The Sustainable Ministry Show Episode 135 – How to take your volunteer recruiting from desperate to dynamic

On this week’s episode of The Sustainable Ministry Show, we walk through some of the best (and worst) ideas we’ve seen when it comes to volunteer recruitment. We’ll cover a wide range of do’s and don’ts as well as some common myths about the best way to get new volunteers to join your team.

Full Show Notes

  • Not being specific and making a clear “ask” of someone when we ask them to volunteer. We downplay it because we don’t want to scare people off.
    • The idea that if we just keep it simple and easy, people will volunteer and figure it out.
    • The person may wonder, “If anyone can do it, then why do you need me?”
  • A big, up-front call for volunteers (e.g., by the pastor) might seem like an incredible opportunity to get people engaged in volunteering. While you may get high interest initially, many of those contacts won’t pan out (e.g., starting with 26 names and only 2 end up on the team after the onboarding process). You may end up spending more time and effort only to end up with fewer volunteers than if you had simply asked people individually.
    • A better idea, have the pastor “prime the pump” by saying, “Hey, it’s recruiting season, you may get asked to serve.” Setting up the personal ask.
  • Be careful not to sound desperate when you’re making a public ask for volunteers. That says, “People don’t want to volunteer for this ministry,” rather than telling the story of all that God is doing through that ministry.
  • “If I just wait, people will volunteer.” People don’t just speak up out of nowhere. We have to go find them and ask them. Having a “volunteer waiting plan” is not the same as a “volunteer recruitment plan.”
    • Don’t expect people to just “step up.”
    • Often times, it looks like everything is done well, everything is running smoothly, people may feel like they aren’t needed. We have to make the need clear.
    • “I would’ve gone on that retreat, but you never asked me. I didn’t know you needed someone else.
  • The term “shoulder tapping” as a recruitment technique can be helpful. It’s a 1:1 ask. It’s harder to say ‘no’ to someone face to face. You’re also saying, “I see this gift in you, you would be valuable in this area.” All that can happen with the one-on-one ask.
  • You don’t have to know everyone to recruit. Don’t feel limited by who you do and don’t know. You can tap into other people’s relational networks. It’s important to ask carefully and intentionally.
  • Acknowledging the importance of skills and giftings with other people is a vital skill. Asking them to serve in ways that are in alignment with those things.
  • It’s a mistake to ask someone where they want to serve. They don’t know! Instead, tell them what you see in them and suggest a few places they can choose from that might be a good fit for them.
  • Another mistake is not appreciating volunteers well enough or frequently enough. Make sure they know they are loved and appreciated. When you’re current volunteers are loved and excited about serving, they will communicate that to their friends.
    • And don’t ask for more in the midst of appreciating people! Just say thank you, and that’s it. Not, “Thank you, can you give me more.”
  • Invitation to vision and goals. What are we accomplishing here? How does it contribute to the life and vision of the church? When those things are unclear, people aren’t motivated to continue.
  • Build serving into the DNA of how you disciple people. It’s something we should do because we are Christ followers.
  • Volunteer Accelerator – volunteeraccelerator.com – New tool from Ministry Architects that uses a personality test and matches people to potential areas of service. One church has about 190 in worship each week, the first week they launched the volunteer accelerator, they had 175 people engage with the tool. They went from knowing 50-60 people in their skills and passions, to 175 of 190 people in one weekend.
  • Volunteer Mega-board – spreadsheet that helps you lay out the positions you need. Then list out the people you will ask and where they are in the process. Click here to download.
  • Follow-up is everything when it comes to volunteer recruitment. Example where someone was asked and decided to volunteer, but no one followed up with them for several months.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for commitment. Come up with a timeframe (e.g., 6 months or a year). It gives light at the end of the tunnel if it’s not a good fit.
  • In sports: an athletic stance is important. Being prepared is a stance to maintain. This is not a passive thing we do in ministry. Being prepared and ready to engage with people.
  • Another great way to celebrate and appreciate them is to say thank you WHILE they are serving! Tell them you appreciate them.
  • When following up, always keep the ball in your court. “I know you’re busy, I’ll give you a call in a few days to see what you’re thinking.”
  • Volunteer systems in a church probably require about 5-10 hours a week to be up and running (training, appreciating, equipping, etc.)
  • Connect with Bryant: bryant.johnson@ministryarchitects.com
  • Connect with Annette: annette.safstrom@ministryarchitects.com
  • Connect with Trabelus: trabelus.whitfield@ministryarchitects.com