How To Find The Right People For Your Ministry

We hate to turn down a potential volunteer, but we all have our standards. Despite our sense of urgency we know if we bring the wrong person on board it could lead to bigger problems.

Recuriting volunteers is an essential part of the job, but one that causes a lot of stress. Don’t worry, take a breath because it’s possible. To get the right people on board:

IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF LEADERS YOU WANT

Do you want people who just show up and get the work done? Or do you want men and women who are going to see a problem and fix it.

Is this a group of mainly prayer warriors or adults who love to have fun? Your team should be diverse in attitude but make sure their values fit yours.

One of the reasons we get into trouble is because we don’t think about the type of people we want to serve with. If you don’t enjoy your volunteers it can be a real drag.

PRAY FOR THEM

Once you know who you want, ask God to find opportunities where you can interact with them. This is important because there are people who are on the fence about serving. They don’t know:

• If they have enough time
• If they are qualified enough

Your prayers will invite the Holy Spirit into the conversation and give you the words to address any of the hang ups they are facing.

MAKE THE PROCESS PERSONAL

While the urgency to recruit is there, take time with the process and make it personal. Meet with the potential volunteer one on one and ask them questions like:

• What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
• When you were a teenager who had an impact on you?
• What do you think is the biggest challenge the next generation currently faces?
• If a teen told you they didn’t believe in God how would you answer them?

Be sure to ask them questions that provide you information on how they might:

• Address certain situations
• Interact with the teens
• Work within your culture and values
• Embrace the vision of your ministry

Again the key is taking your time to get a feel. Allow them to ask questions and make sure there is a good fit.

ASK THE TEAM

It’s not just about you. It’s important to make sure the team works well with this person. During the interview process invite someone else to join you. Allow them to ask questions they might find helpful.

After the interview sit with your trusted volunteer to get their sense. Ask them what they thought and if you are missing anything. While you don’t have to 100% agree on the person, take into consideration you aren’t the only person working with the new volunteer.

Finding the right people to serve in your ministry is a skill that can take time to develop. But, once you know what you want it’ll become clearer who you need to ask. Above all else trust that God will bring them your way.

What would you add to this process? How are you finding the right people to serve in your ministry?

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