While meeting with a pastor a few months ago and explaining that we recommend using lay leaders to oversee the neighborhood assessment process, he initially expressed concern because they have had difficulty trying to get “volunteers”. Using our philosophy, we don’t see the lay leaders as volunteers, but as empowered leaders who are committing themselves to the mission of God in their neighborhood. By empowering others to join in the early discovery process, your church is actually empowering them to own the neighborhood ministry once they discover where God is working. Now, a few months have passed and he is amazed at how committed his team has been at mobilizing their church to the front lines of social change in their own backyard.