1. Christians: Slaves or Volunteers? Why do churches “beg” for workers? Why don’t more volunteer?

2. Why? Why do we “beg” for teachers, work in PEP, make bears, work in VBS, etc? We need hosts for youth devotionals, people to prepare communion, and many other areas of work

3. Why? Some believe that “church” is an organization to which we volunteer Therefore, you can’t MAKE me do anything. “If you pressure me, you are making me a slave. I will just run away.”

4. Are we slaves? The Greek word for slave - - Does not mean – owned, held against my will, total control The word means – devoted to, to give myself wholly”

5. Are we slaves? I might be a “slave” to golf – not a bad thing. 2 Peter 2:192 Peter 2:19 - While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

6. Are we volunteers? Being a member of the church is a voluntary decision. One should not be “forced” into baptism Like any organization – The church has rules for membership The church has expectations of members

7. Are we volunteers? Why join a club and refuse to participate in the work of that club? Why join an organization and not support what they are doing? Why would one NOT volunteer?

8. Which are we? BOTHBOTH SlavesSlaves We are devoted to Christ We give ourselves to the work of the church Are you giving yourself to the work?Are you giving yourself to the work?

9. Which are we? Pray – “Use us up in Thy service.” 2 Corinthians 12:15 2 Corinthians 12:15 - And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. Are you willing to be used up?

10. Which are we? We are also volunteers We are members by choice You can “quit” the church anytime you want (not recommended) You are not forced to attend, give, work, participate

11. We are Looking For - - Volunteers who are devoted (slaves) to the work of the church Are you willing to serve, prepared to work, ready to help, able to teach, eager to visit? Are you a devoted volunteer?

12. We are Looking For - - 2 Timothy 2:2 2 Timothy 2:2 - And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Two important qualities – 1.Faithful men 2.Able to teach (or work)

13. Do You Qualify? We (preachers, elders, deacons, and ministry chairmen) are always looking for - - Slaves – Slaves – devoted to the work Volunteers – Volunteers – ready to work Faithful – Faithful – dependable Do you qualify?