Blessing Your Ministry Volunteers

Last week, the director of children's ministries at my church (Oakdale Park CRC, Grand Rapids, MI) asked if I would offer a blessing for our ministry volunteers as they begin a new ministry season. I did some looking online and found few resources, so I did some writing. Four of us used this text to bless our children's ministry leaders and volunteers after their fall informational meeting. Feel free to use and adapt for your own fall ministries.

Prayer

Loving God,

You have entrusted us with the good news of your gospel.

It is a privilege that we do not take lightly.

Thank you for equipping each one of these volunteers with gifts for ministry.

Thank you for their willingness to respond to your call to serve with gladness.

Sustain them on the days when they are tired,

give them the strength to serve your children with patience, mercy, and grace,

particularly with those children who need extra patience, mercy, and grace.

And, as they serve you,

give them joy through glimpses of your Kingdom in the faces of those whom they serve.

Through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit we pray,

Amen.

Charge 

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

Blessing

(Name) Grace, mercy and peace be to you from Jesus Christ our Lord.

As you serve this year, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  

Thank you for answering God's call to serve.

Song

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Lift Up Your Hearts, #965)