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Showing God’s love through ordinary people
To highlight First Impressions Kick Off 2012; we asked Director of Volunteer Ministries, Mary Ann Sibley, to share the heart of the First Impressions Ministry. Mary Ann has more energy and zest for life than anyone we know. Introduce yourself the next time you see her. She’ll make you feel right at home!
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
A year ago we began something that most people said was “crazy” to even attempt. We completely wiped the slate clean of all our volunteer slots – all Greeters, all Ushers, all Roadies, all Common Grounds, all Guides and Guest Services, all Shuttle Drivers and all Leaders – empty! No one listed to serve anywhere. We went from 600 to 0! Then, let’s we asked everyone to sign up for another year … or not.
One reason we do this is to give people the freedom to serve where they are gifted. It’s one of Hope’s core goals. I have heard so many people say that the reason they don’t volunteer at church is because at their other church, they felt trapped serving somewhere they were miserable.
Providing an end date:
- allows people to honor their commitment to serve out the year.
- provides us with an opportunity to help them find another area to serve.
Since we made this change, it’s been humbling to our ministry as we’ve been able to live out what we say we believe and trust God in every part of our lives; including providing volunteers to fill in the spaces that need help. The same God that “created heaven and earth” (Genesis 1:1) is the same God that can fill empty volunteer slots as “He is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
The main reason we do this is that it honors God. One of the best parts when serving in a ministry is experiencing how God keeps His promises. Yes, we do our part to prepare and pray – then we get to watch God unfold and overflow in the people, the hearts and the testimonies beyond our wildest dreams!
On February 4, 2012 we experienced something far more than we imagined or prayed for. We hoped for maybe 400 volunteers to attend our annual Kick Off (although to be honest, we thought that was a crazy high number!). And guess what God did? He brought over 450! We have learned that in order to fight fatigue, silo mentalities within each Campus, and a sense of “I don’t really matter” … we must be intentional!
Bringing together all the First Impressions volunteers from all three campuses was like a reunion. How awesome to see people embracing each other and sharing what God was doing in their lives. During the break out sessions, over 50 leaders shared WHY we do what we do, which glorified the work of Christ and renewed hope in those of us who are struggling.
We all need reminding that serving on the weekends DOES matter. As we like to say around here: “If you just want to be a Greeter, then please go to Walmart as they are looking for Greeters.” But we stand firmly on Acts 4:13 and are all about “showing God’s love through ordinary people.”
It’s more than just saying “Hi! Welcome to Hope” at a door or serving coffee or seating a guest or walking a new family from the front door to Kid City or directing parking. It’s our opportunity to love people where they are – however they look or dress (or frown). It’s reminding them that God still loves them and we know this because we claim His love in our own lives as we spend time before we serve to pray and be reminded of this beautiful love story.
Mary Ann Sibley
Director of Volunteer Ministries
Serve where you’re gifted
Over the past few months we’ve been talking a lot about our vision: to reach the Triangle and change the world. So many of you have made it obvious that you’re on board and have already stepped up to be a part of this vision, which we’re incredibly grateful for. We are all part of the body, which is why it’s so important that we’re all on the same page and working towards the same goals in order to impact the Kingdom.
We constantly hear stories of transformation at Hope, especially when people begin to serve. Stories that are real, encouraging and from the heart. Would you like to hear how serving on First Impressions creates transformation in the lives of our volunteers and in those being served? Our volunteers speak for themselves in a recent video!
Do you currently serve on First Impressions or are ready to start? There are no obligations, simply come to Hope’s First Impressions Kick Off on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:30am-12:30pm at the Raleigh campus. Both returning and new volunteers will have the opportunity to select or sample a team that interests them. Attendees will be given campus specific training and the chance to see just how small a big church can feel when a part of a team.
What is the first step? Register for the Kick Off online and ultimately learn what it means to be a part of First Impressions, where God’s love is experienced through ordinary people. (Acts 4:13)
