Here's a new word: actually, it's a very old word, a Latin word, "Volo." It means, "I will." As it turns out, the word "volo" turns up in a great many other words we all use quite often; words like voluntary, volunteer, and volition. This issue of the Home Mission Advocate comes to you as an epistle in praise of Volunteers and Volunteering.

If I were looking for a way to mislead God's people, I'd encourage them to stop being volunteers. If I wanted to bring ruin to the cause of Christ and the Church for which he died, I would do my best to put an end to volunteerism. How?

First, I'd entirely professionalize Christian service. I'd convince lay people to expect their pastor to do ministry for them. Do away with the idea that a pastor's role is to empower each of them into their own unique calls and types of service. There would be no leadership in a church body that didn't require some advanced degree. Every job in the church would require financial compensation. Any other job to be done in any other way I would dismiss with a sneer. I'd mockingly call it a "Volunteer position." I'd make it so people would feel demeaned and inadequate. Who would step forward under such conditions?

The next thing I'd do is work at making any remaining volunteer positions as menial as possible. At this point, so-called volunteers would have to be guaranteed there would be little work to it and they could quit whenever they wanted. Choir members would be given music with so little challenge rehearsals wouldn't be necessary. Sunday school teachers wouldn't need to come early or prepare. Educational resources might be junk but they would be easy to use, hopefully even pretty to look at. Committees, boards, commissions and cabinets would meet rarely, briefly and without a prayer. I would absolutely never give anyone an opportunity to reflect on God's goodness, or to respond voluntarily in some way that glorifies God and serves God's people.

Fortunately, I have no desire for such ruin in the church. I hope you don't either. My wish for you is that your life will be as abundant as possible, and include meaningful, joyful voluntary participation in the life of the church and the work of Christ in the world. It would be a fine day if you would take a look at your own gifts and skills, check your calendar, call your church and volunteer to do something, anything that serves God and God's people in this world.

Perhaps of your own volition you will even choose to increase your support of Christian missions. If in any way this issue of the Home Mission Advocate can facilitate your servant ministry, that will be very good, indeed. We intend the Advocate to be a source of direction and help as you live out the ministry that comes with your baptism. This is our call. In it may you find pleasure and joy.

Glad to be with you in Christian missions,

Arnold Nelson, Jr.

The Rev. Arnold C. Nelson Jr., President of Disciples Home Missions, is a native of Clarksville, Tenn., and is a member of Southport Christian Church, Indianapolis.