1. Don’t wait till the last minute. Begin early with your recruiting for several reasons. Most adult volunteers
have full time jobs so they need to know in advance if time off from work will
be required. If you wait until the last minute those who assist you may feel rushed
to make the decision, or they may feel unprepared to do a good job. Also, if you
wait till the last minute the person you think would be best for the position
may already be assigned by another ministry. Look over next year’s schedule and
mark the events that need volunteer assistance and start recruiting now.
2. Recruit in person. It’s a poor idea to ask for ministry volunteers with a general plea from the
pulpit unless you want a lot of “generals” in your ministry. Typically, unqualified
people sign up when it’s open to everyone, which can result in an embarrassment
to the person, the ministry, and yourself.
Make a list of prime candidates and solicit them in person. By hand picking volunteers,
you ensure getting the ones you feel are best for the job.
3. Provide adequate answer time. Give volunteers at least a week to pray and think about the role you are asking
of them before they have to make the decision. Never push for a quick answer.
4. Be up front. Let your volunteers know what you expect from them even before their ministry
begins. Let them know how much time and energy it will require, what their job
will entail, and how you expect excellence. Volunteers may quickly feel overwhelmed,
or ineffective if they don’t know exactly what to do. You don’t have to hold their
hands, but do hold their hearts.
Members get the other six tips on the list here...
http://www.teenlifeministries.com/articles.php?a=read&aid=8
