Why Volunteering Matters

I get asked to volunteer for a thousand things, from coaching girls’ volleyball to serving at the kids’ schools, from serving on various leadership boards to attending professional functions. Usually I’m asked to help by people who genuinely care about their cause; other times, I’m asked by less enthusiastic people who were told to go find more volunteers. I’m a fan of volunteering, and I volunteer often, but that doesn’t mean that I say yes to everybody who asks. In fact, the exact opposite is true. I have learned to say yes or no based on these three key questions:

1. Is this volunteer opportunity worth the time, effort, and outcome?
2. Will I be using my spiritual gifts and strengths?
3. Does it help fulfill Jesus’ mission to make disciples?

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