Tag Archives: Serving

Developing Volunteer Ministries

Posted on January 4, 2011 by in Idea Sharing, Leadership, Teams

Here is a simple suggestion that could be used by any church. Each week in the program, list a group of people who have served the church that month in some area. For example:

  • Week one: all of the people who have been part of the worship band
  • Week two: all of the people who have served in the children’s ministry area
  • Week three: all of the people in the set-up, sound, media and hospitality
  • Week four: all the leaders of home groups

The idea is to recognize all volunteers. In a large church, you might want to subdivide these over several months, so that the lists are not too long. But the idea is to list each person’s name who volunteers periodically. Don’t forget people who volunteer in the office: bulletin folders, people who make copies, people who help with the offerings and accounting, etc.

This would accomplish a number of things:

  • Recognize those who serve
  • Highlight to those who do not serve the opportunities for service
  • Help the congregation get to know people who are serving and build community
  • Help the congregation know how many people it takes to provide the church’s ministries
  • Recognize people publically who are not usually seen by the general congregation

There is an old saying, “You get what you recognize”. When we express appreciation, we demonstrate that we believe those who volunteer are important to the ministry.

Mel

Volunteers

Posted on December 29, 2010 by in Book Reflection, Idea Sharing

I recently read a great book, “The Volunteer Book” by Denise Locker. It is a very clear, practical and helpful book on how churches and nonprofits can more effectively use volunteers. The focus is on volunteers Monday through Friday, not Sunday. I highly recommend it.

Most churches could get far more done if they would use volunteers to help in the office and on their campus. The author gives very concrete and practical tools on how to do this effectively. Whether the church is large or small, if they would develop and use volunteers more, they would better accomplish their mission. They would also allow their congregation to use their gifts and skills for kingdom work.

I have always used and believed in using volunteers, but this book had so many ideas I had never thought of. I would encourage pastors to read this short book. It will help you develop as a church. If you have a secretary, I would also encourage you to have them read it. They would quickly identify areas that volunteers could help.

The use of volunteers is one of the most untapped resources available to churches.

Book Rating “A”

Locker, Denise. The Volunteer Book : A Guide for Churches and Nonprofits. Kansas City, Mo.: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2010.