When Jesus began His ministry, He chose 12 men. He gave His life to them by pouring into them, teaching them, and training them. Now Jesus didn’t have to do that. He didn’t need volunteers to accomplish His work. But we do. As you recruit your volunteers, it’s important to remember that we need to be discipling and growing them into all that God has for them to be.
Here are three things to keep in mind as you recruit volunteers for your ministry.
1. Recruit with vision.
Jesus did this in Matthew 4 when He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He didn’t ask them to just pass out bread and fish or keep the crowds away. He told them He would make them significant. Too often when we are recruiting we focus only on our immediate needs. That is not a compelling vision. Recruit your volunteers with the purpose of your ministry.
2. Make an individual ask.
It’s much more compelling for you to ask someone to serve individually, than for you to make an announcement to the masses. Look for skills in someone that would be helpful in your ministry, then let them know how they can continue to grow that skill by volunteering.
3. Make a significant ask.
It’s very important not to downplay the commitment you are asking them to make. If you devalue the commitment, they may think it’s not worth volunteering. Your ministry is important enough to ask people to give up some of their time. Make the commitment you need clear, then make the direct ask.
There are three things to keep in mind when you are developing your volunteers.
1. Create a clear path for growth.
Make sure your volunteers know what the path is for growth in your ministry. People will self-identify as leaders and ask you what they need to do to move into the next role. It should be clear that each level of leadership requires more of a time commitment and more preparation.
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