Comments on: Volunteers: When you don’t have enough (Part 2)

By: princessjes

princessjes — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:32:54 +0000

Very good thoughts!
God has really had to lead me in re-shaping my view of why people serve. So often I have approached people to help out and I go with the idea that it is a burden to them…God has really challenged me to look at every “hole to fill” as a opportunity to serve HIM. Though that sounds simple and and like a “duh moment” it has been monumental in the way I approach people.
When I can give people the big vision of what a blessing they are and let them know they are a key player in God’s plan, not that they are just filling a hole to make it appear seemless…what do you know….they are excited to be a part of what God is doing!

By: Betsy Wright

Betsy Wright — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:32:04 +0000

Hey Kenny….great input about the volunteer deficit question you posted earlier. A few more points that I’d add to the conversation…

– Do you have an apprentice program in place for your small group leaders?

– Do you tap into the students in your high school ministry to serve as small group leaders?

– This one is for Jabberfrog….the “call me when you need me response” can actually develop into a full time volunteer. Hopefully you are able to find a way of plugging those people in on a part-time basis (rotating as greeters, handing out candy to kids as they arrive, walking new families to the classrooms, etc..) then invest, invest, invest in them. More times than not, these same people begin to realize that they actually get more out of serving than they could have imagined, and they’re willing to serve on a more consistent basis.

Just some more points for the discussion….I agree with Kenny that there is no church I’ve ever spoken with who has a plethora of volunteers, but I do think there is a big benefit when you plan for no-shows and periodic vacancies.

By: jabberfrog

jabberfrog — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:42:35 +0000

this is a loaded gun. the people i talk to that tell me, “i can’t serve every week, but just call me when you need me.” i tell them, “be prepared for a phone call every week.” lol

it’s a reality of volunteers. life happens. and it wreaks havoc on your plans. but God has taught me lately that this is the perfect margin for Him to work. the ‘God margin’.

Kenny is right. start early and get the spots filled before the weekend. but don’t leave anyone off your list. you never know who God may want to use in that moment. you have no idea what He’s orchestrating. so if you have holes b/c the flu bug hit… call it ‘God margin’ and look for Him to work. the one closest to the schedule is the one who feels it the most. if you’re the one taking all the calls from volunteers that cannot serve… know that you’re the one that will feel the stress the most. you set the tone for how everyone else views the success of the weekend. are you excited to see what God is going to do? or are you the buzzkill that diverts attention from Him?

i second Kenny’s comments on jumping into an empty spot myself. by tying myself to a room, i eliminate my ability to lead the ministry overall. if ever i’m going to fill a role, it’s going to be strategic.