Volunteers Reproducing Themselves
Sunday, December 9th, 2007One of my faithful volunteers at church has been doing something amazing lately. Reid has been handling the sound effects, video, and imagery for our children’s service called KidJam for as long as I have been here. Lately he has had an accomplice.
Tyler, a high school kid, started showing up on Sunday mornings and hanging out in the media booth during KidJam. He was so interested in things that Reid started showing him how to operate our equipment - mainly a DVD player and ProVideoPlayer. He immediately had a love-it factor for this stuff and was asking questions and occasionally sitting co-pilot to Reid.
This week I saw something amazing.
Reid sat co-pilot.
Tyler had it. He owned it. He ran an almost flawless service as far as his position was concerned. Video, sound effects, graphics… on time. And through it all Reid was there to guide him and answer his questions.
Above it all, I am amazed at this: I didn’t have to recruit or train Tyler. Reid, a volunteer, handled it. Reid took his position seriously and trained another person to do his job. He reproduced himself. He went above the call of duty.
This morning is a happy morning. Praise God.
—
P.S. - Mad props to our assistant youth minister Justin for his awesome job in his message this morning. I think it was his best yest.
December 10th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Chris,
That’s awesome - and just the right flow …
Let them sit with you while YOU do it …
YOU sit with THEM while THEY do it …
YOU get out of the booth, and let them DO IT ALONE.
Way to go Reid, too!
December 10th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Chris - as I sat over your shoulder while you were writing this (and yes, it was one of Justin’s best), I must say: BRAVO. I’m going to post a related blog later today, I do believe - you inspired me (okay, it’s older, but I’ve never posted it here)…
amen!
December 10th, 2007 at 11:05 am
[...] (part 1) Having read Chris Moncus‘ excellent blog on Volunteers Reproducing Themselves, I was inspired to post an edited version of an essay I wrote in 2005 on Small Group Ministry and [...]
December 10th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
That’s a great breakdown Fred! I’m soooo stealing it!
December 10th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Shannon… great. I look forward to reading it.
December 10th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Chris - One of the best gifts God ever gave me was Reid as my brother. He is a good teacher and an excellent encourager. Good job, bro, Woo Hoo!
December 10th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Like I once heard……..
Tell me and I’ll know
Show me and I’ll remember
Involve me and I’ll understand
December 10th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
[...] the post I wrote yesterday on a volunteer reproducing himself, Fred left a comment that I wanted to pass on. He said… Let them sit with you while YOU do it [...]