1. Don’t Be Someone’s No.
Ever think about asking someone to serve in your ministry, but you’re so certain that they’ll say “No” that you don’t even bother to ask them? (Come on, you know you’ve done it!)
Instead of saying no for them, why not just ask them and let them answer for themselves? They just might say, “Yes!”
2. No One Swims Toward a Sinking Ship.
Ever asked someone to serve on your team from a place of desperation? If you’ve ever used this method or been tempted to, it doesn’t work. It makes your potential volunteers think something is either wrong with you as a leader or you as a volunteer.
People want to serve with great leaders on positive teams that are moving forward (not sinking).
When inviting people to serve, give them all the positive reasons they will want to serve on your team.
3. One is a Lonely Number.
Let’s face it. Some volunteer roles really don’t require more than one person. Even if that is the case, try to give all of your volunteers opportunities to build community. When people feel isolated or alone, it’s lonely, and not a fun way to serve.
As long as your volunteers feel like they are on a “team,” they will happily serve in their “one-man” role.
4. Keep it Real When it Comes to Praise.
People need to be reminded (often) why they are doing what they are doing. Real, actual reasons. Sure it sounds very spiritual to say that people are changing people’s lives, or impacting the Kingdom, but you have to tell them whose life they are actually changing or in what way they are actually impacting the kingdom.
Just remember to keep it real.
What are some of the best methods you use to recruit new volunteers and/or to help them succeed?
