4 Tips To Get More Out Of Your Volunteers

Have you ever looked at your team of volunteers and wondered, “Can I get them to do more?” 

Yes, your volunteers can do more than what you are already asking. In fact some of them are waiting and hoping that you do ask them. You just need to overcome a few obstacles like: 

FEAR OF REJECTION – We don’t want to hear the word, “No” because we hate the idea of someone not being happy with our request.

PRIDE AND CONTROL ISSUES – We believe no one can do it as well as we can, but all that does is limit us.

GUILT FOR WANTING THEM TO DO OUR JOBS – We have a hard time asking volunteers to do more than just show up or worst, do something we absolutely hate doing ourselves.

No matter the obstacle it’s important to move past them because without volunteers our capacity to reach more is limited. To get to that next level we need to:

CHANGE THEIR TITLE TO SOMETHING MORE SIGNIFICANT

A volunteer is someone who serves because help is needed. While initially you need help you really want something more. You want men and women who are going to:

• Own parts of your ministry
• Make decisions on your behalf
• Problem solve and tackle projects alongside of you
• Expand your capacity and margin  so you can lead for the long haul

Those people are ministers, leaders, mentors, coaches…anything but volunteers. Give your volunteers special titles with meaning behind them.

A new title will give them a new perspective. It will attract people who might have previously ignored your requests to join. Overall you’ll create more buy-in when people get to lead instead of help out.

INVEST MORE MONEY AND TIME INTO DEVELOPING THEM

To get more out of your leaders you need to pour more into them. That means taking a hard look at your schedule and budget to make sure the focus is on them. For example:

Instead of planning another event for youth, plan a training event for your leaders. Spend time plotting out a training calendar for your volunteers.

OR:

As you plan your budget reallocate funds you would spend on content towards resources that could educate your team. Give them the tools you are using to grow in your profession.

Don’t be afraid to prioritize them over certain events and programs for teens. The return on your investment will be greater because with out well trained leaders it’ll be harder to reach teens and their families.

SHOWER THEM WITH GRATITUDE

Your team sacrifices a lot to show up on a Sunday night to serve in your ministry. The simplest way to empower them is to show them your gratitude. That could be done through a:

• Cup of coffee or bite to eat
• Handwritten thank you card
• Gift card to their favorite place

Don’t be afraid to be creative and don’t hold back. Ministers that feel appreciated will return the favor and continue to invest in you.

REMIND THEM OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Your volunteers are going to have hard nights. They are going to wonder, “Why am I doing this?” It’s your job as their leader to remind them. You can do that by:

• Knowing your vision and verbally sharing it with them
• Pointing to tangible examples of how they are impacting life change
• Encouraging them to go deeper in their own discipleship

Ministry is not only a battle for you and as they lift you up, you need to do the same.

To get the most out of your volunteers you need to give them your best. Treat them like professionals, friends, and family. Your efforts will not only change the lives of the teens but the men and women who serve them.

What are you doing to get the most out of your team?

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