How to Recruit and Lead Volunteers
The only way the pastor of a bivocational church can survive is for members of the church to take responsibility for much of the ministry activities. Therefore the pastor should always have his eyes open for any potential leaders among the membership. According to Ephesians 4:11-16, recruiting, training, challenging and inspiring are some of the primary functions of the pastor of the church.
The Importance of Volunteers
No pastor can do everything that needs to be done in a church, especially if he is a bivocational pastor. The pastor who tries to do it all himself will not only wear himself out but will rob other members of the privilege of finding and fulfilling their God-given role in the church. A church where everything centers around the pastor greatly limits its effectiveness and potential.
The Supply of Volunteers
It is important to realize that the church is the Lord’s and He provides the leaders and workers needed. We are encouraged by our Lord to pray for the laborers needed for the harvest. We are reminded by Paul in First Corinthians that God calls many who at first seem unlikely for the task. Many need to be nurtured into stepping forward and depending on God to help them do a good job.
The Selection of Volunteers
It is the nature of a volunteer to want to help. As a result, many are asked to do something for which they are not suited. Volunteers should be assigned based on their giftedness, motivation and interest. A person who comes forward with an idea for a new ministry or a concern for a present one maybe the right person to help lead that ministry. The best person to lead a ministry is the one who has a burden for it.
The Training of Volunteers
It is unfair to ask someone to do a work and expect them to do a good job without providing training and explaining expectations. On the job training and mentoring are key factors. We must remember that all of us had to start somewhere. We need to remember that they are human and will make mistakes. Experience is the best teacher. If they fail, pick them up, coach them and put them back to work.
The Supervision of Volunteers
While it is unwise to micro manage someone who has been entrusted with a leadership position, leaving him without any supervision almost always produces disappointing results. Volunteers need to be trained, held accountable and given regular feedback.
The Nature of Volunteers
A volunteer can unvolunteer at any time. They work best when trained, supervised and encouraged. Guard against giving an eager volunteer too many jobs. Don’t allow them to burn out through over-commitment.
The Recognition of Volunteers
Make sure proper credit is given to those who do the work. A timely “well done” is all the payment they need. The more successful you help them to become, the more successful you will be as a pastor.
Ray Gilder is the Bivocational Ministries Specialist at the Tennesee Baptist Convention and is also a bivocational pastor. He has graciously shared the training he does for bivocational pastors in the following free articles:
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