How To Find The Help You Need

It was the end of the night, and the last of the teens were leaving the program. As I looked at the mess left behind, I thought to myself, “I’m never going to get out of here.” But that’s when I noticed a few seminarians were still around, and I asked them, “Do you guys mind helping?” The job was done in a matter of minutes.

I have not always been that fortunate. Many times in ministry have I needed help, only to find I’m on my own. It’s in those moments where you wonder, “How long can I keep up this pace?” and the reality is not long at all. But the big question that many of us ponder is:

HOW DO I FIND THE HELP THAT I NEED?

LEVERAGE THE POWER OF THE PASTOR

While there are people on your staff and in your parish who have sway, it’s your pastor the most people listen to regularly. If you struggle to find help in your ministry, you need to talk to your pastor about utilizing the pulpit to move the faithful into action.

Most pastors are willing to give your ministry a shoutout during the announcements; however, you need to ask him to consider weaving it into the homily, bring it up at parish council or invite specific parishioners on your behalf. He might not reach everyone you need, but it will help move you in the right direction.

BE DIRECT AND DON’T BE AFRAID OF NO

It would be nice to have people walk into your office seeking opportunities to serve in your ministry. Because that does not happen, it’s essential to reach out to the people you know in your parish and ask them. Don’t soften the ask or make promises you cannot keep. Let them know what you expect from a committed volunteer. Be honest that there is a time commitment, but reassure them that you will guide them along the way.

If they say no, you can move on to the next person. If you need help, you should be asking until you find it. You might not want to be annoying, but persistence pays off in the end.

ASSESS YOUR IMPACT

Sometimes we are the problem. We want help, but we are either afraid, embarrassed or just not good at it. Our fears of rejection or overburdening someone can be the reason why no one ever steps up. We provide optics that communicate, “We have it all together” when our life is falling apart in reality.

At the same time, we might have expectations and standards that prevent others from genuinely helping us. We buy the lie:

I can get this done quicker if I do it myself.

The truth to that statement is that you can do it quicker, initially. Over time the person you are training will get better and develop new and more efficient ways of getting the task done. It can be hard to slow down to show someone how to do something, but in the end, the investment is worth it.

The next time you ask someone to help, invite them to show up earlier than needed so you have the margin to explain what they need to know and they have the opportunity to ask questions. It will be more work at first; however, the payoff makes up for it.

Asking for help is not always easy, but we need to get the job done. When we ask others for support, we’re inviting them to fulfill their baptismal promise. INviting people to serve is connecting them closer to God. Don’t hold back the invitation because not only will you feel relief, but the joy of working with others.

What strategies have you found helpful when asking people to serve?