Leaders versus Volunteers

I here the people that work side by side with us on Sundays referred to as volunteers all the time. Which is great. It not like it is a demeaning word or anything. The big thing that I question is the mindset behind the term not the use of it in general.  I just think that the word volunteer and Leader should be used interchangeably, but for that to happen the mindset has to be interchangeable. It is never a positive thing for the organization if the leaders think of themselves as though they are above or better than the people they lead. 

Let me let you in on a little secret. If you have people serving they are leaders. They are potential people that could help shape your organization. How you view them makes all the difference in the world. They will rise to whatever you lead them to. If forever and ever you want them to feel as though they are volunteers doing God and your church a favor then cool. If you want to empower them to make a difference and have an impact on the people around them then they are leaders. People with a volunteer mentality show up to complete a job. Leaders show up early and invest in the lives of the people they have influence over. They are the next level that is shaping your organization.

Do not misunderstand what you call them does not necessarily make a difference. The mindset behind it though makes a huge difference. How you view them as a leader will ultimately determine how far that area of the organization goes. It is all about where your expectation is. People want to rise to the expectation that is set for them. They want to succeed. The question is 2 fold.

Raise the bar and let them reach for it never ever lower the bar and allow them to settle there with it. Empower the people who work with you to be what you want them to be and what you see they could be. 

Its been my experience that the difference between a leader and a volunteer is isn't them but the person leading them.

How will you raise the bar in organization?