Why is Retaining Volunteers the BEST use of your time as a volunteer leader? Quite simply, because constantly recruiting NEW volunteers is challenging and not always a productive use of time. (Recruiting IS important, but I believe the return for the investment of your time and resources is far better spent, long term, on RETAINING your current volunteers.) As we begin to inch closer to wrapping up 2020 it seemed like the ideal time for leaders to pour some attention towards volunteer teams. This article begins a series all about ‘retaining volunteers.’ Let’s start here…How can I develop sticky volunteers?
Our effectiveness with kids and families is in direct relationship to our effectiveness with volunteers.
I can remember the first time I was invited to volunteer in kids ministry. I was a middle schooler and probably only eleven or twelve at the time. It felt as if I had arrived. I mean…you MUST be a pretty incredible individual if you are passing up adults and being asked to teach inside a preschool classroom. Now after years in full time ministry, leading two different teams, I can say with full confidence, my middle-school-awesomeness was NOT the reason they asked me to serve.
There was quite literally…no one else.
I laugh now at my inability to fully understand the situation I found myself in. I don’t however take lightly the fact that you may find yourself in a similar situation. There doesn’t seem to be any (or very many) qualified, willing adults coming to join your team.
What if I need to Recruit a team, FIRST?
If GROWING your team is where you currently find yourself, don’t miss the following articles on recruiting volunteers. (And then, once you GET volunteers on your team, immediately switch gears, because RETAINING VOLUNTEERS > RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS.
Recruiting Volunteers…A How-To Guide
20 Creative Roles for Kids Ministry Volunteers
What’s a Sticky volunteer?
This one is up to you. How would you describe a volunteer that you hope and pray will ‘stick around’ for the long haul?
For me, I’d define a ‘sticky volunteer’ as a volunteer who shows up physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, on a consistent basis, over time.
Does that sound like someone you want serving on your team???
Yep. I thought so.
Why does it actually matter?
You may have been leading in kids or student ministry for many years. You may find yourself reading this, as you are just beginning your family ministry leadership journey. Either way, I feel confident that you realize that our effectiveness with kids and families is in direct relationship to our effectiveness with volunteers.
A team of volunteers is how we can relationally connect and invest in kids, students and families on a personal level.
When volunteers actually STICK around they get to experience the greatest impact, both for the kids, students and families they serve and ALSO the greatest fruit and impact in their own life. It is a true win-win situation.
Why is retaining more important than recruiting?
There are some situations where volunteers stop serving on our team for health or personal situations. There is nothing we can do to prevent those circumstances. We can (and should) lean-in when our team walks through these seasons. This is the exact time a volunteer needs us to link-arms and do life alongside them, even more.
In many circumstances, however, volunteer retention boils down too preventing volunteers from exiting the team due to ‘volunteer care & leadership‘.
I believe it is pleasing to God when we appropriately care for and pastor the volunteers that He brings to our team.
Here is what the Bible has to say:
- Gal 6:10: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” (ESV)
- Acts 20:28: “Keep watch over yourselves. Keep watch over all the believers. The Holy Spirit has made you leaders over them. Be shepherds of God’s church. He bought it with his own blood.” (NIRV)
- 1 Peter 5:2: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (NLT)
- 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
An unintentional leader never develops an intentional volunteer team.
An unintentional leader never develops an intentional volunteer team.
An INTENTIONAL leader, however CAN and WILL develop an intentional, sticky volunteer team.
Over the next few weeks, as we wrap up 2020, I am going to dive into this topic in greater detail. I will be sharing practical action steps you can take to develop a healthy, sticky, intentional volunteer team. Make sure to check back each week so you don’t miss when a new article drops.
Also, I am participating in Children’s Pastor Conference 2021. I recorded a breakout session and have four coaching sessions available (first come, first served) through this conference. There are some incredible main stage speakers, breakouts, coaching opportunities and then an experience kit (my breakout is part of the experience kit) offered for the cost of one ticket. (One ticket gets access for your whole team!)
If this could benefit you and your team, you can go HERE to check it out!