Cause – a principle, idea, goal or movement to which a person or group is dedicated.

A leader cultivates her own growth and broadens her influence when she is committed to a cause outside her own ministry or area of expertise. By doing so, she demonstrates a willingness to contribute to the common good of her community and the world. Whether it’s marching, writing a check or stuffing envelopes, participating in such a project is beneficial in every way.

Susie Hawkins

Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are looking for a cause or are not sure how to best manage one:

What is your passion or personal interest? Do you have a story?

For example, thousands of women are active in the pro-life movement today because they have a story involving an unexpected pregnancy – whether it was theirs, a family member’s or a friend’s. They instinctively recognize the panic and fear a woman feels when she discovers an unwanted pregnancy. By leveraging their own experience, thousands of women have found ways to serve tirelessly within this movement.

What cause stirs your heart? There is an inscription in a used book I bought, “Many things will catch your eye, but only follow those that catch your heart.” I have remembered this advice from an unknown sage for many years.

How can you most effectively be involved in your cause?

Volunteering provides multiple opportunities. But before making any commitment, of course one must consider her season of life, her time constraints, family or work responsibilities, etc. Sometimes attending an event or sharing through social media will connect you to the cause, even if your commitment can only be minimal. But minimal is better than nothing!

Go local.

I firmly believe that we need to be linked with a local movement or project that is different from our own, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be faith-based. My friend, Donna Gaines, pastor’s wife at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, has been instrumental in promoting a citywide 3rd grade literacy program called Arise2Read. Stats say that if a child can read proficiently by 3rd grade, her chances of graduation drastically increase. Through Donna’s leadership and influence, more than 300 of their church members have been mobilized to tutor these at-risk kids. What a statement this makes to their city!

Go global.

It is also wise to extend our interests outside our own city or community. There are multiple global ministries worthy of our support, whatever that may look like. By simply sharing on social media, we demonstrate our interest in and agreement with that cause. Like many of you, we sponsor children through an international ministry. I will probably never meet those children, but I keep their pictures on my desk, pray for them and always notice when their country is in the news.

Bring others with you!

One of the advantages a leader has is that others notice her commitments. Your connection may spotlight a cause that others would never have known existed. Your stories spark others’ interests and often lead to their involvement as well. Use that to your advantage!

A leader influences from a place of intentionality. Be committed to your cause, use your significant influence to promote it, and watch it grow!

How have you found a cause you enjoy?

How have you drawn others into it?

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Susie Hawkins has been active in ministry as a pastor’s wife, teacher and volunteer. She is the author of “From One Ministry Wife to Another.” This article first appeared at the North American Mission Board’s Flourish.me website, an online equipping community for ministers’ wives.)