Submitted by Andrea Plotner
One dynamic I’ve noticed as a volunteer is a subtle expectation that, unless I’ve devoted exhausting amounts of time and energy to a task, I haven’t done my duty. This isn’t true, of course, but it seems to play itself out time and again, even within PWOC. I’m here to propose a different ministry paradigm and that is Work Smarter not Harder. This does several things. It allows me to continually prioritize my faith and my family; affirms others as I recognize their gifts and ask for their help; and prevents burnout. I also feel more able to see others and serve from the heart.
Work Smarter not Harder sounds obvious, of course, but what does it look like in the PWOC context? Well, I’d like to give a few examples from my previous year as President here at Ft. Irwin:
• Delegation: Find a big job and break it down into as many small parts as possible, and ask people fitted to those jobs to pick up a small piece. No stress for anyone.
• Meals: For new moms or those with illnesses, etc., I often simply deliver a dozen bagels and a tub of cream cheese, a batch of cooked brown rice, or a basket of organic apples.
• Partnering: Whenever possible, I ask at least one other person to help with a task. This provides fellowship and makes me feel I have a safety net. “Two are better than one.”
• Decorations: My favorite decoration is a roll of wrapping paper and a bag of tea lights from Dollar Tree. Wrapping paper covers long tables perfectly, and can be suited to the décor.
• Food: Fresh fruit or vegetables make the perfect healthy, no-cook option when it’s my turn to bring snack. Grapes and cheese slices are lovely and tasty, as are carrots and hummus dip.
• Get-togethers: As I was discussing recently with my dear friend Dawn Galloway, most women simply want to connect, and inviting your small group to your home is a perfect way to make that happen. Simply ask everyone to bring a dish, and you provide the drinks and dishes. Just tidy up a bit and don’t worry too much about your floors: mine are always dirty again anyway after all the moms & kids have been romping around. The beauty of this set-up is that someone else usually volunteers to host the next get-together, without being asked.
• Teaching Bible studies: Although it’s essential to be well-prepared, remember that with one well-placed question, the conversation often leads itself and women enjoy self-discovery.
• Friends: When possible, I meet friends for a walk or a run, rather than a cup of coffee (or a walk and run and THEN a cup of coffee ). This way I get fitness, friendship, and a healthy way to de-stress.
Hopefully these few simple ideas help illustrate simplicity in ministry and help you Work Smarter not Harder.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24.
In twenty-one years of being married to a soldier, I have been blessed with many great experiences on military bases in the U.S., in Europe and in Asia. One of those great experiences is that I have known some of the best people in the world and have called them friends. Another blessing, which is connected to the first, is the chapel ministry that we know and love, PWOC. When the call comes to move to another installation, we often feel that a division has taken place. There are emotions that occur, and they are normal. They are! They happen! I’d like to propose that changes like moving or expanding or any change in direction is not a division, but instead, a multiplication of sorts.
