Maximizing Volunteers (4) – avoiding bloodshed

We love volunteers that capture the vision, get excited and jump in with both feet.

But sometimes even the boldest person can get hurt.  How do you prepare volunteers for ministry?

A couple in our church went on a MicroMission and served a group of women in a rehab facility.  Relationships were fostered and connections were made.  This couple was so pumped to be a part of what God was doing, they were open to helping in any way they could.  When they learned that many of the women in this facility wanted to attend church, the couple went out and purchased a 15-passenger van.  For months they’ve taxied women and children back and forth to church on the weekends.  It’s a cool story.

Ministry would be great if that’s what it always looked like.  But the reality is, this couple is ministering to a very broken group of people and a few of them have taken advantage.  And it causes pain and doubt.

When a volunteer sees a need, grabs the bull by the horns and jumps in to help… heart and soul… we celebrate.  But what do you do when the bull begins to gore?

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