Leaders can create a culture where volunteers feel honored and valued, and come ready to serve!
By Kris Smoll
If you desire to create a ministry culture of last-minute emergencies, closed rooms, frustrated leaders, and irritated parents, here’s how you can achieve it in just four easy steps:
1) Arrive with a negative attitude; very little effort will be needed to spread it to others as it is generally pretty contagious.
2) If a volunteer doesn’t arrive as scheduled, DO NOT follow up. Do not text, or call, or show any concern for why they’re not there.
3) If a volunteer is not serving in their sweet spot, keep them in that position for as long as possible. Don’t give them an opportunity to serve in a way that they are better suited for.
4) Reduce the structure in your children’s ministry so the time spent with the kids is a taste of pure craziness.
If that’s not what you’re aiming for, instead:
1) Have a joyful, positive attitude as you serve the Lord. Set the tone even before your program begins by sending out short, weekly emails to set the vision, share God at work stories and give any important updates.
2) If a volunteer does not arrive as scheduled, immediately follow up to make sure they are safe or check if you’ve miscommunicated with them. This shows they are very valuable to the team.
3) Place people in ministry positions according to their gifts, talents, and interests.
4) Follow your schedule, curriculum and expect optimum learning.
Leaders can create a culture where volunteers feel honored and valued, and come ready to serve!
