I'd just like to say thanks for this article!! This is the issue at the fore of my mind at the moment and so it was encouraging to read your words and use them as a bit of measure for what we are doing. I have also just finished reading 'Volunteers that Stick' by Jim Wideman. It's focused on Children's Ministry, however the principles would apply to volunteers generally - for anyone thinking this through, I really recommend this book as a must read!!

I can share one thing I do if anyone is interested - I have a Volunteer Appreciation Folder which has a list of different ways I can thank and show appreciation to my volunteers in it. I then make sure I am regularly sending my volunteers a card/encouragement or for significant efforts perhaps a thank you gift - & I make a note in my folder of who I sent what to and when.

This system has 2 particular perks - firstly, having the folder on my desk is a constant reminder to do things that might otherwise slip my mind in the busyness of the week. Second, I can keep a track of who I have acknowledged to make sure I don't miss anyone or play favourites (unintentionally) thanking only those I have the most regular contact with.

I'd love to hear what others do!

This article makes a ton of sense. I'm thinking particularly about small group leaders, since it's usually so hard to find volunteers for that role.

But it could really apply to anything in the church.

First of all, I'd like to comment that I have a different opinion than Nancy as I think it is harder to lead volunteers than it is to lead employees. I've had experience with both as a manager in Corporate America and a Women's Ministry Director in the church. I think the main difference is that employees have a deeper sense of commitment, even when their lives get busy because, after all, their jobs are their livelihood. Volunteers on the other hand are more likely to not "show" due to busyness or emotional issues because they aren't being paid. That has just been my experience.

Now to deeper relationships... I have found that the deeper the relationship I have with my volunteers, the more loyal they are to the "vision". In addition, the deeper relationship provides a framework where each of us can better understand how we each "tick", what motivates us, how we learn, etc. The best part is that by knowing my volunteers better, the better I am able to shepherd them and help them grow in various areas of their lives.

Getting to know the volunteers is difficult because in our culture (at least in mine), people are so busy they can barely attend meetings, let alone attend an additional one to get to know each other. The coming early idea is a good one, however, getting people to just show up on time is another challenge as well. I've had success though incorporating a meal into the meeting time. It makes the time last a little longer, but ladies are more apt to be on time and socialize a bit if there is a meal preceeding the "real" meeting.

This is an excellent topic! Good volunteers are so critical to any ministry. I am responsible for both paid employees and volunteers in our ministry and found myself saying "yes!" more than once while reading Nancy's article. We have volunteers and staff who have been with us for a long time--more than ten years--and I attribute alot of that to what Nancy talks about: making volunteers a part of the team by sharing vision and giving a sense of community.

One thing I'd like to add that has helped us keep our volunteers, is that, just as with paid employees, we make sure that the person's gifts/interests match the job they're being asked to do. We have job descriptions for the volunteer positions, just like the paid positions, and we have an informal interview with a potential volunteer before ever asking them to join our team--making sure they have the skills we need, and that we are the kind of ministry they want to give their time to. It saves a lot of grief if its a good match right from the beginning.

I can also relate with Janna's experience of volunteers not being as reliable as paid employees. We've just decided to acknowledge from the beginning that that is the way it will be (saves alot of frustration!)and have backups in place for the times our volunteers can't come (one of the reasons they volunteer is because they want more flexibility than a job). We do ask them to let us know ahead of time if they can't keep a commitment and we keep a calendar in the office with their names on the dates they will be working.

Lastly, it was mentioned in every comment, but it can't be over emphasized that we can never express our appreciation too much! Our ministry could not exist without our volunteers and we make sure they know that--and that what they do makes a difference for eternity.

The word "volunteer" is not well chosen! What about the incredible manifestation of God´s grace through us, living stones being fitted together, the church, the body of Christ?

I am a spiritual care volunteer at Orlando Regional Healthcare, Fl., in the ICU units of Medical, Neuro, and Surgical. I can tell you that all our volunteers are very faithfully dedicated to serving Him through serving others. We deal with patients/families in very distraught situations. I am also in the Noone Dies Alone program. We all care very much and even though we don't expect it; we receive adbundance of blessings by serving others.

I'm a volunteer. I would be just as committed to the ministry even if I was paid. At a former church the first time I volunteered for something and was late, I appologized for being late and the church secretary smiled and said " thats o.k. you're just a volunteer." That attitude is usually the problem. When I scheduled other volunteers I had one young adult that seemed to arrive late or not show up so I would call him every time. That didn't work and the Childrens Ministry Pastor said he was going to let him go. I asked for one more try. I asked this volunteer for a meeting and we talked and I let him know just how much we counted on him and how much he meant to the kids [he was great with the kids] and the example he sets when he is here. He was responcible after that. Don't devalue a volunteer. Remember to thank their families too!
Vi

Thank you, for the article. How do you get the two to work together? I have learned that the voluntees in Administrative Office were being attacked by staff. (They felt their jobs were on the line, because of the excellant work being done daily).

By using the term "Volunteer" we devalue the people whom God has gifted to do His work. Leaders are to "Equip all God's people to do ministry" and I do not see any difference between those who are paid in money to be Christians and those who are paid in spiritual blessings. I am working with so many persons who have released their gifts and talents joyfully for many years to now withdraw from those roles out of a sense of being used to "Build some visionary's kingdom". Almost every article I read about "leadership" sounds like a brochure for how to get people motivated to "serve the oprganization" rather than the other way around. When given a chance and permission Christians will hear God's call and do His works without external motivation, not as "volunteers" but as "co-laborers with Christ".

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