Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: The Pareto Principle
you’ve never heard of the Pareto Principle, chances are you’ve probably experienced it. The Pareto Principle basically states that 80% of the effects are produced by 20% of the cause. In ministry, as it relates to volunteers, this is usually translated into 80% of the work is done by 20% of the volunteers or congregation. This has got to change, especially in youth ministry.
Why? One simple reason–it leads to volunteer burnout. You will undoubtedly weaken your ministry if your best volunteers are carrying the weight of the work. A weakened youth ministry is a disservice to the students that are currently in the program and to those students that have not yet stepped foot into your building.
As you think about your own ministry, here are some ways to reverse or avoid falling into this principle:
1. Don’t over program. The more programs you have the more they are going to need staff, leaders & volunteers.
2. Clearly communicate your ministry’s vision. Make sure every volunteer, student & parent knows the vision. If you want to know if you’re communicating the vision, ask them. If they don’t know, you’re not communicating it clearly.
3. Organize yourself. If you’re not organized, neither will your ministry. People will notice this right away. Disorganization can appear that you aren’t taking this seriously and then neither will they.
4. Reward your volunteers, often. Rewarding volunteers regularly is cheaper than hiring staff (you can tell that to the senior pastor)
5. You do the hard stuff. Don’t pass on the responsibilities that you don’t want to do or have time for to the volunteers (see number 3).
If you or your ministry is experiencing the Pareto Principle, we’d love to hear how you’ve overcome or dealt with this issue.
Kevin Cooper serves in student ministries at Meadow Park Church in Columbus, OH. Find his lifestream mini-blog at http://kevincooperblog.com
