Subscribe to the Network4 Places to Recruit Volunteers
There’s a bunch of sources for volunteers -I thought I would list 4 of my favorites to help spur you on to a successful youth ministry filled with volunteers. We’re always working on this one, too!
1) Adult Services – when was the last time you were on the adult service stage recruiting volunteers. While this one is obvious, sometimes the obvious is ignored. Bulletin insert? Promo video? Take some time and create something special so that when you do get stage time, you make it count.
2) Parent Meetings - Youth workers often shy away from parents as volunteers, but in all honesty, there’s some great youth worker parents out there. I do think you have to find the right person (not the overprotecting bike-helmet moms), don’t take just anyone and especially be leery of the ones that are a little too eager.
3) Retreats – there’s often a moment at the end of a conference or retreat where people make a commitment. They take a step of growth and accept a challenge. I want our student ministry to be right there with an HSM card in hand and have us ready for that conversation. Check the church calendar or website and look for these types of opportunities.
4) College Ministry – why not drop into your college ministry next week and see if you can’t round up some new small group leaders. Don’t expect one time recruitment to be successful, you might have to develop a relationship of trust together up some great students. And remember this will be hit and miss, college students have tough schedules and can get flaky. But the star volunteers you will discover will be worth it.
JG
I was actually challenged by my executive director/pastor to use any platform time to beat the drum of volunteer recruiting for student ministry. He basically said, “When else are you going to have that number of adults giving you their undivided attention?”