved in ministry but wasn’t sure exactly where she would fit in and was so happy to find a place that she feels comfortable in. She’s one of many people who thank me for inviting them to get involved in ministry.
Even more important than inviting people to plug into ministry is inviting them to accept Christ as their Savior. In our children’s ministry, we make it a practice to regularly give kids an opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. It’s one thing to tell kids that Christ died for their sins; it’s another thing to explain to them how they can accept Christ’s forgiveness and give them a chance to do that. Kids consistently respond to this invitation. How amazing it is to get to be God’s ambassadors “as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20). Here’s to asking!