I was chatting with a catechist this past weekend about coming back after a year away. She told me that while she had enjoyed teaching kindergarten before the pandemic, she was more grateful to be catechizing second graders this year. I asked her about it, and she said, “It’s less play and more talk.”
As the conversation carried on, it became clear that she had a passion for the faith. As a recent convert, she wanted to do more with passing on the faith. It was also clear that she was thirsty for deeper conversations, and she wasn’t getting that in children’s ministry. After a few minutes, we uncovered that mentoring young adult women or college students is where she needed to be.
One of the things I love about managing and leading volunteers is helping them find a role that drives their passions. When someone serves in an area where their God-given gifts are being used, they are more likely to thrive and strengthen the overall ministry. Our responsibility as leaders is to help the faithful find that area God is calling them to serve. To create a culture where people are serving from their strengths, we have to:
Sure, you need a catechist or someone to help you set up tables and chairs; however, putting the wrong person in the wrong position creates more work. While volunteers fulfill the need of a program or ministry, it also meets the mission that each person receives in Baptism. Having people serve to get a job done ignores the fact that we were created with specific gifts and talents. When we remember that volunteers are not here to help us but grow closer to Christ, we better put people in the right roles.
Leading a team takes more than showing someone how to use the curriculum or where to find materials. Every time you meet with your volunteers, you should provide an opportunity to help them grow. Whether paid or volunteer, every leader should look to increase their spiritual, intellectual, human, and pastoral formation. A few ways you can do that is:
Please don’t assume that your leaders are challenging themselves to grow. Give them the resources, materials, and opportunities that will help them serve at their total capacity.
God is working through your team, and they need to know that you are someone they can go to when they have a feeling, a thought, or desire to do more. Leaders will grow into and out of your ministry, and if you can accompany them through the process, it will not only make it easier for them but rewarding for you.
When a leader accompanies their team through the journey of serving, they remind others they are not alone. Your ability to listen and help people discern their place in ministry will attract new people because they’ll trust that you care for them.
To discern and journey with your team, make sure you set aside time for coffee, a bite to eat, or casual conversations. Ask them how they are enjoying the ministry and what they are learning. Encourage them to share with you what is going on so that you can help them discover the joy that God has placed in their life.
Your job as a leader is to discover, form and unleash other leaders. That happens when we guide people to serve in the places and opportunities where their gifts and passions shine. Make sure you see your team as more than help. Look at your ministry leaders as disciples you are cheering to get on mission.