As the weather gets warmer our mind begins to shift to summer programming. Usually that means:
- Summer camps
- Mission trips
- Personal vacation
Some of us start thinking about the Fall, but Labor Day seems so far away. We tell ourselves,
“I don’t really have to worry about volunteers until August, late July at the earliest.”
The problem is that by that time everyone already has their Fall months planned out. It’s also time for you to be preparing, and training your team, not figuring out who is going to be a part of it.
Late Spring and early Summer is the perfect time to start building a team that will take you through the year. So, get recruiting by:
Scheduling to make a pitch on the weekend
Meet with your pastor about getting up in front of the congregation for a weekend or two to invite people into ministry. As you put together your pitch keep in mind:
- People don’t want to be guilted so don’t beg or threaten (i.e. we can’t serve teens if we don’t have adults)
- You have a short amount of time so choose your words carefully and rehearse
- Communicate what’s in it for them and why the sacrifice is worth it
- Give them a clear next step (i.e. join us for an info session)
Your pitch is a first impression for many. If you do not feel equipped to do it find another volunteer or student leader to speak on your behalf. Make sure you pastor affirms your plug and get word out there that you are looking.
Planning an event that will showcase your ministry as an amazing opportunity
Whether it’s a pulpit announcement or an email blast people are going to have questions and reservations about serving in the ministry. While you could plan an informational meeting that addresses those concerns, creating an event where you:
- Invite current volunteers and students to share their testimony of why the ministry matters
- Plan an activity or game that you use with the students so that they get a feel of the energy
- Make all the information they need to know clear and engaging
Is going to be more effective. An event will not only answer their questions but get them excited about what the ministry could do for their lives.
Designating time in your schedule to meet one on one
Not everyone is going to be able to attend your event and that’s okay. Have people sign up for times where you can grab a cup of coffee or bite to eat to talk more about the ministry.
When you meet with them be sure to:
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to help them with their decision
- Take the time to get to know a little bit more about their life
- Share with them why ministry matters to you and what your hopes are for the teens
- Talk to them about the commitment
- Give them time to ask questions and help them process the decision
You might get a “No” but that’s okay because you are still advocating for your ministry and planting seeds. Over time they might rethink their decision and jump in.
Coordinating an onboarding process that will keep people connected and excite them for the year ahead
Serving in ministry isn’t as simple as saying, “Thanks for signing up! See you on the first day!” Your volunteers need to be trained, and equipped to succeed. In fact this is most important at the beginning because some of them will have doubts, and fears.
If you have a core team ask them to help you build an onboarding process that sets up each person for success. I’d suggest:
- Assigning a veteran volunteer to check in with a new one through the process to answer any questions and share insight
- Providing them a completed calendar of meetings, trainings and deadlines for any paperwork
- Clearly communicating what you expect of them and what they should expect of you
Don’t be afraid of hand holding because for many of them this is brand new.
Start planning now how you are going to recruit for the Fall. It’ll mean working around a few camps and trips, but you’ll be panicking a whole lot less as the first week of programming approaches.
What are some best practices you would suggest for summertime recruiting?
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