6 questions to ask myself about finding adult volunteers by Darin Stevens

This is a continuation of Darin’s article from last week.

What is my picture of a great volunteer?

If it’s someone in their 20’s with a great haircut and maybe even a piercing or tattoo or two, think again. The adult leaders who had the biggest impact in my life were in their 40’s, 50’s and even 60’s.

Where am I making the general vision and needs of the youth ministry visible?

From the pulpit and in the notices, we need to continue to tell stories of what God is doing, share the vision of where we want things to go and the steps we are putting in place to get there. We need to tell about opportunities to get involved (note: this doesn’t sound anything like “if we don’t get 3 more volunteers we will have to shut down the youth drop-in”).

Who am I asking specifically to get involved?

Making the general opportunities known in a consistent way is key. But don’t recruit generally. We all try it and it doesn’t work very well. Everyone ends up thinking, ‘I’m busy, someone else with more time will step up.”

Make specific asks to specific people. Ask the person you are approaching to pray about it and tell them why you think God could really use him or her in this role.

Have I invited a potential volunteer to observe or do something small before asking them to commit?

Help the volunteer get a feel for the ministry and young people before he or she commits to helping. Invite them to sit in on a small group for 2-3 weeks no-strings-attached. Ask them to cook and serve a meal for the young people so they can get to know a few people.

How long am I asking them to commit for?

Have you made this clear? Is the commitment for a week or for a year? Most people are afraid if they commit, that it’s a lifetime commitment! Many ministries ask volunteers for a 12 month commitment that can be reviewed at the end of the year.

How am I investing in current leaders development?

If you are helping adult leaders to understand their abilities and gifting, if you are helping them learn necessary skills and celebrating where God is using them to make an impact, they will love serving on your team. They will naturally share their excitement and invite other adults to get involved.

Charlie Morris

Charlie helps much of the behind the scenes work happen smoothly. He heads up our Operations, Recruitment and Donor Support Teams. He first started as a volunteer youth leader back in 1988, and has worked in churches and Christian youth organisations in Australia, England and Scotland.

Categories: Youth Ministry Resources

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