Fishing for Volunteers
Could somebody please sign up to help? Recruiting volunteers has never been difficult for me personally but I have noticed that there are several leaders inside our ministry who struggle with getting people to make the commitment. I think volunteer recruitment may be one of the most frustrating things leaders face. I was visiting with a leader at Harrah Church yesterday who is on a mission to recruit some ministers for the children ministry. That conversation got me thinking about how to effectively recruit volunteers. First of all I think the grand daddy of mistakes in this area is a reliance on the general announcement. Most people think the church bulletin or a letter is sufficient. I’ve been in the ministry for almost two decades now and I can promise you that won’t Get ‘er Done! View announcements as dropping a bunch of hooks in the water. You may catch a few fish but not enough to manage a ministry.
Once you’ve made the announcement you have to make the BIG ASK. This is what I call setting the hook by approaching people and asking them to help. If they don’t say no then you have them on the line. But don’t get too excited because your work is not finished. If you apply too much pressure you may break the line. If you don’t apply any pressure they swim off and get tangled up in something else. Its all about discernment. You have to give and take while you are reeling them in. As you encourage them they will eventually start swimming toward the boat. This can be a crucial time!
When a fish sees a boat he generally puts up another fight and you must be prepared. If you don’t have a dip net you can lose a big fish real quick. When it comes to ministry many people don’t have enough confidence in themselves to try something new. The closer they get to the boat(ministry) the more fearful things can become. Your dip net is ENCOURAGEMENT! You have to help them believe they can be great at whatever you are asking them to do.
As you are fishing for volunteers don’t nag people, or make them feel guilty. Just create a fun atmosphere and help them see the difference they can make in the lives of those they minister to.
Once you string up a few volunteers there is no limits on what you can accomplish for the Lord!
I also think it is very important that you don’t nag people and make them feel guilty as we try to encourage them to step out and try new things and serve. I think living by example – cheerfully serving, and encouraging people to serve together as a group sometimes, helps. It’s not fun to paint – but when you can paint with a bunch of friends with wonderful music playing and laugh together – it really makes it fun.
What I find so cool about serving is sometimes I just don’t want to do it – I don’t want to be there. I wasn’t really super excited about spending the night doing crafts at VBS after a pretty tough day at work. Then I got to church, and that attitude all went out the window. I was able to share a meal with friends, fellowship with new people in the church, and then see all those beautiful kids make wonderful messy painted t-shirts. It was a GREAT night and I can’t wait for tomorrow night.
I was able to meet people in the church I had only seen and never talked to. We have so many new faces (within a month) jumping in right now with both feet. I know it has to be a little scary for them – they barely know anyone. Yet they come and jump in to help. That is such an encouragement to me!
We have a lady in our small group that has decided to teach a SS class. The leaders have let her know that she has the entire class’s backing. If she needs help on a Sunday – someone from her group will be there to help her. If she needs supplies – we’ll come up with them. If she is sick – we will stand in for her. I think if people know they will have support – it might make a difference.
We are all in this together and what a wonderful journey it is.
I would like to add one more thing when you are out recruiting help make sure you tell them more than one time if this is not their cup of tea please let you know. I am always looking for help with the media department but try to emphasize if you try it and don’t like it please, please talk to me and we will do something different. Do Not Just Quit Coming. Many times you don’t know if you will like something until you try it. There is nothing wrong with saying I just don’t enjoy doing that. I love doing what I do but know it is not for everyone. There is a niche for everyone it just sometimes takes a little time to discover it. You won’t know until you try.
Donna – I agree 100% – and we will be sure and emphasize that in the small groups. When I think of all the things I’ve tried – there’s been a lot – finally I feel like I’m using my gifts and where God wants me and it took awhile to get there. Sometimes I was out of my element in serving – but we also needed the help and sometimes we have to get help wherever we can get it! So there are no regrets there but many comical moments… I know that I DO NOT have your gifts and abilities – with cooking for 100s of kids, media, etc – and I’m thankful for all the things the Lord has gifted you with – and your wisdom.