Learning Activities

Finding some other people

Once upon a time there was a congregation that was having trouble finding people to fill the various volunteer slots in its structure. The election process even included ushers! The “same old people” were getting tired and new members complained that they weren’t being asked to serve. When congregation leaders were asked how they went about the process, they said that they used the traditional method of appointing a nominating committee, securing willing candidates and holding elections. True story or fable, this is not a good way to find people to participate in congregational life!

You already know that your first step in simplicity ministry is to find others with whom to work. You also know that the usual ways of “getting volunteers” may not work here. So let’s start at a different place: What will you call this kind of group? “Committee”, “team” and “task group” don’t really describe what you’re going to do. “Support group” approximates some of your work, but the closest and most accurate term might be “circle”, a term perhaps already familiar to members engaged in women’s ministries. “Simplicity circles” have been meeting for years, organized under the care of The Simple Living Network, and they work very well. Think of your group as a new kind of circle.

How do you find people to join you in a simplicity circle? Try these steps:

1. Spend whatever time it takes to get to know which congregation members might find this new ministry exciting, necessary or helpful. Listen at meetings, distribute some handouts and see who responds, hold an after-church luncheon or lead an adult forum on the subject.
2. When you have a group of likely prospects, ask for some time with each one. A visit, a cup of coffee, a walk together. Talk about what you’ve noticed about them. Ask appreciative questions. Share what you have in mind. Listen to what they say.
3. After your visits are finished, select between five and seven individuals with whom you’d like to start this work. Personally invite each one to a first conversation at your home. Keep inviting people until you get about five strong leaders to work with.
4. At the first meeting, secure a time commitment of about six months, or a task commitment for your initial activity or project. 

Now you have a new circle of workers, friends and colleagues in this new work!