Amazing Volunteers?

One thing that every children's ministry needs is dedicated volunteers. However, we all struggle with how to get volunteers and how to keep them. This will be part 1 of 2 posts about recruiting and appreicating vo1unteers.

1.Safety First: I know the general idea in most churches is, "I already struggle to get volunteers, why limit my pool?" You do not want the responsibility of finding out after you have allowed them to come into your ministry that there is a safety issue. Before you even begin recruiting, come up with a process to screen your volunteers. Screening should involve a written application (You want a file on each volunteer) with questions that focus on spiritual maturity, experience with children, references, and questions about their criminal record. Too harsh you say? You don't want to be the church accused of having a volunteer molest a child and just hold up your hands and say "I didn't know he had a record!" Leave a paper trail to document that your ministry does everything possible to keep children safe. Background screenings are not overly expensive if you go through Lifeway Christian Resources; they also show parents and volunteers that you are concerned with safety. Interview each potential volunteer to find out where they would best fit in the ministry.

2. What jobs are available? Have some job descriptions for volunteers. This prevents them coming in to be trained and just sitting around. Also, your volunteers will know what is expected of them. Have a variety of job descriptions. This makes it easy for a volunteer to plug in and be comfortable. Maybe Mary isn't comfortable teaching, but she would love to be able to help prepare snacks. Lisa may be a great teacher, but hate cutting things out. James may teach school and only be available during the summer. John can only serve once a month, but Josh is available every Sunday. Make sure your job descriptions are specific.

3. Start with parents. Parents typically enjoy a break from their children, so they may not be willing to serve every week. However, if you can find a job for them every six weeks or so, they will probably love to see what happens in your ministry. (Added bonus, if Mom likes what she sees she will recommend your church to her friends.)

4. Keep an eye out for people who are not currently involved in other parts of the church. Many of these people are just waiting to be asked personally to help in a ministry. (Hint: Don't forget the men in your church!) Many of us complain about the 20/80 rule: 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. Try to discover the gifts of the other 80% of your church! Remember though, not everyone is called to children's ministry. (It's a shock I know!)Don't take a no as personal rejection!

5. Got a new members class? Try to get children's ministry information in their hands. Maybe they will want to plug in. *It is a good idea to not allow new members to serve until they have been members of the church for at least 6 months.

6. Consider asking people to be willing to serve at special events. This gives a new volunteer a chance to experience the ministry without making a big commitment. A good mix of new and experienced volunteers can be a great bonding experience at an event.

7. Give breaks! To prevent burnout, consider giving your regular volunteers a break sometime during the summer. Use school teachers and other people who may not be available during the school year to fill your positions. Most of your volunteers will miss the ministry and will be ready to start back fresh.

8. Don't forget jobs that don't involve children! Maybe you need someone to shop for supplies during the week. Maybe someone needs to prepare snacks. VBS is coming? Have someone be in charge of organizing church members as they save recylced bottles for craft time. These behind the scenes people are a great asset to any children's ministry.

Here are a few suggestions for getting volunteers. Remember, don't just look in your normal pool of volunteers, there may be someone on the outside who is looking for a place to serve.