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Josh was one of the most zealous workers we'd seen at church, but I realized he was three steps beyond "weary in well doing" when I read his letter: "My walk with the Lord is nonexistent. I've allowed the pressure of church work to crowd out time with God. Now it seems impossible to get back in touch with him. We've also gotten seriously into debt, and I've been trying to do 'ministry' while working five part-time jobs. I'm short with my wife and kids, and we're having problems. I'd like to talk to you."

To keep volunteers from stagnation, frustration, and burnout, I'm learning from several examples in Scripture.

Jim, who was in charge of our buildings and grounds, once planned a church workday. Several dozen people sacrificed extra sleep for thankless toil. But I was disappointed to find that Jim hadn't organized the activities. A hallway needed painting; there were no paint cans, brushes, or drop cloths. Floors needed mopping; one old mop and pail occupied the janitor's closet. Most of us stood around trying to look busy, thoroughly frustrated. And only two people showed up for the next workday—so I was told.

Nehemiah went about it differently. He created systems. The projected wall was divided into manageable sections with clearly defined tasks. Some were stationed as watchmen, others as soldiers. Others provided food. Workers hauled off debris as it accumulated. Everyone understood his or her part, and the wall went up.

Local churches are difficult places to create efficient systems, for they are volunteer organizations made up of people with varying levels of ability, maturity, and dedication. Several things have helped us create or maintain systems.

Periodic retreats with staff or lay leaders are worth every penny. We get away to the mountains semiannually to look at our church ministries. We ask, "What systems must be in place, working effectively, to accomplish together what God wants us to do?" We develop organizational charts (a simpler task than it sounds, thanks to computer software).

Our staff met in Cincinnati once to take in a Reds' game and to isolate ourselves for two days of evaluation and planning. While away, we learned that the wife of our oldest member had fallen ill. By long distance, we referred the need to the man's Sunday school class with its teacher, lay pastor, and tight circle of friendships. I was upset to learn later that no one called, visited, prepared food, or prayed with the family.

We treated it as a systems failure: "Houston, we have a problem." We met with class leaders to find out where the caring process broke down. We were careful not to be critical, just concerned. Everyone now understands the processes better, and I don't expect a recurring problem.

It takes longer to solve problems on a systems level. It's demanding to both minister and administer. But somewhere near or at the top of a productive, motivated organization is a Nehemiah.

During an intense capital stewardship campaign, two of our workers argued over decorations for the celebration supper. Claude had acquired 300 pine seedlings, thinking they could be potted in cups and placed at each dinner setting. "People can plant their pines as symbols of our growth," he said. "They'll always be reminded, seeing their trees, of this period in our church's life."

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