Plug People Into Relationships
People will leave a task before they'll leave a relationship. So it's important to always have at least two people assigned to serve together on a given task.
Here's how this worked for me. We had a large group/small group ministry. So we needed people to do things behind the scenes to make our ministry shine. For example, we had a Supply Team that gathered supplies for the small group leaders and put them in boxes each week.
I'm sure one person could've done this all by herself each week, but instead I recruited four different women who became the best of friends. Each week they would gather to sort through the supplies. While they worked, they laughed, shared needs, and got to know one another.
Their longevity in our ministry was directly tied to their friendship with one another. Let's be honest, it's easy to leave a thing, but when you partner people with each other, they become friends. And saying goodbye to a friend is always tougher.
I know...it doubles your recruiting work on the front end if you have to get twice as many people. But just imagine how much easier it'll be when you don't have to fill holes because people are committed to serving with their friends.
Feeling Good
What would these volunteers change to make volunteering more enjoyable?
Mo' Volunteers -- Without a doubt, volunteers' #1 request is more volunteers. Fifty percent of the surveyed volunteers stressed that their ministry needs more volunteers. It's encouraging that a major portion of those concerned about the need for more workers suggest that the solution is in making others aware. Many volunteers expressed great hope that if more would only hear and understand the simplicity of a child's faith, they too would be compelled to draw close to the children.
"Maybe we could 'require' everyone to volunteer to see how much fun it is and how rewarding," says Diane Cunningham, an aide at Living Word Outreach Church in Lansing, Michigan. "Of course, then it wouldn't be 'volunteering,' would it?"
Linda Parks, the nursery department leader at Central Church in Memphis, Tennessee, says, "If there was one thing I'd change it would be that more people would be yielding to the call of the Lord. They would be richly blessed for it."
To make more people aware of what a great place your children's ministry is, communicate the reality of the vital and authentic faith these children own and the need for volunteers to guide and protect that faith.
Annette Gelispie, a teacher/coordinator at Living Word Outreach Church, says, "I think it's good to post reports of the good things that are happening in children's ministry." This allows your church to get excited about God's work in kids' lives.
Marsha Kiel, a nursery worker from the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Indianapolis, agrees. She says, "We need to tell about what a blessing it is to be a part of the children's ministry team on Sunday mornings."
Communication With Parents -- A significant number of volunteers desire more communication and stronger relationships with parents of the children they serve. This desire was often declared with an edge of resentment and demand for change as these volunteers were challenged by their own perception of parents abandoning their children in the area of spiritual development.
Of those who are concerned by the lack of parental involvement and support, some would like to have a policy that would require parents to participate in the care and teaching of their children. This expressed desire regarding parental involvement was rooted in the base-line concern and need for more workers.
Lasting Involvement
Every time you hang onto a volunteer, that's one less volunteer you'll have to recruit. It's worth figuring out what it is that retains your volunteers. There were two primary reasons given by the survey respondents when asked why they continue to volunteer.
Joy Like a Fountain -- The first and most frequent response was that they experience joy in their ministry to children. Seventy percent of the volunteers stay around because they love children or enjoy being with them. Their commitment gives them a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.
Norma Malone, a teacher at Solid Rock Christian Center in Ventura, California, was recruited "by the children for the children" and she continues to volunteer because it's "easy and fun. I enjoy every minute!"
The fun factor also motivates teenager Brian Kemp, an aide from Living Word Outreach Church in Lansing, Michigan, to continue volunteering with children, "I have fun. I love seeing the children grow spiritually and it helps me grow as well." Brian is discovering that serving not only benefits the children, but blesses him as well.
Personal Growth -- Approximately 25 percent of the volunteers talked about how their spiritual growth and development is connected to serving these little people. They recognize that by contributing to the faith development of a child their faith increases and grows substantially.
This group also sensed that they possess the calling or gift to specifically work with children. "I feel it's what God wants me to do. And I learn more about my own relationship with God as I teach," says Sandy Kendell, a teacher at Hill Country Bible Church in Georgetown, Texas.
God blesses volunteers with joy and the discovery of a newfound love, with recognition and challenge by the simplicity of a child's faith, and with acknowledgment that from week to week they encounter one of God's freshest creations.
For the child who is in relationship with a special kind of volunteer, life will never be the same. When a volunteer gives a child love, acceptance, forgiveness, a shared life, care, and nurture, the child is able to experience the very presence of God.
| Out Of The Mouths Of Volunteers Other choice quotes from the volunteers who responded to Children's Ministry Magazine's survey. "Working with preschoolers is my calling. My work makes me complete. I would try to show others how rewarding volunteering is. The work and frustration are well worth it." Dee Herdman Columbus, Ohio "I enjoy having a co-teacher so that I'm able to take a break now and then." Judy Rutherford Troy, Michigan "I love to see the spark in kids' eyes when they learn something new." Gloria Stoppenhagen Houston, Texas "We don't have a [paid] children's minister. We get support from one another who work in this area." Kathy Chenault Oklahoma City, Oklahoma "I enjoy the kids, and I want to make a difference in somebody's life." Brian VanAlstine Kalkaska, Michigan "We may know about God, but these children KNOW God. I continually learn from them!" Sue Rebich Charlotte, North Carolina "Volunteering is what you get out of it. If you want to do it, it's enjoyable and rewarding. If it becomes a chore, then you should cease your volunteering." Judy Asche Lakeland, Florida |
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