If your church is like most, you are short-staffed and in desperate need of laborers. It has been said of the church that 90 percent of the work is done by 10 percent of the workers. This leaves those of us who serve to wonder why the many who attend church never get involved in its ministry.

I believe there are several factors.

1. They are unaware there is a need

One of the biggest mistakes church leaders make is assuming everyone knows their church's needs. Staff members are usually in the inner circle of church operations and know where lay workers are needed, while those on the outside of the "circle" are often left guessing.

Don't assume people know what you know. Broadcast the need and keep promoting it. Print ministry opportunities in programs, post it in e-mails, announce it from the pulpit, put it on bulletin boards … you get the idea. You can never over publicize your need for volunteers.

2. They don't know what their gifts are

Some churches have caught on to the value of offering spiritual gifts discovery courses. People assess their gifts and how they can best be used for ministry.

Understanding our spiritual gifts is important, but so is identifying skills, talents, and experiences that can also be used in ministry. All go into development of the whole person and together they make up a very valuable package. If you don't have gifts-discovery classes in place consider starting them so church members can learn how to identify and use their unique self for ministry.

3. They don't know how to get connected

If you have already started offering gifts-discovery classes you're on the right track. But do your class graduates know what to do with their gifts after taking the class? You can increase the chance of connecting them with ministry by creating a contact list consisting of supervisors/leaders and the ministry areas they oversee. Make sure to include phone numbers and e-mail addresses so prospective volunteers can notify them of their interests in serving.

4. They think paid staff is handling everything

Gone are the days when people were raised in church. Many modern churchgoers are new to the concept of church, therefore, they don't understand how churches operate. They may only see the outward operations where things run smoothly never realizing staff alone cannot possibly handle everything.

Look for opportunities to bring the truth to light. Even in your inquirers' classes you can stress that clergy are there to train and equip while the role of the rest of the church body is to be ministers. Emphasize that as a member they are expected to minister/volunteer.

5. They're burned out and unappreciated

Some of the most dedicated people I know have burned out while serving. In some cases the fault is the volunteer's, who simply doesn't know how to say "no." However, church leaders who return over and over again to those they know they can trust also contribute to burnout. It's so convenient and comfortable they never seek out new workers.

Help prevent volunteer burnout by asking new people to try on simple responsibilities for size. Then increase their responsibilities as they prove themselves. Don't just ask them to do more—when they do a good job, say "thank you." It can make all the difference in the world to a discouraged volunteer.

6. They don't have time

This remains a huge challenge with our over busy society. By the time parents are done working their day jobs they come home to a hoard of additional responsibilities—soccer practice, school activities, and more. There's little time for anything else.

We need to emphasize to our congregations that prioritizing is important and that God shouldn't get the leftovers. When we get priorities straight, we are more likely to have time for Christian service. Stress the importance of saying "no" to excessive activities.

7. Fear of failure

Those who haven't been exposed to church from an early age often wrestle with this fear. The idea of serving is new and they are afraid they won't do the job correctly. Be sensitive by assuring them they will receive training for the position and that you will be there for them should questions arise. Allow them to wade in slowly, doing simple tasks, then increase those responsibilities when you see they are ready.

The first step in increasing lay ministry is to understand why volunteers are avoiding service. Leaders must learn to recognize, communicate with, and value these potential ministers. When this happens, barriers start to give way, enabling more people to become whole-hearted ministers for Christ.

Teena Stewart is a free-lance writer whose articles have appeared in such publications as Leadership Journal, Discipleship Journal, and Minister's Family Magazine. She uses her experience as a ministry empowerment director in her ministry, Ministry in Motion, which provides seminars, resources, and program development for churches wishing to launch gifts-based ministry programs.