Tag: support

Stop Recruiting [Volunteers], Start Retaining [Volunteers]

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

stop recruiting start retaining

Last month at Group’s KidMin Conference, I shared a ministry challenge and a ministry joy at the opening General Session.  This is what I said:

“I’ve been chosen by God to not recruit volunteers to ‘fill holes’ (which is a pet peeve phrase of mine).  I’ve been chosen by God to recruit volunteers to a vision, shepherd them, train them, equip them to serve, connect them with other volunteers and place them in their volunteer sweet spot so that they serve with us for the long haul.”

Recruiting volunteers ranks near the top of the list of challenges for ministry leaders.  It really doesn’t matter whether your church is large or small; no church is immune.  You rarely hear someone say, “I don’t need anymore volunteers.”

Yesterday I attended a local networking event here in Baltimore for kidmin leaders.  The topic: Stop Recruiting, Start Retaining.  The speaker was Christine Kreisher, who serves as the Family and Connections Pastor at Glad Tidings Church in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Here are the notes, 4 things to give volunteers so that they stay around for the long haul:

SIGNIFICANCE

“People don’t need another job; they need, and crave, purpose and meaning.” – CK

Leaders:  Create a FUN and meaningful experience where volunteers feel that what they do matters.

Volunteers will say:  “I love this!” or “I’m making a difference.”

Best Practices:

  • Connect the vision
  • Find the fit
  • Improve the process
  • Fill their bucket

SUPPORT

“It’s the lack of communication and preparation that kills volunteerism.” – Dr. Darren Kizer

“People matter to God, so they matter to us.” – Nelson Searcy

Leaders:  Ensure that every volunteer has the necessary information, resources, & encouragement to fulfill their role in ministry.

Volunteers will say:  “I have what I need.” or “I feel valued.”

Best Practices:

  • Communicate early and often
  • Huddle up
  • Train for success
  • Organize volunteer teams

COMMUNITY

“God created us with a hunger for relationship – for relationship with Him and with our fellow people.  At our very core, we are relational beings…The soul cannot prosper without being connected to others..” – Henry Cloud

Leaders:  Establish a culture where volunteers feel connected and new friendships can be developed.

Volunteers will say:  “I belong here.” or “I’ve got friends here.”

Best Practices:

  • Friendship-friendly programming
  • Make it fun
  • Plan connections
  • Get it on the calendar
  • Embrace the mess!

EMPOWERMENT

“The local church should be one of the greatest leadership development agencies on the planet because Jesus was a great leader and developer of leaders.  The church does not have a leadership problem…there are plenty of leaders…the church has a leadership development problem.” – Mac Lake

Leaders:  Invest your time and resources to empower people to develop as a leader.

Volunteers will say:  “I’m trusted and have opportunities to develop into a better leader.”

Best Practices:

  • Replace yourself
  • Set them free
  • Delegate vs dump
  • Make it helpful

Keep the conversation going!  What strategies have you seen that work in retaining volunteers?  Let me know by leaving a comment below!

5 Reasons Why Every Leader Needs an Inner Circle

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment
Photo Credit: thenextweb.com
Photo Credit: thenextweb.com

When I started out in kidmin, I likened myself to a sponge.  I wanted to soak up as much knowledge as I could.  I also deeply craved being around other leaders who did what I did.  I learned so much from listening to and engaging with other leaders – many of my own ideas were birthed as a result of being in such environments.

As the years have passed, the desire to be around other kidmin leaders hasn’t waned.  In fact, it has increased!  While I still love to learn and swap ideas, I now listen more intently to the heart of the leaders.  We share the same challenges and disappointments.  We are all trusting God to do big things through us for His glory.  We are just trying to survive week to week!

Having my circle around me has made me a better leader.  One piece of advice I always give to new ministry leaders or those having a rough time is GET AROUND OTHERS WHO DO WHAT YOU DO.  Having a circle of support doesn’t mean you’re a weak leader; it helps make you a stronger one.

How?

1. You can share in a safe place.  Every leader needs a safe place to share frustrations, challenges and tears.

2. You can bounce ideas off of other brains.  Some of my best ideas have come from a brainstorming session.

3. You can be supported in prayer.  Ministry is hard work and can often be lonely.  Having prayer support will be invaluable.

4. You can be affirmed.  Sometimes when you hear what others are going through, you realize that your situation is not all that bad.

5. You can be challenged.  You’ll hear other points of view and be challenged to think outside of the box.  You might even be encouraged to take a risk.  Being challenged might help you take the next step as a leader.

If you don’t know where to find that inner circle, here are a few suggestions:

Look within your church.  There are people in your church who are passionate about kidmin, love and support you or both. This group might not ‘do what you do’ but they can be a great source of support for you.  Keep them updated on ministry and personal needs.

Look within your community.  Are there church leaders in your community who you can network with?  I strongly believe that having a support system of like-minded people will be of great benefit to you.  I am part of a network of leaders who meet quarterly but out of that group, I have connected with one leader in particular who meets with me once a month for lunch and fellowship.  She is my kidmin sister and I always look forward to getting together with her.  Don’t have a group nearby?  Start one!

Look on social media.  Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and CM Connect provides platforms for you to connect with other kidmin leaders.

Look within your denomination, if you’re part of one.  Many denominations have Christian Education groups that meet regularly.  If not, start one!

Look for discussion forums within other websites, like Kidology.  You might also be able to find discussion forums for the curriculum that you use.  Visit their website to see if one exists.

What have been effective ways for you to connect with other kidmin leaders?