The Case of the Eager Volunteer

   Sally’s family started attending Quest church six months ago. Her husband’s job required travel away from home two weeks a month, and, with their two elementary-age children in school, she hoped to volunteer at church. In their previous church, Sally sang on the worship team, assisted with the middle school ministry, and mentored some of the teenage girls. She wished to get involved at Quest in similar ways. 

            One Sunday, Sally noticed a card in the church program asking potential volunteers to indicate an interest by completing the card and placing it in the offering bag. The card stated that someone from the church would contact her to discuss placement in a ministry. Eagerly, she filled the card out and turned it in that day. When she didn’t hear anything the following week, she filled it out again the next Sunday, thinking the first card was misplaced in the church office. She waited an additional three weeks, and not having heard anything, she completed it a third time. After hearing nothing again, she gave up, telling her husband, “I guess they don't need me.”

            Sally’s story is told repeatedly by people who once desired to volunteer, but who couldn’t  get noticed. Gifted people who are successful at their place of employment can’t get recruited in their own church. Talented newcomers don’t understand how to become involved at their new church. Potential volunteers eager to serve can’t get noticed.

         Three Questions: #1: Do you have a clear process for recruiting volunteers? #2: If you ask ten new people if they know how to get involved in your church, what percentage would be aware of your process? #3: How consistently do you work your process.

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