I know that the expression has been used for organizations outside of the church (in both an “official title” and a figure of speech), but how often have you heard the Lord’s church described as “a volunteer army”? The emphasis has usually been on the idea that you cannot make anyone do anything they are not willing to do—they must choose to do it of their own volition. As you contemplate the church as “a volunteer army,” take the following vantage points into consideration.
Consider “The Volunteer Army” from the viewpoint of the army. Every member of this volunteer army is on equal ground. Every member of this volunteer army is needed. No member of this volunteer army is perfect. As an army of volunteers, we need each other. We cannot exist without each other. We cannot as effectively serve God without mutual participation. For the sake of the rest of the army, please be a reliable, responsible and respectful volunteer.
Consider “The Volunteer Army” from the viewpoint of the volunteer. As a volunteer, I am going to let you down. As a volunteer, I am going to make choices that are not always the best choices to make. As a volunteer, I am going to have good days of service and not-so-good days of service. Please be patient with me. Please encourage me. Please continue to find and provide opportunities for me. When I disappoint you, please don’t give up on me but give me another chance.
Consider “The Volunteer Army” from the viewpoint of the church leaders. If you’re one of the “volunteers” in a local congregation/army of the church, think about this. Deacons plan events and works that require members of the volunteer army to step up in attendance and assistance. Deacons need you and provide tremendous opportunities for you. Elders seek to lead, shepherd and feed the members of the army, but some volunteers are not so cooperative, responsive or appreciative. Elders are responsible for your soul and labor tirelessly to tend, feed and guide you toward heaven. These are the positions in which God (not man) placed them.
Consider “The Volunteer Army” from the viewpoint of the Commander-in-Chief. The Lord is the one who designed the army, enlisted the volunteers and gave the orders. You might look at the church and its efforts as something you can “take or leave,” but how does God see it?
Consider “The Volunteer Army” from the viewpoint of the victory. Volunteers typically do not receive anything except the satisfaction of achievement. God’s volunteers, who faithfully serve in His army, are promised an eternal victory!