Do you have a job in your church? Is the work distributed evenly there?

Actually, in America anyway, in most churches 15% of the congregation does 85% of the work (you can tweak the numbers, but the truth is the same). It's not right, but the work must get done and someone has to do it. Ideally, we would all work together, but realistically, some of us have to shoulder much greater duties than we ought. Don't feel guilty about being upset with this situation. Remember that God sees the work you do and that He will reward you richly for the sacrifices you've made. Remember too that the silver saints carried this same burden in their time. However, just because a person is elderly doesn't give them a free pass either. Sure, you'll end up doing more of the physical stuff, but most of the time the elderly in our churches could do much more if someone took the time to let them know they are still needed. There are a lot of issues with older people, but mostly they want to be a part of the church, and are willing to help if someone shows them how. Also, depending on your level of leadership, if you are feeling overwhelmed, take a look at what you're doing and think about if it's actually important. A lot of small churches spend a lot of time doing a variety of things to stay busy, while they accomplish little real work. Time is short, and we should focus our efforts where they can be most effective. If what you're doing seems pointless, ask about it or look for ways to do it better or to better use your time and energy. Finally, remember the source. Don't let yourself run dry when you have the living water at your fingertips. Go to God, ask Him for wisdom, and lean on Him for strength. Don't get burned out - we're still human and God designed us for work and rest. But remember too that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!!!

Hi ragmama, The ones that do the most always feel like they end up with the short end of the stick. The best thing for all of us to do is seek God's calling. Pray about it and try saying once or twice, "I just don't have the time". If they are really interested in you, rather than what you can do for them or the church, they are the one's at fault. I always ask God to lead me before I volunteer for anything. If God leads you to do anything, especially for Him, then you won't feel so like you're so out of balance. If you do it for God, it won't bother you so badly. At least that's what I've found.

I also belong to a small church. The age is evenly distributed. I mean we have as many young as we do older people But still a few seem to do all the work. Though it dose seem to be changing. We didn't have a bible school this year because the person that usually did it got burned out and no one one else wanted to step up to the plate. She also had a hard time getting any one to help. I have helped every year since I became a member but have my limits as I am diabled. I do publish the church newsletter. I think that bigger churchs have the same problem. It is just up to us that have a real burden to keep the work going on. Sometimes I would like to pass the newsletter on to someone else but there is no one to take it. so the necessary news would not get out to those that need it. I do it because I love the Lord and want to do What I can. If we don't who will. we do it for God

I belong to a very very large church and I believe it's the same in most any church there are some who do and some who don't. In our church everyone is encouraged to be involved and active no matter what their age or ability. If the elderly or handicapped are absolutly not able to do anything physcial as far as "work" then most come to church and hour before service for a special prayer meeting - they pray for the service and every individual who is working to help the church. I don't think the key here is how you can manage all that you do but how you can get others involved to take some of the burden off the few. It's kinda hard to really help without more details but I will message you in a bit for more details. I often feel I don't do as much as I would like but the pastors and others know I am available and will help whenever possible. Currently I'm on the greeters committee and publish a weekly newsletter for the women's group. To some this seems like a lot but to me when I think what God has done for us I will never be able to do enough to repay that.