Churches in smaller cities, the places we target with the Comb & Sticks Networks. One of the biggest challenges is little money, big visions… with no help to “get it done.” With little money comes, NONE or little staff. But, as pastors we need staff, we need a team to run with us, help us, stand by our side and understand the vision God has poured into our hearts! But we can’t afford them….
So, you have to find volunteers that will function like staff, well almost…I have seen 5-Actions that really help build a volunteer team, that would rival many paid staff. Here they are…
1- Huge Vision. People don’t step up to the plate just becasuse there is a plea for someone to clean the nursery. Quality leaders and volunteers step INTO vision where they see their gifts and efforts are a vital part of the whole.
2. Huge Time. You have to spend time with the volunteer team you are trying to build. You have to meet them where their schedules allow. But it takes a huge time investment (this IS you ministry!). Have them over to you home regularly as a team. Laugh, dream, cry and do life together.
3. Huge Heart. You simply must have a heart for your team that goes way beyond you guys just doing ministry together. You have to see each as individuals and find what makes them “tick” and wind it up! It means finding their passion and giving them permission to pursue it. It takes a huge heart for others to discover these and then release these!
4. Huge Love. This team of volunteers must be like your family! You love them deeply, so much so, they can see it, feel it, breathe it and smell it. If you are putting on a dog and pony show, just to get someone to do a job…Busted! They will find you out! “Love must be sincere.”
5. Huge Exposure. You must expose them to similar environments and passions you are trying to create. Take them to conferences, watch DVD series together that speaks to an issue you are trying to water and grow. Most of your volunteers will have never really seen or heard of what you are talking about. And a picture is worth a thousand words! So, take them, show them, teach them what you are trying to do. It will allow the scales to fall from their eyes and their hearts!
You aren’t trying to build a team that will just follow you. You are trying to build a team that will “die” (sacrificing themselves) with you!
“You aren’t trying to build a team that will just follow you. You are trying to build a team that will “die” (sacrificing themselves) with you!” LOVE THAT!
This is the ONLY way I could do church planting…… its just too hard and requires too much physically and emotionally to successfully ‘go for broke’ (which is what we are doing here).
Without knowing that our people will ride this ship down (if it fails) I cant run with abandon. In the first conversation with our team, my bottom line was, ‘family doesn’t run’…. I have to know that I can disappoint you, make you mad, or whatever… and you’ve still got my back….. your still in. This isnt about me. It’s about an assignment from God.
The one thing I might add, that we have learned by experience…. in a church plant, you cant put training wheels on anyone. They have to be tough enough and mature enough to go the distance without sucking the life out of those around them.
Dang it! Pam, you make the comment sound better than the blog! 🙂 I love it, blessings, strength, faith, power and perseverance to you and Paul and your great team!
Huge Belief – What you say creates culture . . . and what you say is what you really believe. If you complain about your limitations as a leader due to lack of paid staff you create culture. Your volunteers are listening. If you constantly “sell” the heart and ability of your volunteer staff you create a great volunteer culture in and around your ministry. BTW, in any situation you will eventually run out money for paid staff. Your potential vounteer base however is as big as your city.
RT @artiedavis: 5-Actions to turn Volunteers into "Staff" http://bit.ly/gPfl6M
“You aren’t trying to build a team that will just follow you. You are trying to build a team that will “die” (sacrificing themselves) with you!” LOVE THAT!
This is the ONLY way I could do church planting…… its just too hard and requires too much physically and emotionally to successfully ‘go for broke’ (which is what we are doing here).
Without knowing that our people will ride this ship down (if it fails) I cant run with abandon. In the first conversation with our team, my bottom line was, ‘family doesn’t run’…. I have to know that I can disappoint you, make you mad, or whatever… and you’ve still got my back….. your still in. This isnt about me. It’s about an assignment from God.
The one thing I might add, that we have learned by experience…. in a church plant, you cant put training wheels on anyone. They have to be tough enough and mature enough to go the distance without sucking the life out of those around them.
Good observations Artie.
Dang it! Pam, you make the comment sound better than the blog! 🙂 I love it, blessings, strength, faith, power and perseverance to you and Paul and your great team!
“….blessings, strength, faith, power and perseverance to you and Paul and your great team!”
Like a cool drink on a hot day…. thanks.
@revoatthewell says- I have to know that I can disappoint you, make you mad, or whatever and you’ve still got my back http://bit.ly/eYDBJr
RT @ArtieDavis 5-Actions to turn Volunteers into “Staff.” Churches in smaller cities, the places we t… http://bit.ly/eYDBJr
Artie,
Just have to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for your time and efforts. May God richly bless you today.
Blessings,
David Steunenberg
All leaders need to know how to do this.. 5-Actions to turn Volunteers into “Staff”: http://bit.ly/eYDBJr
This is a great post! Thanks!
Atie… This is fantastic. Passing this along.
Really appreciate that Christian! Great wknd to u bro!
This will save a leaders’ Life! 5-Actions to turn Volunteers into “Staff”: http://bit.ly/eYDBJr
Building volunteer staff – reposted from Artie Davis. http://artiedavis.com/2011/02/03/5-actions-to-turn-volunteers-into-staff/
Excellent Artie! Very encouraging!
My #6
Huge Belief – What you say creates culture . . . and what you say is what you really believe. If you complain about your limitations as a leader due to lack of paid staff you create culture. Your volunteers are listening. If you constantly “sell” the heart and ability of your volunteer staff you create a great volunteer culture in and around your ministry. BTW, in any situation you will eventually run out money for paid staff. Your potential vounteer base however is as big as your city.
Thanks Artie.