6 Steps To Recruiting Volunteers Last Minute

With summer winding down do you feel like you have enough volunteers?  The answer is probably, “No.” The truth is that it never feels like enough.  I used to lose sleep as Labor Day approached.  I would wonder, “Are we going to be okay?”

Courtesy of graymalkn/Creative Commons License

The truth is you will be okay, but that doesn’t change the fact that you still need to recruit volunteers.  So, how do you make sure you have enough volunteers by the first gathering?

STEP 1: WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL

When you write something down it becomes tangible and real.  When we see that goal in front of us it reminds us of what’s important.  Think of that ideal number, write it on a post-it and hang it every where you can think of.  Never lose site of how many volunteers you actually need.

STEP 2: PRAY OVER IT

Once you have that number hand it over to God.  Offer it up in prayer and again be specific.  Trust that God is working in the situation.  As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

STEP 3: BE PRESENT ON THE WEEKEND

Once you set your goal and hand it over to God it’s now time to get moving.  One of the prime times for you to scout out potential volunteers is on the weekend.  On the weekend you can meet face to face and be authentic in conversation.  While you might not ask on the first encounter you will can create opportunities for the future.

To be an all star recruiter on the weekend:

• Introduce yourself.
• Thank people for coming.
• Share the vision of your ministry.
• Invite them to check it out.

Make it a goal to have people know about your ministry even if they are not involved.  At the very least you’ll create a buzz.

STEP 4: SHARE THE BURDEN

Ask and encourage other volunteers and coworkers to recruit.  Their invitation can have a significant impact because it’s from someone in the trenches.  In some ways they can be more effective than you.  When you ask others to help you recruit you broaden your reach.  Do not recruit alone.

STEP 5: KEEP ASKING

Stay persistent.  Even if you receive a hundred, “NO’s” do not give up.  Just continue to ask God to bring you the right people and extend the invitation.  The “NO” might be due to bad timing or a quick response.  Do not take it personally, just continue to ask.

STEP 6: BE FLEXIBLE

If you do not hit the number you need, then rethink the format of your program.  That could mean creating a waiting list or making slightly larger small groups.  Think outside the box and do not the limits hold you back.

Recruiting volunteers can be stressful, but it is possible even when you are short on time.  The goal is to act quickly, set goals and pursue them.  In the end trust that God is working with you, helping you to succeed.