Maintaining an adequate number of skilled and effective volunteers for your ministry or organization can be challenging. Whether for a single event or a weekly worship experience, we can all struggle with finding the people we need to make it happen.
However, there are some people and organizations that are better at building volunteer teams than others. So the big question is, “What is their secret?” Unfortunately, I’m not sure that there is a “secret”—but there are seven common characteristics that I have noticed about thriving volunteer teams.
1. They have a clear vision.
Your team needs to know exactly why they are doing what they are doing. Everyone on the team should be able to communicate your mission statement, not just in word but also in action.
2. They understand their expectations.
Let your team members know exactly what they are supposed to be doing. One of the worst things that can happen to a volunteer is that they feel lost or uncertain of their responsibilities. Remember that volunteers usually break through the gate with a higher level of energy. The key to capitalizing on that energy level is not just responsive excitement, but always being ready to communicate what you expect them to do.
3. They practice accountability.
Even if a volunteer appears to be the greatest asset you could possibly have for the ministry, compromising the overall expectation level for that one individual will begin the process of team breakdown. It’s much better to have that team member exit than to lose control and have an entire team that believes they can do whatever they wish. Be consistent with team accountability and hold all members to that established standard.
4. They highly value team input.
Your ministry will have a clear mission, but the methods of getting to that vision should “look like” your volunteers. You, as a leader, need to allow your team to provide input in getting to the vision, then implement the suggestions that align with where the organization is going. This process gives each volunteer a level of ownership that is critical for team development and retention. Allowing your team to help evaluate and develop the path to success only emphasizes your security as a leader and willingness to listen to others.
5. They live life together.
Learn to have fun and talk about something other than the objectives and priorities of the ministry. People have a life outside of that. Let them know you are interested in other parts of their lives, as well—not just what they are doing as it relates to their volunteer responsibilities.
6. They continually recruit.
Learn to create a culture of multiplication by motivating everyone on the team to recruit new members. This spans from the highest level leader to the brand new, entry-level volunteer.
7. They pray.
As church and ministry leaders we can never forget the most vital part of growing an established volunteer team: prayer. Jesus said, “So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Matt. 9:38).
I’m certain that you can build a strong volunteer base for your ministry. However, I’m not certain that there is an exact formula that works everywhere, as each ministry looks different and has its own unique culture. But these seven characteristics will absolutely help you move in the right direction.
L.J. Johnson is an associate pastor at Christ Alive Church in Newton, North Carolina.
