Service

Ever get annoyed by all these people expecting us to do stuff for them? They want microphones they forgot to ask for. They want data projectors and sound systems. They want everything. What are we, their SERVANTS or something?

OF COURSE WE ARE!

It is so easy for me to forget that I am in this behind the scenes ministry to serve my employers, fellow workers, the church body, and above all to serve Christ himself. Every now and then I have to remind myself that this is a service oriented ministry. My co-workers don’t mean to not ask for things in advance, and they certainly aren’t trying to make my life difficult. It’s up to me to gently remind them of procedures, and also to draw certain boundaries of when I leave work and don’t stay to do the last minute stuff. That latter part is easier said then done.

If I am having trouble with a person or department at church, it helps me to actually move toward that conflict and try to be proactive. Here’s an example. If I know that a department needs a video camera set up for Sunday AM, but they forgot to go through the proper channels, why not gently remind them to request it? Why not walk a form to their office and help them fill it out? I tend to be more passive-aggressive and just think – maybe they’ll learn next time. And of course, all that does is widen the interpersonal gap between us.

I think there’s nothing wrong with a little tough love to try to teach people proper proceures, but it seems to be so easy to be tough without the love part. Most people I know desire respect more than appreciation. They can go for long stretches without appreciation, but a felt lack of respect does them in. I think that’s why it’s so hard to keep a servant attitude. When we feel dis-respected by our co-workers because of last minute requests, we tend to bristle and be uncooperative.

It has helped me to EXPECT last minute changes and to roll with them.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on balancing boundaries, limits, and going the extra mile.