It felt like people were conspiring against me. It was another email from a volunteer saying, “I can’t make it, something came up.” I was ready to fire them all and just give up on youth ministry. I was obviously frustrated.
Managing volunteers can be one of the most challenging aspects of student ministry. You are dealing with free labor. They have other commitments that take priority (i.e. family). When life gets busy for them, you will be the first to go.
You could be justified in your frustration, but you need to move through it quickly. Frustration will only build resentment and it will affect the future of your ministry. Instead of dwelling in the frustration you need to build:
SOLIDARITY
Solidarity means having unity or agreement of feelings and actions. It’s about being on the same page and being able to look through a similar lens. To work on building solidarity with your team you should:
- Embrace Volunteer Opportunities: It’s easy to grow frustrated with volunteers because we forget what it means to be a volunteer. Challenge yourself by volunteering outside your ministry. Experience the pressure and reflect on the obstacles that your team faces. In other words, walk a mile in their shoes.
- Get To Know Them Personally: If you know the limits that individuals in your team face it’s easier to be in solidarity with them. When you know your story you’ll understand why they cannot commit. Get to know their family, work and social limitations. When they see you understand their situation, you build trust.
- Create Commitment Renewal: It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you feel like there is no end. Find time once a year (At least) where you check-in. Get feedback on how their commitment has been going. Learn their struggles and joys when it comes to serving. This way you can help them grow as a volunteer. Not only will you build trust, but you will build leaders too.
- Relax: Ministry is messy and while you can create some order, it will always have a little chaos. That’s because ministry deals with relationships. As a leader you need to relax and remember everyone is human. Ask God for patience and love so that you can alleviate the frustration. Learn to recognize that volunteering isn’t always easy.
Solidarity with your team is huge because it shows your team that you love and trust them. You might have had a different upbringing, but it’s essential that you work to get on the same page. If you stay in solidarity you’ll never feel like you are alone.
How do you build solidarity with your volunteers?