If you are like me, you’re busy recruiting volunteers for the upcoming ministry year. 
But as you face the realities of recruiting for your ministry team, is this the look that stares back at you in the mirror?
For some, recruiting comes naturally. (Just for the record, that is not me!) They love interacting with people and sharing about their ministry just rolls off their tongues. They are able to clearly communicate and cast vision for their ministry. Some recruit to tasks, although this is a no-no in my opinion. (You can read about that in a previous post.)
But for others, recruiting is down-right dreadful. Why? For some, it’s fear. Fear of the ask. Here are some reasons why:
- Insecurity and inadequacy: Some people have a hard time asking for help because it makes them look weak or inadequate. God does not want us to lead as a team of one. There are many parts that make up the body and each part is beneficial (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Celebrate the ways God has gifted our fellow brothers and sisters and kick that silo to the curb!
- Fear of rejection: No one likes to be told “no”, especially when we think that what we have to offer is the best thing happening. Despite our best efforts, we need to remember that it is God who puts a stirring in the hearts of people and a “no” might leave a “yes” available for someone who God will use to deeply impact our ministry.
- Need for control: Yep, I said it. Some people have a hard time letting go of this because they don’t want to hear the opinions of others and may feel that they might be upstaged. Enough said.
- Not knowing what you need: You know you need help. You’re just not sure what you need. Take an honest look at your ministry. What are your pressing needs? Write job descriptions for those needs and use those to help communicate what exactly you’re looking for.
- Waiting for your ministry to be “perfect”: I think it would be safe to say that we all want a ministry that we can be proud of. But if we’re working towards having all of our ducks in a row before we invite others into the process, we’ll be missing out on some our greatest blessings.
Don’t let fear stop you from inviting people into the ministry trenches with you! Allow God to unleash the potential that He has for your ministry!
What’s stopping you? What would you add to this list?
This is a great article!! I would add to include (in the job description) how many hours per day, week, month, would be required to do an effective job. This is essential to recruiting/inviting volunteers as I think what causes volunteers to run in the opposite direction is being overwhelmed and unprepared for the amount of time a job requires. Also providing resources to do the job well is a must. For example, if you ask someone to make copies each week, provide a good updated copier and a # to call if the machine should break. Kathie, love your attention to detail!
You are absolutely correct, Kathy. Thanks for the input!