Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Recruit Volunteers

It felt silly to ask, but I did it anyway. A few weeks ago, I sent out an email to my team to ask, “Are you still on board for serving?” As the responses came back, I was pleased that most people were up for staying connected; however, there were a few people who needed a break(which typically happens). Whether that break is temporary or permanent, I know it’s critical to keep my recruiting efforts moving forward.

With us not knowing what the fall is going to look like, it can be stressful to figure it out on our own. Part of that stress is not knowing whether or not you’ll have a team of people to help you. While it’s easy to let the unknown overwhelm you, it is a great time to refocus and recruit new volunteers because:

YOUR MINISTRY NEEDS TO BE REIMAGINED

Let’s face it, “normal” is not returning anytime soon, and when it does, it will look different. The world is changing, and so is our approach to youth ministry. You can try to figure it out on your own, but that will only get you so far.

PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR A PURPOSE

While the changes in our society might lead you to lose a few volunteers, it can also be an opportunity to gain new ones. Some people are looking for a change, others who are feeling a desire to serve, and then others are bored. You have parishioners who are waiting for you to pick up the phone to call them.

THERE IS MORE TIME TO PUT TOGETHER A PLAN

Recruiting isn’t simple, and one of the reasons parishes struggle to get volunteers is because their leaders are too busy. Life is still active in quarantine; however, with the camps, programs, and events being canceled, it does give you the margin to put together a better plan than a phone call.

To put together a plan, you need to:

IDENTIFY THE NEEDS

What do you need the most help accomplishing? Is it running virtual small groups? Is it making your materials digital? Or is it merely figuring out what everything is going to look like in the future? Take a few minutes to sit in front of a blank screen or sheet of paper and list out what you need to move forward. Once you have that list, circle the top three items. Those items are where you should focus your recruiting efforts. (In other words, if you need revamping your website, don’t spend time recruiting catechists).

PUT TOGETHER A PIPELINE

Before you start making calls know what you are inviting them to do. In addition to asking them to serve you need to make sure you communicate any training, screening, and equipment they may need. You might not be asking potential volunteers to do a lot, but you also can’t assume they understand what serving in ministry entails. Be clear, state the obvious and be ready to answer any questions that might come your way.

REACH OUT FOR REFERRALS

You do not know everyone, and that’s okay. You do know people who know people who could be the help you desire. Before you send out the blase emails, make a few calls to coworkers and current volunteers to ask them, “Who do you think could help me with this specific need?” Granted, you might hit some dead ends but write out a list of those names you collect.

BE PERSISTENT WITH THE ASK

Shoot out an email to your recruits, letting them know that they were highly recommended, and you’d love to have a conversation about serving in your ministry. Follow up with a phone call a few days later if you haven’t heard anything in response to your email. Again, invite them, be enthusiastic, and tell them what they need to know. If they say, “No, thank you.” or “Not at this time.” move on to the next person or keep adding to the list.

EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN

I’ve held back from asking people to serve because I was afraid of them seeing the “disastrous” ministry I was leading. My perception was not the reality, and my fear of rejection limited my ability to recruit. Right now, you might feel like your ministry is in complete disarray, and that’s alright because you are not alone.

It’s a perfect time to recruit because the only way we are going to emerge from this pandemic is together. God is going to introduce you to people, but you have to ask. There are men, women, and teens that want to heal the world, do something amazing, and help the church grow. Now, is the time to ask them, so don’t wait, they’ll be glad you did.

What recruiting strategies have you found successful during this pandemic?

Looking for help building a dynamic team of volunteers? Check out MYM U today:

Enroll Today