When I ask youth ministers what’s one of the biggest challenges they face most of them say, “RECRUITING ADULTS TO SERVE.” Some of them sound so disheartened and ask me, “How do you get people who are uninterested involved?”
Recruiting volunteers takes work, but it’s not impossible work. In fact the process of recruiting can actually be fruitful. Not only will you build up your team, but learn a lot about your ministry. To get uninterested adults involved in your ministry you need to:
Why should someone serve in your ministry? When you ask someone to get involved they are going to want to know, “What’s in it for me?” You can answer that question by:
People want to be a part of something big. Your ministry is something big, you just have to show them how to be a part of it.
Don’t assume someone is uninterested because they haven’t walked into your office or called you with the question, “How do I sign up?” You need to go and find them.
Standing outside by the front doors of your church on a Sunday is your best bet to finding potential volunteers. Greet people, get to know them and then invite them to serve.
If you feel like you are constantly tapping into the same pool of people get beyond your network by asking coworkers, friends and current volunteers for referrals.
When people hear that they’ve been referred they tend to feel honored. It’s someone saying, “I think this person has what it takes.”
People are often intimidated by the idea of serving with teens. Sometimes the best way to overcome this fear is by giving them the opportunity to witness the ministry without committing.
Create opportunities where people can come in and take a look at what happens in real time. Next, sit down with them and help them process what they’ve just experienced. People are more likely to say, “yes” to ministry when they actually see what it is.
No one likes to hear, “No”. It can be disheartening especially if you take it personally. Use these opportunities to do a little research.
When someone gives you a reason ask the question:
Look at your ministry and if someone is:
Look at creating ways where you can address those concerns. Create positions that might not require as much time, expertise or interaction. There are places for all people to serve in student ministry making everyone qualified.
A huge part of a teen’s faith formation is having adults to walk with them. Make it a part of your culture and continue to ask. Doesn’t matter how young or old, experienced or not everyone is called to serve.
[reminder] What are your best practices to recruiting adults to serve? [/reminder]
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