Your Scriptural Volunteering Action Plan: Level Up Your Faith & Impact!
Alright, young warriors of faith, let’s get this mission started! We’re talking about volunteering that doesn’t just look good on paper, but actually grows your faith, beefs up your inner strength, and makes a real splash in your community. Think of it as your spiritual fitness plan, but with way more impact!
Phase 1: Recon & Readiness (Getting Your Head in the Game)
Prayer & Purpose: Start with prayer. Ask God to reveal opportunities that align with His will and your unique gifts. What breaks your heart about the world? What are you passionate about?
Bible Study Deep Dive: Revisit key scriptures on service, compassion, and justice. Think Matthew 25:40 (“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”), Acts 20:35 (“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”), and James 2:17 (“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”). These are your foundational texts!
Skill Inventory: What are you good at? Are you a people person? A behind-the-scenes organizer? Creative? A problem-solver? List it out! Your skills are God-given tools.
Phase 2: Opportunity Recon (Finding Your Mission Field)
Identify Needs: Look around your community. What issues resonate with you and align with biblical teachings? Homelessness? Food insecurity? Youth mentorship? Environmental care? Local churches or ministries often have lists of needs.
Church & Ministry Connections: Talk to your church leaders, youth pastors, or ministry coordinators. They often have established volunteer programs or know of trusted organizations.
Explore Faith-Based Organizations: Seek out Christian non-profits or ministries that focus on areas you care about. Websites like JustServe.org or local Christian community directories can be goldmines.
Align with Biblical Principles: When checking out opportunities, ask: Does this align with God’s heart for justice, mercy, and love? Does it help the vulnerable? Does it point to Christ?
Phase 3: Mission Execution (Getting Your Hands Dirty!)
Commit & Show Up: Once you find a fit, commit fully! Be reliable, punctual, and bring your best attitude. Your presence matters!
Serve with Excellence: Do the work as if you’re doing it directly for the Lord (Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”). This builds integrity and shows Christ’s love.
Embrace Challenges: Volunteering isn’t always easy. You’ll face challenges, meet difficult people, and maybe even feel discouraged. This is where your inner strength is forged! Lean on those scriptures and your faith community.
Build Relationships: Connect with the people you’re serving and the other volunteers. These relationships are opportunities to share your faith authentically and build a stronger community.
Phase 4: Debrief & Discernment (Growing from the Experience)
Reflection Time: After each volunteer session or project, take time to reflect. What did you learn? How did you see God working? How did you grow in faith or inner strength? Journaling can be super helpful here so keep a personal record of what you have done but keep it to yourself. This is a personal record, not a bragging one.
Measure Spiritual Outcomes: Are you more compassionate? More patient? Is your faith deeper? Are you more aware of God’s presence in your daily life? These are the real wins!
Measure Community Impact: What tangible difference was made? Did you help feed families? Mentor a young person? Clean up a park? Even small actions create ripples.
Adjust & Repeat: Based on your reflections, refine your approach. Maybe you found a new passion, or maybe you learned a skill you want to develop further. Keep seeking those opportunities to serve!
Phase 5: Share Testimonies and Encourage Others
Action: Share personal experiences and lessons learned with peers. Encourage other young adults to engage in scriptural volunteering.
Scriptural Connection: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This calls for mutual encouragement and the sharing of faith journeys.
Share Your Testimony: Talk about your experiences with trusted friends or your small group. Sharing how God is working through you can inspire others!
Outcome: A ripple effect of engagement, inspiring more young adults to volunteer.
Phase 6: VERY IMPORTANT: “Let your parents know about any volunteering opportunities you are considering. Do not just go and volunteer unless you already have a connection to the organization. Let your parents do some research about the organization and this will also let them know where you are at all times. Most of all don’t volunteer when you have homework or school projects.“ John & Jean
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
H John & Jean
Our Divided World Ministry
john@ourdividedworld.com
jean@ourdividedworld.com
https://ourdividedworld.com
Leave a Comment