The Volunteer Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Everybody

by Bill Hybels

The future of the local church is directly tied to its ability to attract, equip, and unleash the potential of volunteers in the church Pastor Bill Hybels sees a new reality on the horizon. There is unprecedented spiritual openness in today’s society, and at the same time, increasing economic pressure on the resources of local churches. The solution lies squarely on the able shoulders of God-gifted volunteers. And they are ready for the challenge! Once trained, empowered, and inspired, record numbers of volunteers will take on all new levels of responsibility in the local church, creating a volunteer revolution that will transform churches and communities. The Volunteer Revolution reveals how all of this can happen and how churches can unleash vast amounts of untapped potential. Through real-life volunteer stories, Hybels inspires church leaders in their role as equippers while motivating potential volunteers to align themselves with God’s mission to change the world. The Volunteer Revolution is also available as an unabridged Audio Pages® CD.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Church, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

141 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, a non-denominational church with eight regional locations in the Chicago area. He is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Simplify, Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, Too Busy Not to Pray, and Becoming a Contagious Christian.

Hybels launched Willow Creek Community Church in 1975 with his wife, Lynne (Berry), and a group of friends who gathered in rented space in a movie theater with a vision of helping people from any faith background (or no faith at all) become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Utilizing contemporary music, the arts, relevant teaching from the Bible, and a small-groups community focus that has revolutionized how people experience community in the local church, Willow Creek has grown to more than 25,000 attendees, one of the largest churches in North America—and one of the most influential.

In 1992, Hybels launched Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that equips, inspires, and empowers leaders around the world. In 1995, he convened WCA’s first Global Leadership Summit, an annual two-day event featuring top leaders from all perspectives and areas of expertise—both faith-based and secular (past speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Bono, Melinda Gates, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Ed Catmull, Tyler Perry, Sheryl Sandberg, Nicholas Kristof, David Gergen, and Brené Brown). Telecast live from Willow Creek’s 7,000-seat South Barrington auditorium each August, more than 400,000 pastors and community leaders attend the Summit at hundreds of locations across North America, and around the world at 675+ sites in 130 countries and 60 different languages—making it the largest event of its kind on the planet. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better,” Hybels says.

Hybels holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College (now Trinity International University) in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Lynne, have two grown children and two grandsons.

Reviews

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

There are lots of stories here of actual volunteers within the author's megachurch, so readers will be inspired and encouraged to think creatively about how to get involved in their own churches and communities.

The emphasis in the book was definitely on serving in the local church, because in a megachurch, there is a huge variety of ministries reaching out to the community. In smaller churches, members very well may need to go outside the church to volunteer, and I wish this had been addressed more in the book - many pastors and church leaders don't really acknowledge any kind of service outside of the church building as counting for the Kingdom.

I really appreciated that Hybels warns against overcommitment and burnout, and counsels both members and leaders of a church about best practices for getting involved, which include jumping in and just trying out some different opportunities, but also using those experiences to learn more about yourself and how God has gifted you and given you particular passions, so that you can work toward using those things to bless others, and actually enjoy the work, and feel fulfilled by it, at the same time.

[Josh Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as much practical advice as I had hoped, but it makes a good case for volunteering.

[Liz Kahle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the very specific and practical ways volunteers can begin making steps to plug into their neighbourhoods and communities. I would not suggest that this read is for a specific person as the well-read person can be encouraged and challenged by the many stories shared within its pages. The most compelling part of this book were the specific stories from people who decided to take the words of Jesus seriously and following prayer/seeking God, they took action.
I would reccomend it to those who are sitting on the fence or haven't discovered their "gifts" or "talents."

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book from a fantastic pastor and author. It’s practical and filled with gold that challenged me so much. This book is a must read and not just for people in volunteer positions but also this book is for people that wants to discover Gods heart for volunteers and volunteer work. Great book

[Helge Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed my heart and mind towards Volunteering! Helps create a picture of a Christ like life, devoted to serve his people.

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! If you work with volunteers, this is a must read!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring

Filled with real life stories of volunteers who are making a difference for the Kingdom. A good read and bible study resource.

[Lisa Mockus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a call to volunteer, to help in your church or community in any way you can.

[Kristi Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe it was a great book. I believe in the idea of what the book was saying. Jesus would what us to help others.

[Elekanyani P Mavhungu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to stir one's mind to love and to do good deeds. Excellent stories shared by the author to invite leaders to create an environment where people jump in to be their best.

