Why People Serve

Creating a Ministry Culture That Lasts

Building a Ministry Culture That Inspires, Not Just Functions
In our last discussion, we explored why guilt, obligation, and pressure are not effective motivators in ministry. We talked about how people thrive when they experience autonomy, belonging, and competence and how Jesus didn’t just recruit disciples—He called them into a mission that gave their lives meaning. He formed missionary disciples.

This raises an important question:

What actually inspires people to serve in ministry?
Why do some people joyfully commit while others hesitate? What makes a volunteer stay engaged for years while others burn out? And how can we, as parish leaders, invite people into ministry in a way that truly resonates with them?

The Power of “Why” in Ministry
In his book Start With Why, leadership expert Simon Sinek argues that the most successful organizations and movements don’t just focus on what they do or how they do it—they begin with a clear and compelling “why”. In other words, people don’t commit long-term because of logistics, efficiency, or urgency. They commit because they believe in the mission!

This principle applies just as much to the Church (and the local parish) as it does to businesses and organizations. If we want people to engage in ministry, we need to articulate why ministry exists in the first place—not just what we do and how we do it.

This idea is not new to the Church. From the very beginning, the Apostles preached not just what to do but why we follow Christ; and this teaching is rooted in the words of Christ himself.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…” (John 15:16, RSVCE)

We serve because Christ first loved us. We share in ministry because He has entrusted us with His mission (Matthew 28:19-20). If we communicate this deep sense of purpose with authentic enthusiasm and joy that springs from heartfelt conviction deeply rooted in loving relationship with Christ, people will want to be part of that “something greater than themselves.”

Pope Francis reinforces this in Evangelii Gaudium:
“Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 131)

If our invitation into ministry is about tasks and quotas rather than mission, people will disengage. But if we invite them into something greater than themselves, their hearts will be stirred.

Start With Why: Why Does Your Parish’s Ministry Exist?
Many parishes operate in the “what” and “how” of ministry:

• What do we do? → We run religious education, outreach programs, liturgical ministries, etc.

• How do we do it? → We hold classes, organize volunteers, plan events, recruit people, etc.

But these are not the real reasons why ministry exists.

Instead, we should start by asking: Why does this ministry exist? Why do we do what we do?

• Is it to bring people closer to Christ?

• Is it to help people encounter God’s love in community?

• Is it to form disciples who transform the world?

When the “why” is clear, people are far more likely to say, “Yes, I want to be part of that.”

Once again, we turn to Pope Francis’ vision of the Church as a community of evangelizers:
“In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers. It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a center of constant missionary outreach.” (EG, 28)

When people know why they are serving, their commitment becomes rooted in Christ’s own mission, not merely obligation.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, RSVCE)

Helping People Find Their Personal “Why” in Ministry
Just as parishes need to define their big-picture purpose, volunteers need to find their personal “why” in serving.

In Find Your Why, Simon Sinek emphasizes that people are most committed when their work aligns with a deep, personal sense of purpose. The same is true in ministry—when someone lacks a clear “why” for serving, burnout becomes much more likely. But even more importantly, if that sense of purpose isn’t rooted in a real relationship with Christ, perseverance becomes much harder when challenges arise. Without Him as the foundation, ministry can feel like just another obligation rather than a joyful response to His call.

Helping Volunteers Discover Their Why
Instead of simply asking for volunteers, what if we helped people discern where God is calling them?

When inviting people into ministry, ask them:

· What brings you joy?

· When have you felt closest to God?

· What are some gifts or talents you feel called to use for others?

· Where do you feel like you can make a difference?

By connecting people’s personal sense of purpose with the larger mission of the Church, we help them to serve not out of obligation, but out of conviction, rooted in their own encounter with Christ and an awareness of the gifts that God has given them.

“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12, RSVCE)

Encouragement for Overwhelmed Leaders: It Takes Time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this, you’re not alone. Many parish leaders already feel stretched thin, and the idea of changing how ministry operates may seem like just one more burden. But take heart—this is not about adding more work to your plate. It’s about approaching ministry in a way that ultimately makes it more sustainable and fruitful.

Even Jesus didn’t form His disciples in a single day—He walked with them, patiently formed them, and trusted them to grow. Change in a parish takes time, and that’s okay. Trust that God is at work in your ministry, and allow yourself the grace to take this process one step at a time. You are not alone in this! The person that knows best how to bring renewal to your parish is already there. He has been there this whole time. This person is, of course, the Holy Spirit, who is moving in the hearts of those He is calling to serve.

“Do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, RSVCE)

Final Encouragement: The Church Needs Your Why
Scripture and the history of the Church demonstrate that God always raises up the right people with the right gifts to meet the needs of the time. When we trust God, invite people into mission rather than obligation, and help them discover why their service matters, ministry becomes a place of joy, not just responsibility.

If we want thriving parishes, we must start with ‘why’—not just as a leadership strategy, but as a response to Christ’s call to discipleship. When people encounter Jesus and understand that ministry is not just about tasks but about sharing in His mission of salvation, service becomes an act of love rather than mere obligation. When we help others root their ‘why’ in Christ, ministry is no longer just something they do—it becomes a response to the One who first loved us. And in that response, both individuals and parishes are renewed.