What is a “motto”? It is a brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or idea; or it is a saying that reminds us of a truth. Here are some mottos of our support staff:

Motto #1: Don’t Assume!

Assumptions get us in trouble. When in doubt, ask! So often, we go forward, unsure and in a hurry. This is a recipe for wrong decisions.

When I have made a “big” mistake (and I have made my share!), I can always look back to the moment when I had the opportunity to change course. We have to learn to trust the doubt, and ask questions—many times the Holy Spirit is the One who gives us the doubt!

Motto #2: Be Accountable!

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

Being accountable means: responsible to somebody or for something; able to be explained. In our actions, in our work, we are responsible to someone. We are responsible to the Lord, of course, but we each individually are responsible to our pastor or team leader for our actions. Our work should be explainable—we should be able to account for the time we worked and we should have something to show for our labor!

• Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.
• Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing.
• Be on time.
• Don’t be the kind of worker who needs constant supervision.
• Be willing to answer questions about what you are doing and why.

Motto #3: Plan Ahead!

Seek to have meaningful, regular meetings with your team leader, and be prepared for every meeting. Spend time every week looking at the next 4-6 weeks on the calendar. Know what is coming up and start asking questions about your role.

When you meet with your team leader, discuss what you are working on as well as anything you are sitting on or stuck on. Look at the calendar together. Know what your team leader is working on so you can help him. Ask questions and offer to help.

Prepare a daily communication sheet for your team leader and give it to him at the end of each day. It should include a summary of what you accomplished that day, what you are planning to work on tomorrow, as well as questions or needs that you have.

Create a checklist for every event that you support and refer to it often. Improve it each time you use it. Don’t rely on your memory!

Motto #4: Attitude is Everything!

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Proverbs 16:32

You can choose your attitude today. Someone said, “Attitude determines outlook.” Many times, the success of a project, or our whole day, is determined by our attitude. It is never too late for a person to change his attitude.

If you struggle with attitude, surround yourself with positive people, work to eliminate negative words from your vocabulary, and claim Bible verses reminding you of God’s love and strengthening in your life.

Motto #5: Be Aware!

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1

Your pastor needs you to help be his eyes and ears. Make sure you don’t have blinders on or tunnel vision. Here are some things you should notice:

1. Pastor’s announcements—listen, on purpose, to the announcements from the pulpit during the services. If he mentions something he wants done, write it down and follow through. If he mentions a need, act upon it.

2. Things missing or out of place like chairs, plants, doors open, air conditioning not on. Do you have places in your lobby where brochures or tracts are on display? If they need to be replenished, notice it and take action. Bend over and pick up trash in the parking lot. Don’t think, that isn’t my job—just do it!

3. Each other—be the self-appointed greeter in your section of the church. Know who is there and who isn’t. Don’t be so busy on Sunday that you don’t have time to notice people. Is the person sitting next to you a visitor? Watch for hands to go up at the invitation. Someone around you could use a word of encouragement today! You can’t encourage the wrong person!