"It seems like the same people are willing to help with the ministry every year. Why can't we get more people involved?" This litany is repeated over and over in congregational life.

The church might be able to learn something from a secular organization: Toastmasters International, an organization of clubs for people who want to learn to improve their speaking. Every week, several members give speeches, and other members give them feedback designed to be supportive yet also help them improve.

When I first visited a Toastmaster club, I noticed immediately that people got invited to join in right away. There are no "pew-warmers" in Toastmasters (this club met in the chapel of a Methodist church, so we actually sat in pews). Part of every meeting is a short time for impromptu speaking. Even guests are given the opportunity to participate, if they want to. As soon as new members join, they are scheduled for their first prepared speech. And they are scheduled in the various roles needed by the ...