I know it sounds selfish, but it really isn’t.
We all ask this in our subconscious all the time. Time, energy and resources are all limited. We would be foolish if we didn’t look for mutually beneficial opportunities to spend our time. If you want to attract and keep amazing volunteers you need to learn to communicate the benefits of serving with you and on your team.
When you’re recruiting new volunteers to join your team, if you can answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” in a compelling way you will jump leaps and bounds ahead of other departments in your church.
When I’m onboarding potential volunteers I always end the conversation with a list of benefits the new volunteer will receive for serving on my team. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to bribe them. I just want them to know that serving with kids is rewarding, and there are some amazing benefits that they may not have considered.
This is a selling point. When you join my team you will have more access to me than someone not on my team. I spend time with people who like what I like, and serve where I serve. Think about it. How much time do you spend with the parking lot crew?
Let your new volunteers know the impact they will have. Because of their service, they will be filling voids in kids lives. They will have opportunities to help disciple children in their faith.
Help those who join your team identify and use their spiritual gifts. This is easier than it sounds. Here’s a great book and blog post to help.
Most people crave relationships. We feel isolated and alone. Let your new volunteers know that by joining your team, they will be more connected.
What an amazing benefit. As you prepare your lesson plans for the 1st graders you are going to grow in your faith. Make it clear, while you are teaching kids, the kids are teaching you. Jesus talked over and over about having faith like a child. Capitalize on this benefit.
The happiest people are those who are doing what God created them to do. God has given each of your leaders special talents and gifts. Help them use them to serve others. I promise they will be happier.
We live in a selfish, what’s in it for me culture. Explain to your new leaders that joining your team will help them overcome selfishness and be apart of something larger than themselves.
The things your volunteers learn, to work with kids, are directly applicable to being a better parent or grandparent. Let them know that the practice and training they receive transcends Sunday mornings. The training and skills they develop will carry over into home life and help them be better parents, grandparents and spiritual mentors.
Have you taken time to define the benefits volunteers receive for serving on your team? What would you add to this list?
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