Keeping Volunteers Enthusiastic
A church that will have a quality educational ministry in the twenty-first century must have a strong commitment to developing and supporting people who will carry out its teaching ministry.
When considering how to provide these experiences for people, it is helpful to begin by looking at the process from the perspective of the newly enlisted volunteer. What needs to be done to get this person off to a good start? What actions will build a new person’s confidence and enable him/her to have a positive sense of accomplishment? How will you keep the new volunteers enthusiastic about their ministry.
Limit First Assignments
Along with the opportunity to observe someone else in action, plan a limited number of low-threat functions this new person can do to get started.
Choose assignments that are simple so the person is able to complete the task successfully. (Teaching a new hymn to middle schoolers is definitely not in the simple category.)
Choose assignments that are interesting so the person is intrigued and motivated. (Punching out dozens of stickers for a craft project does not qualify.)
Choose assignments that are relational, allowing the new person to interact with learners in the group. (Running to the church kitchen to get extra cups for refreshments does not fit this criterion.)
The new person could work alongside an experienced worker or do another task where an experienced person is available to observe and assist, if needed. As the person gradually becomes more familiar and confident, add more challenging tasks.
Develop Skills
Some people are naturals. Give them a job, a little direction, then turn them loose. From the very first try, they seem to do it right. Then there are the rest of us. How do you equip someone with skills they do not already have? Follow these guidelines.
Begin by focusing on what the person already does well, not on the areas that need improvement. Affirm a person for numerous positives before mentioning a single area where improvement could be made.
Set an example of seeking to grow, by asking the new person for suggestions on what you could have done differently or better in some area of your ministry. If the other person has no suggestions to offer, be ready with a few of your own, clearly pointing out things you want to do better next time.
Invite the person to critique his or her efforts. Ask questions such as, "What did you feel most comfortable doing?" "When did you feel things were not going as smoothly as you would have liked?" "What do you think you might do differently next time?" A person is far more likely to work at improving in an area he/she recognizes as a weakness than in one that is pointed out by someone else.
Limit suggested improvements to one at a time. No one can improve on multiple fronts simultaneously. Encourage the person to be specific in describing actions to take for imp-roving. Don’t accept a vague hope to do better next time.
Suggest practicing a skill at home in front of a mirror or a family member. A tape recorder is a great tool for practicing giving directions, asking questions, telling a story, and explaining the purpose of an activity.
As time passes, affirm the person for signs of growth.
If a person really struggles with a specific skill (e.g., asking good questions), help him or her find a way to simplify the function. For instance, instead of trying to ask four or five questions, suggest the teacher focus on just one or two. Should difficulty in mastering a specific skill become a barrier to continued growth, suggest that someone else do that function for awhile.
Arrange Support
Everyone needs encouragement and friendships that grow from shared involvement in ministry. The best way to help a volunteer make a good beginning in a new ministry is to link that person with others who are engaged in the same or similar efforts. Jesus set the pattern for this aspect of training when He sent out His disciples in pairs.
A team is not simply two or more people who happen to be doing the same or a similar task. Even doing a task at the same time in the same room does not mean the people are a supportive team. A true ministry team exists when:
- People meet together often enough to get to know one another as individuals.
- Team members plan together what they are going to do and encourage and assist each other in doing their tasks.
- A climate is established for honest sharing about both personal and ministry needs, and team members faithfully pray for each other.
- Team members are able to laugh and cry together.
Communicate Appreciation
"Why should I compliment teachers and leaders for doing what they’re supposed to do?" an administrator asked. "They should be doing it for the Lord, not to get noticed."
This administrator was technically right, but at the same time, verywrong.
Just as people need love, they also need encouragement and affirmation—especially when they are tackling a new responsibility. Thoughtfully express appreciation. Comment about something done well. Even a few sincere words can be powerfully effective in building a sense of satisfaction and achievement in doing a job.
While a general word of appreciation or commendation is nice to receive, a volunteer who is learning a new job needs very specific affirmation that points out what he or she has done well.
Instead of saying only:"Glad to have you with us."
Also say: "Your enthusiasm gives everyone a real boost."
Instead of saying only: "Nice work."
Also say: "You do so well maintaining eye contact with class members while you’re talking."
Instead of saying only: "The students really like you."
Also say: "Your smile is contagious. People really respond to it."
Instead of saying only: "Good job."
Also say: "It’s so helpful that you’re here a little early."
Instead of saying only: "I really appreciate your doing this."
Also say: "I can tell you were well prepared."
© 2003 Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO. Permission to duplicate for local church use only.
