I'm passionate about ensuring that our small group leaders have a fulfilling experience in their ministry. It pains me when someone leaves because they find serving with us overwhelming or unsatisfying. It's tempting to think, "Well, not everyone is cut out for this," but that's not always the case. There have been times when my busyness or pride has hindered my ability to gauge whether our volunteers are truly enjoying their role. While ministry can be messy, it should never be chaotic or a deterrent to others getting involved.
While our primary goal is to create irresistible experiences for our kids, teens, and their families, we mustn't forget about our volunteers. When we make serving in the parish enjoyable for them, they not only return but also wholeheartedly embrace the vision we're imparting. So, how can we create opportunities and environments that foster a healthy volunteer culture?
Make Them Your Primary Audience
Many lay leaders join parish ministry with the expectation that it will resemble coaching or teaching. They assume they'll be devoting most of their time and attention to kids, parents, and teens. However, as a leader in catechetical ministry, your primary audience should be your catechists.
Growing a healthy ministry is a team effort. You should invest time in nurturing a team of dedicated men and women who can take on roles as teachers, coaches, small group leaders, and accompaniers. When you prioritize your team, you'll have the capacity to reach more people and extend your influence beyond week-to-week ministry. Rest assured, you will still have opportunities to spend time with young people and their families; it will just look different.
Form a Community of Peers
As we mentioned earlier, serving with others is beneficial. While you aim to establish trust between you and your volunteers, it's equally important for them to trust one another. When leaders rely on their community, it lessens your burden to address all of their needs. Encourage your leaders to view each other as valuable assets, providing mutual support even when you are unavailable
To build this sense of community, organize regular meetings, training sessions, and social gatherings where leaders can interact and bond. Incorporate team-building exercises and encourage them to open up to one another. Additionally, allocate time within your programs for group prayer and sharing. Consider suggesting that volunteers arrive early before kids and teens to foster these connections.
When your volunteers feel like an integral part of the community, their motivation for serving expands. They will form lasting bonds and relationships that extend beyond their weekly commitments. A healthy culture becomes a magnet, drawing people in.
Provide Resources and Training Opportunities
People engage in ministry not just to help but also to discover their passions. Over the years, I've witnessed ministry impacting people's career and life choices because we offered more than just a volunteer role.
To keep your team invested and ready to step up, it's crucial to provide them with the training they need to become strong leaders. Equip them with resources that encourage them to think differently about their roles. Whenever possible, invite them to attend training opportunities with you so they can learn from experts in the field.
By offering the right resources, you instill confidence in your team, enabling them to tackle problems and projects that were once solely your responsibility. You'll also experience less stress knowing that you have well-equipped leaders on your team.
Invest in Their Discipleship
Growing disciples requires ensuring that your leaders are growing in their own discipleship. Incorporate retreats, prayer guides, and other faith-deepening resources into their experience. Collaborate with your pastor to lead a night of reflection for your team and connect them with the tools you use to nurture your own faith. Above all, be transparent about your faith journey so they don't assume you're holier than thou due to your role.
When your team centers their lives on Christ, they'll remember the profound "why" behind what they do. They'll seek His grace when their spiritual tank is running low, and they'll keep you in their prayers. Let's face it; we need all the prayers we can get.
If you want your team to stick around, avoid burnout, and genuinely enjoy what they do, invest in them. Make it a priority in your ministry to check in and grow with your team. Not only will this make your job easier, but it will also serve as a powerful witness to the rest of the faithful, demonstrating what the Church can be when united in our Baptismal call.