Matterspark

10/26/2025

I don't always say words properly, and there are many words I simply cannot pronounce. (We can get into that later. :))

But that doesn't stop me from sharing an idea or vision to help grow healthy volunteer teams!

What if we thought about the people before the tasks?

One way is a simple "mindshift" or, as this blooper calls out, a "mind-ship." LOL

When we invite people, we focus on:
1. WHO we are inviting.
2. What will the venue or experience be FOR them.

When we recruit people, we focus on:
1. The tasks or roles needing filling, focusing on the need for door greeters, someone to hold a baby, or to park cars.

Yes, things need to get done. But what are you inviting people into?

An experience that will transform them? Grow them? Challenge them for their benefit?

Or just the relief of having roles covered?

Inviting someone is opening the door for inclusion, community, and good things for those coming. Let's lead and think through with an invitational experience before listing the needs or tasks.

02/28/2025

02/27/2025

Leading people
toward the mission.
toward what Jesus said to do.

toward how Jesus said to do it.

toward sacrificial serving, as Jesus demonstrated.

If we are to be light, the example of what God has and is doing in our lives, then, when serving at church, it should be evident.

Which means serving in uncomfortable ways, times (arriving early, staying late) and it will be messy.

Leading open-handed volunteers takes radical commitment and bravery-but it is 100% WORTH IT!

02/22/2025

I’m a lucky gal to have this man for my driver. My work usually is done on the weekends so it’s always good when the church is close enough to drive and Dean comes along.

Excited for my 2nd visit to First Baptist Church, Statesboro to meet with their key volunteers. We are kicking off a 6 month adventure to create real teams vs gathering pools of people.

Why?

Because volunteers are not serving just to further your mission. The volunteers are the mission!

02/20/2025

This is how you launch a book! With a supporting community, family, wine and cake! Congratulations on your beautiful book!

02/08/2025

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death;

there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelations 21:4 ❤️

02/04/2025

One of my favorite quotes is from Gary Haugen -
“Joy is the oxygen to do hard things.”

Seems everything is hard these days.
And yet we must remain steadfast in our lives, our calling, our mission.

Before we dig into the work ahead, don’t forget to play. Have fun. It’s not only okay, it’s necessary!

This amazing group gathered for the first time yesterday. So what better way to connect and open ourselves to being vulnerable SO THAT the hard work gets done ——we played!

And we escaped! Whew!

Grateful for the heart & vision with Tyler Smith Ali, Brie, Jason Moore Jason Young

Let’s go!

02/04/2025

Our family is grieving the sudden loss of this great man. When we first met Bob, Jackson, my youngest son, was only 10-11yrs old and thought he could “take” Bob by calling him Aunt Bob.

Bob simply, quietly and quickly pulled Jackson up by his ankles and held him there. The bond was sealed that day and every day since.

Please pray for us.
For his wife, Nora Lynn (Dean’s sister)
For his daughters, Ashley & Angela
For his grandkids
And for all of us that loved him big!

I’m so grateful they came to spend Thansksgiving with us.

Even Stone, Jackson’s son, was mesmerized by Bob’s goodness and gentleness.

While we rejoice he is with Jesus, we also weep over the loss of his presence with us.

02/02/2025

I’m looking at you, volunteers.

This is person-to-person! The way you serve others is a testimony to who you say God is in your life.

01/29/2025

Imagine having someone who have raised their hands to volunteer, standing there and not care for them.

Caring is discipling. Being intentional to model and provide a safe and accountable environment for people to experience being like Jesus.