Training Volunteers On The Go

I keep telling myself that I have to make time to meet with my volunteers.  The problem is that life is so busy for me and them.  In the end it can be overwhelming and easy to feel stuck.

Building a dynamic team for your ministry would be easy if life happened in a vacuum.  Unfortunately, it seems like no one has time to connect, meet and grow together.  So how do train your volunteers while you are constantly on the go?

CREATE A FACEBOOK GROUP

A few years ago we created a Facebook group where our leaders can post questions, share ideas and have ongoing conversations. Granted not everyone is on Facebook, but enough people are on it to make it worth it.  What they like about the group is how it reminds them of community.

UTILIZE THE POWER OF VIDEO

One of my new favorite tools is Periscope.  It allows me to stream a live video training without having to go through the work of editing and uploading to another site. I’ve started inviting my team to follow me.

If you are unsure about Periscope take your smart phone record a quick video that you can send out in a group text, upload to a Vimeo page or send in an email.  Leaders will appreciate your voice and use those videos to continue to grow.

SHARING WITH THEM WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Next time you pick up a book or watch a training video share it with your team.  Anything that inspires or intrigues you pass it over to them.  In the end you not only give them a piece of wisdom but create a culture of sharing.

MAKE THE RELATIONSHIP A PRIORITY

Sometimes leaders just don’t want to make the sacrifice to come to a meeting. They will make the sacrifice to spend time with you and grow relationally.  Instead of planning a meeting find time to grow with them relationally.

Over time you will build trust and find yourself sharing ideas on how to make the ministry better.  When you invest in your team personally you’ll find their commitment grow and their eagerness to make things better.

Training on the go takes creativity and some outside of the box thinking.  Look into new forms of communication, and never stop inviting them into your journey.