Caring For Your Team Of Volunteers

One of my first steps of action was to call my leadership team together to discuss how we were going to tackle the COVID-19 quarantine. Everyone was on board; we brainstormed ideas and developed an action plan. The problem? The world changed. While I needed my team to help me execute a project, I realized quickly that wasn’t going to be possible. I had lost sight of an important principle when it comes to youth ministry,  CARING FOR YOUR TEAM IS A PRIORITY.

I was so concerned about the teens and their families that I lost sight of the men and women who have been faithful, loyal, and fantastic over the last few years. While it’s essential for me, as the youth minister, to reach teens for Christ, I can’t do it alone, not even in a virtual world. When it comes to building a sustainable ministry, you need a team. Whether you are in the midst of a crisis or a season where everything is going well, you need to:

TOUCH BASE AND ASK, “HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Before you start asking your team to go into action, you must find out how they are doing. Especially during this crisis, many of them are fighting for their jobs and trying to stay healthy. They have fears, anxieties, and stress just like we do, so before we can ask them to do a simple thing, we need to ask, “How are you doing?” and then we need to listen to the answer.

Pick up the phone, shoot an email or text, and ask that question. Find out what’s going on in their lives and invest in them. They’ve spent so much time and energy in you by serving in your ministry, show them that you care by checking in on them.

SEND THEM A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Right now, people are working hard. You may have volunteers who are on the front lines of this pandemic, and it’s exhausting. Whether it’s a text message, email, or card in the mail, send them a note of encouragement. There will also be situations in the future when a volunteer is taking on a new challenge:

Personally: Going back to school, starting a job, moving, etc.

Ministerially: Delivering a talk at a program, planning a mission trip, etc.

They might even be going through some trying times like a divorce, loss of a loved one, or job loss. No matter what the situation, your ministers will appreciate you reaching out and letting them know that you care. It’s also essential to understand how they receive praise. Not everyone wants public recognition, some people like a small gesture, and then others may like you making a big deal. Encourage them in a way that suits their personality.

INVITE THEM INTO PRAYER

You and I are at risk of leading a ministry when we are spiritually empty. The same can happen to your volunteers. Whether it’s before a program or even in a time like this, help them connect with God. During this season of quarantine you can invite your team to pray with you through a variety of ways:

• Set-up a virtual meetup and spend time lifting up prayers.
• Sign up together for a daily devotional on apps like First Five or YouVersion
• Pick an hour each week where you can all say the rosary or fast from technology

By inviting your team to pray, you build unity because you center yourselves in Christ. A team unified in faith is not only healthier but an excellent example for the community it’s serving.

During this time, don’t forget to reach out to your team and ask them, “How are you doing?” Let them know that while we all go through this journey that we are not alone.

In what ways do you care for your volunteers?

Join me Tuesday, April 7 3 pm ET for my webinar with Ave Marie Press: Caring For A Dynamic Team Of Volunteers.

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