Create A Culture Of Recruiting Volunteers

Are you thinking about volunteers right now?  Probably not as much as you were a few months ago.  And that’s natural because the urgency kicks in right around the beginning of programs or right before a big event.

Should you be thinking about volunteers right now?  Definitely.  Believe it or not the right time to recruit volunteers is now.  You aren’t consumed with launching anything new and people aren’t wrapped up in the middle of a transitional season.  But, before you send out a email blast to recruit more people consider a more personal approach and that starts with:

CREATING A LIST

You need a list of people so you have an idea of who to talk to.  Expand your reach by:

Using Referrals

Ask your pastor, coworkers and current volunteers to send you the names of men and women you should reach out to.  Who doesn’t want to hear, “So and so thought you would be great at this.”  Right away you’ve given them the confidence to believe that they could do youth ministry.

Meeting Them At The Door

Most people are coming to your church on the weekend, which means it’s the perfect time to scout new recruits.  Position yourself by the door and take the time just to get to know people’s names.

You’ll become a familiar face and it will be less awkward when you ask them, “Hey, do you mind if I talk to you about the student ministry some time?”

BUILDING A DIALOGUE

Asking people cold turkey, “Do you want to serve in youth ministry?” can be jarring.  You need to build trust and that comes by getting to know a little about them by:

Getting To Know Them Personally

Ask them questions about what they do professionally.  Try to figure out why they love their church and what they think about the next generation.  Use this time to get to know the person so that you can also determine whether or not this is the right fit.

Share With The Vision

People want to be a part of something big.  Your vision can capture their attention and make their decision a little easier.  Share with them why you love what you do.  Don’t just focus on the requirements, explain to them why your ministry matters.

GIVING THEM A GLIMPSE

It’s one thing to have a conversation about the ministry; however, it’s another thing to actually witness it.  Give them an opportunity to witness the ministry first hand by:

Inviting Them To Observe

Get them to just join your ministry for one night as a guest.  Ask them to observe what’s going on and then later ask them to share their thoughts.  When you give someone the opportunity to check out the atmosphere it’ll give them a clearer picture on what you are asking them to do.

Get Their Hands Dirty

Give them a chance to take ministry for a test ride.  Start out with something simple like opening a door or setting up chairs.  The more they see what you are asking them to do the easier it’ll be for them to make a decision.

FOLLOW UP AND BE PERSISTENT

While you don’t want to nag them into ministry you do what to make sure they know their needed.  Be sure to follow up with a phone call or email.  If they say yes make sure they have a tangible next step.  If they say no then get some feedback on what’s holding them back.

Don’t let your recruiting stay seasonal.  Make sure you are constantly spending time inviting and investing in the next group of volunteers.  Make it a part of your culture and watch the ministry grow.