I’ve been thinking about blogging for some time now, and have decided to finally jump in! I plan to use this site to share what God is doing in the volunteer ministry here at NewSpring Church, my life, and the lives of those I minister alongside every day. I have the privilege of leading our volunteer ministry, and I’m learning and growing as I go. I hope this site will provide encouragement, insight, and a means of networking with others in similar positions.
I want your input on this journey…so please leave comments, ask questions, and feel free to bounce ideas off of me. We are in this thing together, so let’s do it!
I love that you are willing to do this! I am the Director of Volunteers at our church in Egg Harbor Towsnhip, NJ. I came on to this newly created position in March of 2006. I head up about 300 volunteers for a church that runs around 1,000 – 700 of them being the adults who can volunteer. I would love to talk with you and get some ideas. Also, two of our very dear members, Tim and tina armstrong recently joined your church after they relocated to your area. Tim was a Deacon and both were model servants; you are blessed to have them. May I call you to pick your brain? Share some frustrations and get some ideas for motivation? Please let me know.
Your sister in Christ -
Barb Maples
I volunteer in the childrens ministry. It has made a huge difference in my life. In being a volunteer the church is much more personal to me. It doesn’t feel like a mega church because I’m a part of it. The volunteers and staff members are what makes NewSpring happen every Sunday. We don’t just attend NewSpring, We ARE NewSpring!! The volunteers are bonded together and it kinda feels like we serve as one. It’s just so incredibly exciting and such as honor to serve God in this way. As a result, I am closer to God than I have ever been, and I’m 50 years old. When God started telling me he wanted me to serve in the childrens ministry I actually laughed out loud, I told him what a great sense of humor he had! Then I realized he wasn’t kidding. I begged him not to send me there, but if you know God, you know he doesn’t change his mind! After the first Sunday I knew it was where I belonged. Let me tell you, NewSpring has the cutest, most adorable babies in the whole world! I am so priviledged to take care of these precious little people every week. I’m a part of a group that makes it possible for people to worship God in a distraction free service, and as the children grow, they get to learn about God on their own level. It’s fun for them and love to come to church. I could go on and on about how awesome it is to be a part of NewSpring. If you’re a member and not serving in any area, you’re missing out on the best experience of your life!
Welcome to the blog world! (Or “Bloggityville” as I affectionately like to call it!!) Your church has been such an inspiration to my husband and me. We rarely miss listening/watching online since we found out about you guys last winter. We came to UNLEASHED last year, and it was there that we accepted the call to full-time ministry. We have learned so much, and our vision is to start a church right here in Florence, SC that will ROCK like Newspring! I just thought you should know what an impact you guys have made ALREADY throughout the state, and I am praying for your commitment service this Sunday. GOD IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING AWESOME!!!
Love and Prayers,
Susanne Reeder