Harvest Plentiful; Laborers Few! (Online)

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Recruit and Train

2. Restore and Train

3. Rehearse and Train

Introductory Remarks.

1. In the life cycle of the church, there will always be the need for laborers. If the church is busy with evangelism, there will always be young men and women from whom we could recruit, hire, and train for the work that must go on inside before it can venture into the harvest. Because faithful men and women occupy seats within our assemblies, many are willing to work but feel unequipped to do the work of evangelism and to lead in the church's worship: singing, praying, scripture reading, communion, teaching, and preaching! This, however, is not their work. It is ours!

2. First, we will consider the need to recruit and train workers: “The harvest truly is plentiful.” Millions have not yet heard the message of salvation. We need only look into our own communities. Our youth has not only abandoned families but also the church. The reason being, if we might ask, is: “I see no opportunity to serve; I am not equipped to do the 'work of the ministry,' nor to participate in the worship service in any capacity. The business of leadership is not only to watch and lead, but also to anticipate the church's needs and to meet them by advertising, recruiting, training, and motivating capable men and women for service in the Lord’s church. Let’s consider point one of this Lecture.

BODY OF LECTURE

I RECRUIT AND TRAIN

A. Background of our text. “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest,’” Matthew 9:35-38.

B. Jesus recruited and trained. First with 12, then with 40. Some perceive it was 40 twice! I come here today to encourage and motivate all, and to share some thoughts and mannerisms in recruiting and training preachers, teachers, and workers in the business of soul-winning and inspiring worship!

1. We must recruit and train these young men and women. Every successful business constantly advertises, recruits, and trains men and women to fill projected workforce losses due to health, death, promotions, and retirement.

2. There is no formal way to do this. Many successful businesses, such as the U.S. Armed Forces, Amazon, and Walmart, use a hands-on approach.

3. Why not the work of the church? We have bulletin boards, church directories, and bulletins; these could be our first tools in advertising, recruiting, promoting, and motivating the congregation.

C. Equipping one for military service. Not one enlistee was sent into battle without training. Every non-commissioned officer in the Army, in any leadership capacity, is a trainer. I might suggest,

1. Ministers are trainers as well as preachers. If you do not have an understudy, you might want to ask

yourself why, because I am! I thank God today for Jim H. Warren, my beloved father (pops) in the gospel! I suggest that he would be pleased with his son, for which I humbly accepted and cherished being called by him. Pops is the name my sons call me, too. If you have not met them, you will today.

2. The leadership in the church is also a trainer. The church bulletin is a good place to start your advertising for workers. Place a “sign-up sheet” in the foyer to recruit volunteers, or make announcements once or twice a month. Many will sign up, and if you ask why, they will tell you mainly because you asked for help!

3. You can prepare, schedule, and advertise a TRAINING DAY for those who desire to serve in the worship service, i.e., leading prayer and singing, communion, collection, and even teaching and preaching. Have “small break-out groups” for these volunteers so they can focus their time and learning in the area they desire to serve the church. They will come! Serve breakfast and even lunch for attendees, it will be money and time well invested in our young people! Have a morning and afternoon session.

ILLUSTRATION: You have talented men and women in the assembly. Ask them if they would be willing to assist in these training ventures. Reach out to sister congregations. If you are here today and ignore this message, “Can you say you’re a servant of Christ?” This is the Lord's charge to us!

4. Leadership Training. There are programs available for appointing elders and deacons.

5. Personal Evangelism Workshops. The “biggest obstacle in personal work is overcoming rejection by others.” Fear of failure can be overcome with practice and understanding of the listener’s fears as well as your own. Who wants to be told “you are traveling the wrong way,” Matthew 7:13-14.