Leading Volunteers

By Doug Franklin February 14, 2012

We all want our adult volunteers to like serving in youth ministry. We know if they like the ministry they will stay longer and be more interested in students’ spiritual lives. Do you ever realize that your leadership has a ton to do with your adults “liking” the ministry? People often talk about a ministry’s effectiveness based on its leadership. The stronger the leadership the more people are attracted to it and the more they want to be involved. So how can you grow your leadership in terms of serving adult volunteers? Start by asking your volunteers the following questions. Their answers will help you lead them more effectively.

Do you feel joy?
In their current position, are they satisfied, do they feel fulfilled? Also ask if they feel set free; would they do this ministry everyday if it was paid? These kinds of questions will give you an idea of their purpose and help you understand if they will stay long-term. People who serve with joy stay in their positions a long time.

Do you feel appreciated?
Most volunteers never hear “you’re great.” That’s why many of them feel like they are serving for no good reason. Make sure all your volunteers know how much you care about them. Be specific and explain to them how they are making a difference and how you could not do the ministry without them.

Are you developing someone to replace you?
This question may catch them off guard but it will help you create an atmosphere of leadership development. Every volunteer thinks it’s your job to find more staff. Change that thinking and get your volunteers to look for your new staff.