3 Things to Know in Volunteer Recruiting

6 Aug

This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Top 3's about Volunteers

1.  Ride the wave: In surfing, you don’t create a wave.  You wait for it to come then you ride it as long as you can.  Ministry opportunities come in waves.  You don’t create them.  They naturally happen.

There are natural times when people are looking to plug in…

  • August/September when school begins and people are ready for a normal schedule again
  • January when people are comtemplating  lifestyle change
  • At the peak of a Vision message series

Be the surfer that recognizes when these waves naturally form.  Get prepared to ride the wave as it crests.

2.  Focus on the vision… not the need: Your team will focus on that which you focus.  If you’re focused on the ‘holes’ in your volunteer team then what comes out of your mouth is all about the holes.  Remain focused on the vision and everything you share will come from that angle.

Attract people with the need, you gain someone willing to fill the need… for a time.

Attract people with the vision, you gain someone willing to fight for that vision.

3.  Clear the path: Have a clear path to begin volunteering.  That path should be simple and obvious.

Ask yourself if the average ‘Joe’ knows how they initiate the process to begin serving.  Answer the 4 W’s.

  • Who do I talk to?
  • Where do I go?
  • What do I do?
  • When do I do it?

If you don’t have the answers to these questions written down, then you don’t have a clear path in place.

More on the Topic

  • 3 Things to know about Shepherding Volunteers
  • How to get your volunteers to act!
  • the volunteer

3 Responses to “3 Things to Know in Volunteer Recruiting”

  1. Rindy Walton 08. Aug, 2009 at 5:46 am #

    Great words this morning as I contemplate stepping into a new role…one with the wave starting and ready to take off!

  2. Matt McKee 11. Aug, 2009 at 8:03 pm #

    Another great post and great insight. Thanks.

  3. Henry Zonio 28. Jan, 2010 at 9:10 am #

    Great thoughts! Especially the first one. I think too many “volunteer recruitment experts” think you can manufacture these waves, especially in church. It takes a savvy and patient leader to realize that waves cannot be controlled but can be capitalized on.

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