Stephanie CaroMore PostsResponse on youthministry.com-part 2-Volunteers

So…I wrote a response to Josh and Kurt’s stuff last week for all things volunteers. I wrote two parts, not really knowing that Andy was only looking for one response. Part One on my tips forEffective Volunteer Recruitment were last Thursday…and here’s my part two.

Building a Great Team: Part 2 – A Response

The invitation to the party was sent and the RSVP card said, “Yes, I will join the team.” Now what?

Volunteers today are smart, saavy and surrounded by many options for their available time. Your window of securing them into a long-term affinity with your youth ministry is a small one, so don’t waste time. Here’s what your volunteers want to know, feel and do as a volunteer for your youth team:

1) Spend one-on-one time with them in a relational place other than your messy office. Starbucks or Panera’s is a youth worker’s ideal ministry space. At least it is for me!

2) Review everything in the Volunteer Packet, asking lots of questions along the way and allowing them the same. This would include: 12 month ministry timeline, job description, volunteer covenant, YM organizational chart, current program purposes, YM mission statement, ministry goals, discipline policy/procedure docs, etc. Don’t have these? Maybe that’s why you’re having trouble recruiting and keeping volunteers?

3) Make sure they clearly understand what they’ve signed up for and how they will be resourced for wild success.

4) Share stories of who the kids are and recent spiritual successes. Bring along a picture directory of your students and allow your newest team member to take a few notes.

5) Establish some sort of “out” for both of you in case it doesn’t work out; a “no questions asked, if necessary” 30, 60, or 90 days policy.

6) Turn them loose and let them make mistakes. Give them a real sense of purpose , with their comfort zone as a gauge.

Did you know that Mark DeVries in his book, “Sustainable Youth Ministry” says that the largest percentage of time in a youth worker’s relationship building week should be spent on his volunteers? Sure, time spent with students is up there…but if you want to cast a wide net with the Gospel, the more of “you” there are, meaning your team, the better life is for your students.

 

Stephanie Caro

 

 

TagsComments 2 View Comments October 10, 2011

Stephanie CaroMore PostsI need to pick your brain…about volunteers

I’m preparing for my track at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in two weeks. Each day this week, I’d like to gather data from you so I provide what we need the most. Answer as much or as little as u want.? Just answer in the comments;? doesn’t matter how big or small ur ministry is.

1) What’s your current ym cvolunteer situation? (how many, adults per youth, etc.)

2) What do you need to know to help your volunteers be/do better?

3) How do u utilize ur volunteers?

Stephanie Caro

Thriving Youth Ministries in Smaller Churches at SYMC, 2/26-3/1

TagsComments 31 View Comments February 8, 2010

Stephanie CaroMore Posts#3 “What Was I Thinking?” YM Moment

Dear Friends,?

If you’re looking for a funny story tonight…come back tomorrow and the next day because the last two in this series are ridiculously goofy-stupid. What WAS I thinking?!?

Tonight’s ministry blog is more along the lines of a cathartic confession.?

My most painful heart-spot in youth ministry so far? How I treated my interns and key volunteers when I was a younger, “hot-shot” youth pastor. Among the five churches I’ve served over 30 years, I served a couple of the largest youth ministries in my denom in FL and? had the big head to go with it. To quote Hermione Granger from H.P. movie fame, “What an idiot!”?

Some of you reading this know exactly what I’m talking about because you suffered through it. Just know this: if I could change the past, I would move heaven and earth to take back what I said or didn’t say, did or didn’t do. PLEASE know that I deeply regret those times. I didn’t value or respect you like I should have. I do now, believe me. I hope you will forgive me.?

Moral of the story: Ah, if I knew then what I know now…but that’s the rub. We don’t know “then” what we know “now” unless we’re smart enough to learn from someone older and wiser. Cool young youth guy/chick youth pastor, you’re not “all that and a candy bar.” If you’re wondering if you qualify, then you probably do just a little.?

Jesus was the ONLY one who could claim “hot shot” pastor bragging rights and yet He never did. He let His team lead while He served. Sure He took His turn at teaching, but He also sent His volunteers out to share the good news. Jesus wasn’t above getting food ready for the team. He treated His interns with respect and love, empowering them for greatness. He would do wash prep work so His people could sit and relax after a long ministry day.? ? ?

Treat your people like gold. Affirm them and do it often. Surprise them by highlighting their gifts and talents. Allow them to shine and share their version of The Story. You’re not the only one who can preach and teach. Maybe it’s your turn to do the dishes or cook. Equip and empower. The occasional gifts or special dinners in their honor don’t hurt, either.?

If you’re worried that accomplishing the above will take too much time away from “real” ministry to your kids, don’t. Your students will learn a WAY greater lesson about the love of Jesus by watching how you love your “disciples.”?

Trust me on this one, young Skywalker.

Yoda

TagsComments 1 View Comments February 3, 2010
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