[David Roder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Inspirational.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little book with practical insights… Inspiring, but not just fluff. Some creative ideas for volunteer outlets.

Some highlights...

"Volunteers can transform society and at the same time find deep personal satisfaction” (p.24). Possibly a no-brainer type of statement, but it reiterated that a win-win is possible.

How to discern a meaningful volunteer niche (p.74):

1. Did the work feel meaningful?
2. Was your emotional energy higher or lower after serving?
3. Did you enjoy the community of people in which you served?
4. Realistically assess your schedule and available time.

“Many Christians see only two options: self-centeredness or selflessness. But anyone who is truly selfless all the time will probably end up in an institution. The middle ground of self-care is essential for preserving our giftedness, our sanity, our relationships, and our health so that we can engage in continued service” (p. 131).

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a great perspective on volunteering within the church community. I love how the book focuses on the fact that everyone has the potential to serve in a significant way and that all service is truly significant. This book also partners well with the Strengths Finder premise of doing what energizes and strengthens you - there are more than enough service opportunities to experiment and find what works and what doesn't. As a volunteer and volunteer coordinator, I found the author's proffering to be helpful and make me think deeper about having a servant's heart and maintaining that mindset.

[Allen Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don' agree with everything in this book, he believes that a volunteer can & should be talked into serving in some case believe if they want to serve they should approach the pastor or church first. however, great insite..on follow-ups after someone serves to see if its a good fit. making sure your volunteers know their needed & appreciated. that they know how it impacts them & the ones they serve. The reasons why people serve and different serving opportunities. Lots of examples of the Holy Spirit leading & instructing believers. I learned a lot even though we are different. we all believe in God. Sometimes differences get in the way.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel badly that I've given up on this book TWICE... I mean, I am a big fan of Bill Hybels ("Axiom" and "Courageous Leadership" are two of my favorite books on church leadership) but I just can not get into this one. It feels like one long "rah-rah" wind-up for getting people to volunteer rather than a well-thought out book on helping people leverage their time, talents & treasure for the kingdom of God.

Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm becoming cynical in my old age. Maybe I'm anti-volunteer & want the church to be all about me.

Well, no.

Sigh. Sorry, Bill.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has 5 star moments and it also has two star moments. It definitely moves slow at times, but there are also moments where one is deeply challenged (and I know that I personally was challenged to be more of a servant!). I can't think of another book that tackles these issues, so it is a much needed resource, but I wished it would have been consistently great throughout, rather than just occasional moments of greatness.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Volunteer Revolution is full of inspiration and vision for "unleashing the the power of everybody" (as the subtitle reads). Hybels casts a compelling vision for the importance of volunteering within the context of a local church. While the book is not without points of application, it wasn't as pragmatic (systems and procedures) as I'd hoped. That said, if your commitment to volunteers within your church ministry begins to wain, Hybels' work is the perfect antidote. B

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I DNF this book a while back but decided to power through it in bid to read more of the books that I own. Unfortunately, I feel that it did not provide as much practical advice as I hoped. However, I did resonate with a lot of the examples given my own experiences and one of the parts that really hit home was the part towards the end about self-denial vs. self-destruction. Knowing the difference between the two is important if one is interested in volunteering for the long haul.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything in this book was completely obvious. Volunteering is difficult but rewarding? It's important to find the right fit for your spiritual gifts? Really? Luckily it was short, so I didn't waste too much time reading it.

[Heather Djama]

This book talks about the priviledge and benifit that people recieve when they fulfil their God given purpose. Helping others to volunteer in a way that fulfils them and does not burn them out is something that pastors and churches should do and this book talks about ways that this can happen.

[Rick Mackinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little book extending the invitation to become a volunteer. Bill Hybels shares a number of real life stores to illustrate the simplicity of volunteering. To do good deeds inside and outside the church building.

[Loneunderwriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book.

[Ryan Fisher]

Lots of good content

[Erin]

This is a good starter book for people who want to use their talents for God. Recommended for newer church members or people who are leading small groups in churches.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the power of doing good.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Made me feel inspired on so many levels - as someone in a position to equip others to serve, and as someone with a deep desire to serve.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight to why churches are failing in so many cities. Loved the suggestions on different ways to serve. Great book for churches and small group leaders.

[David Insell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Also Servolution is a good read.

[Jt]

okay

[Ben Palm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good reminders of the value of volunteering at a church. As a pastor, it brings me back to inviting people to join in the ministry instead of asking them to complete tasks.