5 Myths That Hold Us Back From Asking People To Serve

We all hope that day will come when a line of people randomly show up to serve in your ministry.  But, that never happens.  You need to go find the right people.  But, asking someone to serve is intimidating.

It’s complicated because we’ve bought into the lies of who should serve and how to get them.  Those lies hold us back from extending an invitation.  To move past the myths that hold us back you need to debunk them.

5 myths that have held me back from asking people to serve were:

MYTH #1: RECRUITING VOLUTNEERS NEEDS TO BE OVER THE TOP

This myth causes anxiety.  We spend weeks and months thinking of a “Recruiting Event” only to be disappointed by results.  The truth is recruiting should be simple.

All you need to do is make a simple invitation for someone to check out your ministry and learn more.  People are constantly searching to be a part of something big.  You can give that to them by inviting them to serve.

MYTH #2: ALL MY VOLUNTEERS SHOULD BE YOUNG AND COOL

This myth causes us to miss out on great leaders.  It’s great to have high energy and young volunteers.  But, going young can limit your ministry’s growth.  On top of high energy, teens want authenticity, and love that will point them in the right direction.

Some of the best people to ask in your parish are those who are grandparents, retirees and empty nesters.  They not only have experiential wisdom, but patience that might be lost on younger volunteers.

MYTH #3: PARENTS WHO SERVE JUST WANT TO KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR KID

While some parents will use serving as a reason to grow closer to their teenager, rarely is it due to distrust.  The parents in your parish that want to serve are a great resource because they’ll know what’s relevant in the community.

If you are afraid of parents invading their teen’s privacy, connect them with other students.  Put parents in roles where they can help you engage the next generation in healthy ways.

MYTH #4: NO MEANS NEVER

This myth creates fear.  The truth is people will serve when the time is ready for them.  That doesn’t mean waiting for some secret star alignment that will never come.  It means being okay with hearing, “NO!”

Don’t take no as the final answer.  Instead look at it as a, “Not at this time.” or “I don’t know if I’m capable.”  Invest in that person, keep in touch and pray for the timing.  God will provide.

MYTH #5: I CAN’T ASK FOR TOO MUCH

This myth produces guilt.  The truth is that most times you don’t ask for enough.  If people are going to get involved they want to belong to something that matters.  They want a purpose and a place at the table you need to give it to them.

When you recruit someone be realistic with a commitment; however, encourage them with a vision.  Let them know that this is a place to grow and give them that opportunity.

Don’t let the myths hold you back from asking and doing everything on your own.  Your ministry and your leadership will only grow when you have people serving with you in the trenches.