I have been thinking a lot about volunteers recently, particularly since everyone in my ministry downline happens to to be volunteer. In churches, the work of ministry happens because of volunteers. Since volunteers make up 95% of the ministry workforce, the question that we need to grapple with is, how do we lead and recruit volunteers? Here are just a couple of my thoughts...feel free to comment and add your own.
1. Vision is their paycheck. A volunteer isn't motivated and driven by a paycheck (hence the label volunteer :-) ), so what gets a volunteer to step up to the plate? Vision. Vision, that is compelling and communicated often, is key for volunteers. They want to know how their service in their corner of the church fits into the overarching mosaic of the church's vision, mission and purpose. Vision not only keeps volunteers motivated but it is the essence of recruiting volunteers. You want people to join your ministry team? Share the vision. People respond more to communicating "vision" rather than just merely sharing "need".
2. You need to give people volunteering on-ramps. How do people connect with volunteering opportunities in your church? What is the process? Is it simple? Is it clear? At Big Creek Church we are working on clear and simply on-ramps giving people the opportunity to serve. (read Simple Church by Rainer - this book has been challenging us big time the last 8 months). Very often people want to serve - they just need to know how. We currently use our Taste of Big Creek (a.k.a. monthly newcomers lunch) and our Big Creek Inquirers (membership event) as two major on-ramps to help connect people with serving opportunities.
3. Volunteers need to be celebrated. It is true that most people volunteer because they want to use their gifts and make a difference. They are not overtly looking for praise and recognition, but that doesn't mean that they don't deserve it. Whether it be big, huge volunteer appreciation gatherings or simply walking in the nursery and thanking the lady who is holding a crying baby - volunteers did to be celebrated.
4. Volunteers often times will only rise to the level of your expectations. There are some volunteers who will go well beyond the call of duty, but most volunteers will serve up to the bar that you set. So set the bar high. Too often we are afraid to ask a lot from our volunteers - that is a mistake. Ask boldly, ask big! You will be surprised how motivated volunteers are willing to serve.
5. Volunteers will only work under leaders. People that are serving in your church need clear direction. You need to lead them. Make sure that you do your due diligence in planning and preparation as a leader. At the same time, don't worry if your don't have all the answers. As a leader you should concentrate about being clear with your volunteers even if you are not certain about every detail (via Andy Stanley)
6. Volunteers recruit other volunteers. One of the biggest issues for leaders is recruitment. As a leader, you have tapped into our sphere of relationships and may now feel tapped out. As a leader, you don't and shouldn't be the key recruiter. Encourage your volunteers to recruit their friends. People love to serve with their friends and they have a circle of friends and relationships that you probably don't have.
What are some of your thoughts about leading volunteers in your ministry context?
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4 comments:
I'd suggest vision isn't the paycheck. Meaning is. Vision is what ties their life to greater meaning. There's lots of talk about vision. it seems everyone has vision these days. but, meaning... meaning is rare.
vision is about hope.
meaning is about love.
one day there will be no need for hope.
but love endures.
so i'd suggest that visions are a dime a dozen.
meaning is the paycheck.
just my thoughts.
In reference to this last comment I offer the following thoughts: The vision is accepted, there is buy-in, in other words there is meaning to the person that the work needing to be accomplished is relevant, has validity, is important to that person in a way that causes them to want to help and be a part of the work to acheive that vision. So, I see vision is a first step. To see where it is that organization is trying to go. If the organization's/leader's vision is not one that potential followers can see they can not determine if there is meaning to take another step to buy-in to it; they will not take time to volunteer to help to achieve it if they can not see the end desired and the meaning to it all. A simple manner of the individual's perceived importance and relevance of the organization's vision must be reconciled to then decide to take action to help achieve the goals or do the work required to help achieve something worthwhile. There are a few things I am willing to volunteer to help support because I believe in what they are trying to accomplish and I accept their vision and goals. There are many I will not support because I do not believe in what they are trying to accomplish. There is believe in the vision and goals and that motivates me to volunteer or support that cause. There are other organization visions and goals that I do not feel as passionate about and probably won't get involved. There are others that I totally disagree with and will not work in any way to move their vision forward and might strive to counter their efforts. It is the end result meaning, importance and connection to the values that I hold dear that causes me to get involved. I believe that developing an understanding of the vision's meaning is a subordinate step from accepting the vision as positive, meaning connects the vision to my mental and emotional states to that impacts the level of action I take to work toward that vision.
Good thoughts....
Great ideas. Thank you.
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