Summer is unlike any other season in ministry. While we only shut things down for a few weeks, when we resume the format of our summer is slightly different. This enables us to plan for the year ahead and most importantly check in with our volunteers. What I enjoy about the season is discovering which volunteers are leaving and which ones are coming back. While I understand life happens and people need to move on, it’s the fact that “holes” now have to be filled.
Finding volunteers can be a stressful and painstaking event. It’s making yourself vulnerable and asking them to sacrifice something big, THEIR TIME. Needless to say you aggressively go after volunteers through email blasts and pulpit announcements. You encourage current volunteers to recruit their friends and you even go after a few yourself. While there is nothing wrong with these approaches what you need to develop is a long term recruitment plan. That plan includes:
- Working Out A Vision: Again, you are asking people to sacrifice time, why should they do that? Think about why you are in ministry. Why is it so important to you? You know that there is nothing better than when someone meets Christ and goes deeper in that relationship. You know that it’s life changing for yourself when you walk with someone in their faith. Share why you serve with potential volunteers.
- Asking Seasonally: Instead of waiting until the summer to make a big push, think about several seasons throughout the year when you can invite people to serve in your ministry. There are different seasons when people have margin and will be able to seriously consider whether or not they can serve. Be consistent in your asking and you’ll be surprised by who walks up.
- Making It Easy And Clear: Working with teenagers can be very intimidating. Set them up for success by being clear on when they should show up and what they will be doing. Have them do simple tasks; however, make sure it’s significant. You want them thinking that they can do this and that they are needed.
- Giving Them Ownership: When potential volunteers come to your ministry have them observe and shadow. Afterwards sit down with them and pick their brains on what they saw. As you walk them through ministry give them that vision and ask their input. What you are doing is giving them ownership and they’ll feel like they belong.
- Set Expectations: While the need for volunteers is desperate you want to make sure you get the right people in the right places. Set up time to chat and even interview potential leaders. Make sure that they aren’t joining reluctantly or for reasons that might jeopardize the ministry down the road. Let them know what you expect and give them a list of what they can expect from you. Treat your ministry like it’s the best one in the church.
If you want the healthiest ministry possible then you need to create a system that works year round. Make it a priority by sharing the responsibility with your leaders. Find a way to make it accessible and attractive and you’ll see people asking you if they can serve.
What does your recruitment strategy include?