I used to volunteer with a Baptist church which I've now left. I did several activities within this church, and I enjoyed doing them at the time, but I found it became like unpaid work after awhile because others would just EXPECT it and hardly give you any thanks, you were just SUPPOSED to be there. Because of this, I eventually dropped activities one by one and pardon the pun, they gave me hell for it. I've now left this church, and I know of other churches/organizations that need me and would APPRECIATE my work, and not treat me like a PAWN.
2007-02-08 00:47:26 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
Rac, I definitely believe what you said, I know God appreciated everything I did, but this is problem in many churches that needs to be resolved, because many people are being turned off to God and it's not God's fault at all, it's MANS.
2007-02-08 01:06:16 · update #1
Thank you wizzards for hitting the point home! It's not that we're trying to be selfish, ALWAYS asking for thanks, but it's nice to hear it sometimes, so that we know our work is truly helping others.
2007-02-08 05:15:22 · update #2
I work for a non-profit organization and we really stress thanking our volunteers. I send hand written notes weekly and make sure to thank them publicly in newsletters and presentations as well.
Did you know that the average person has to hear "thank you" seven times to truly feel appreciated?
Thank you for making a difference!
2007-02-08 07:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by tigeri4263 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK, so you were doing this as a ministry because you wanted to, and then you didn't want to, and people depended upon you so much that they didn't have any backup plans to fill your spot if you did leave. Sounds like it should be their problem, not yours. So from someone who has no idea who you are and what you did, thank you very much for your efforts in helping people to experience their Lord in one form or another.
Churches do this, and people are human & forget that you're a volunteer. Unfortunately, this is how it usually ends, as people leaving the church rather than just backing out of the ministry they have been performing. It's the nature of church life. I don't have any real advice for you on this one, other than being honest about things before they get out of hand.
2007-02-08 13:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I was in a church like that. There is such a shortage of talented people to volunteer, but I find that churches just take it for granted. It's the giving to others selflessly and unselfishly thing. I also left that church. They just kept asking me for more and more, until it became a full time unpaid job.
2007-02-08 11:01:21 · answer #3 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is up to volunteers to look out for their own interests. The real question is: Why do people volunteer? Why do they not think that their time is worth anything?
If volunteers don't think their time is worth anything, then why would a church feel any differently??
2007-02-08 10:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by Curt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not just a problem in churches but a problem with volunteers anywhere. The only way I know to combat it is to make sure *I* say thank you when people volunteer in areas I'm active in. Just one person saying thanks can make a volunteers day.
2007-02-08 12:06:48 · answer #5 · answered by Critter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even if u were nt appreciated u ought to believe as a christain that God is our exceeding rewarder.
2007-02-08 08:52:57 · answer #6 · answered by joddie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