Volunteers: Intentional & Motivated… Empowering Women for Ministry www.lifeway.com/women • LifeWay Christian Resources Copyright © 2008 Janet Peavyhouse. All rights reserved People in local churches are responding and want to serve. ARE YOU READY!!! What is your plan???? • Has a vision been cast? • Is it clearly articulated? • Who sanctions or blesses the volunteers in your church? • How do you train volunteers…??? • Motivate volunteers??? • How important is talent? • Ability? • Commitment to Christ? • Tenure in your church? “Could people possibly feel more significant than when they are worshipping Jesus through acts of service” Simply Strategic Volunteers “If the church is going to sustain growth for the long haul, it’s because its people understand how God has wired them to serve in areas they are passionate about.” Simply Strategic Volunteers Be Intentional……. • Definition: Done on purpose not by accident. Deliberate, planned on purpose, thought out thoroughly with intent of following through What kind of people do you want? What kind of “net” are you using to get what you want? How Did Jesus Recruit? Luke 12:49-53 The Recruitment Principles and Practices of Jesus… Jesus on recruitment…… • Jesus demonstrated enthusiasm • Jesus took his time to fill the roster • Jesus recruited by vision • Jesus gave a personal invitation • Jesus walked the walk • Jesus made everything a matter of prayer--including recruitment • Jesus seized opportunities • Jesus talked about rewards Jesus on recruitment (Cont.) • Jesus required commitment not just sacrifice • Jesus went after good people • Jesus let his volunteers do recruiting • Jesus demonstrated how to do ministry!!!! Jesus demonstrated how to do ministry…… If you are telling people how to do their jobs without showing them you will have… Three Problems 1. Quality will suffer. 2. People will be confused. 3. People will think they are trained when they are not. Jesus on recruitment (Cont.) • Jesus coached and corrected volunteers • Jesus expected results • Jesus entered into relationship with volunteers Let’s Motivate… Definition: To make somebody feel enthusiastic, interested and committed to something…inspired, stimulated, prompted and encouraged. There are four truths you must passionately believe before your volunteers will ever become leaders in your women’s ministry. Truth #1 God has promised to meet all our needs. Truth #2 Every Christian is called to do ministry. Truth #3 Every Christian has at least one gift to share. Traps in sharing gifts… Traps in Sharing Gifts • Trap one: People may not know who they are in Christ. • Trap two: People may not know there is a place for them. • Trap three: People don’t think they are good enough to do ministry. Truth #4 Every Christian has a particular function in the Body of Christ. Moving your volunteers in a “career” ministry WHAT??? “To keep volunteers long term you’ve got to give them more than just jobs- they need careers that involve significant ministry.” Define “career” James, John & Mom Matthew 20:20-28 When you are talking about a “career” it is simply a progression of jobs that keep someone growing and stretching… It’s what gives people who have been faithful in small things the chance to be faithful in bigger things. How to move and motivate a “career” volunteer… 1. Let them serve in small capacities so you can get to know them better. 2. Work with that person to develop their skills. 3. Train them. How to move and motivate a “career” volunteer… 4. Check with the volunteer on what the Lord is telling them. Everyone Needs A Job Description “Volunteers can not be successful if they are not sure what to do.” Volunteers that Stick By Jim Wideman Here’s what a job description does for a big, small or somewhere in between church. • It shows people you have thought things through… • It helps you figure out whom you really need… Here’s what a job description does for a big, small or somewhere in between church. • It gives you something to go through with a volunteer when you interview them… • It is helpful when you are evaluating them later… Want Your Volunteer to Stick??? Then make sure they’re the right person, in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason. Resources: • “Simply Strategic Volunteers” by Tony Morgan • “Volunteers that Stick” by Jim Wideman • “If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” by John Ortberg • “The Proper Care and Feeding of Church Volunteers” by Gary Petri • “Motivating Volunteers in the Local Church” by Leslie Parrott www.lifeway.com/women • LifeWay Christian Resources Copyright © 2008 Janet Peavyhouse. All rights reserved