Volunteers are looking for a leader with
vision...
Here's what I know about people: Give them a cause and a hero --
and they'll rally around them both. As a children's ministry
leader, you have a cause. And guess what? Jesus wants to use you to
be the hero. There are seven things volunteers are looking for in
you as their heroic leader.
- Volunteers are looking for a leader with vision. People want to
be part of something bigger than themselves. Have you ever noticed
that losing teams don't sell much merchandise? Everyone wants to
identify with a winner. When you show up with a God-inspired
vision, people will hook up and run with it.
- Volunteers want a leader who possesses strength. Second Timothy 2:1 says, "You then, my son, be
strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." What this is telling
us is that we can be confident in our calling as children's
ministry leaders. God equips those he calls. We must possess the
strength Jesus gives. Remember, you can do all things through
Christ who strengthens you!
- Volunteers want a leader with a plan. If a general has a battle
plan and a successful coach has a game plan, why do we in
children's ministry think we can succeed without a plan?
- Volunteers want excellence. No one wants to be identified with
shoddy work. Volunteers know that their attachment to your style of
ministry is also a reflection on them. Help them shine!
- Volunteers want to be informed. Communication is a must. Hosea 4:6 tells us "My people are destroyed
from lack of knowledge." Do your team members know your vision,
purpose, plan, and structure? Communication is hard work because it
doesn't happen on its own. I use brochures, newsletters, calendars,
meetings, email, and Web sites to communicate.
- Volunteers want to be a part of a real movement of God. One of
the most-asked questions I hear is, "How do you get parents to not
think of your ministry as babysitting?" That's simple: Don't
babysit! Are kids growing closer to Christ in your ministry? Are
children lovers of the Word? Do they live what they learn? Don't
play church, have church!
- Volunteers want a leader who doesn't rely on past
accomplishments. An up-to-date leader points others to their next
level. Keep pointing the way and setting the pace.
Be the leader others want to follow.
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"Volunteers aren't paid -- not because they're worthless, but
because they're priceless."
-- Marlene Wilson
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Jim Wideman (www.jimwideman.com) is author of Volunteers That Stick (Group Publishing,
Inc.). Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and
prices are subject to change.
