From Critic to Christ-Centered: How One Church Volunteer Found True Joy

At Grace Community Church, Harold was known for his singular dedication to one role: he oversaw the church’s parking lot ministry. Every Sunday, rain or shine, Harold donned his reflective vest, grabbed his trusty orange cones, and directed cars with military precision.

“Harold runs the parking lot like it’s his personal mission field,” the pastor once joked. “And honestly, we’re grateful for it—he’s reliable as they come.”

But if Harold was dependable, he was also critical. From his post in the parking lot, Harold saw everything—and had something to say about it all.

“The choir comes in late every week,” he’d mutter. “If the ushers were more organized, people wouldn’t be wandering in at the last minute. And don’t get me started on the youth group—they take up all the good spots!”

To Harold, nothing was ever good enough. He prided himself on running the parking lot like clockwork and couldn’t understand why others didn’t apply the same meticulous standards to their roles.

“If they’d just listen to me, this church would run smoother,” he often grumbled. “Honestly, if things don’t change, I might stop volunteering altogether.”

But Harold never did. His commitment to the parking lot ministry was too strong—though not necessarily for the right reasons. “At least out here,” he thought, “I can do things the way they’re supposed to be done.”

Then one Sunday, the sermon touched a nerve. The pastor preached on Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Harold felt an uncomfortable stirring. He had always justified his criticism as wanting the best for the church, but was it really about serving others—or serving his own pride?

That week, Harold prayed: “Lord, am I really helping, or am I just pointing fingers? Show me what needs to change in me.”

As he prayed, Harold began to see his role—and his attitude—in a new light. While he excelled in the parking lot, he realized he’d been using it as a pedestal to judge everyone else. He’d let pride creep in, overshadowing the very spirit of service he claimed to embrace.

The following Sunday, Harold approached his post with a different mindset. Instead of scrutinizing others, he focused on welcoming each driver with a smile. He complimented the youth group for helping unload supplies and even thanked the ushers for stepping in to assist with a busy service.

When someone parked crookedly, Harold didn’t grumble under his breath. Instead, he laughed it off and helped them adjust.

People noticed the change.

“Harold seems... lighter,” one member remarked. “It’s like he’s not carrying the weight of everyone else’s mistakes anymore.”

Harold, too, felt the difference. For the first time in years, he found genuine joy in serving. He stopped threatening to quit and started using his dependable nature to encourage others.

One evening at a church meeting, Harold shared his story.

“For years, I thought my job was to make sure the parking lot was perfect—and to criticize what everyone else was doing wrong. But God showed me I was missing the bigger picture. Serving isn’t about perfection; it’s about reflecting Christ’s love. I’ve been asking the Holy Spirit to change my heart, and let me tell you—it’s worth it.”

Harold’s transformation became a source of inspiration for the whole church. His story is a reminder that even when we’re dependable and good at what we do, we can miss the mark if our hearts aren’t in the right place.

Today, Harold still runs the parking lot with precision, but now, it’s not just about directing cars. It’s about welcoming people into a space where they can encounter God—and serving with a heart that’s aligned with Christ.