Recruiting volunteers can be the hardest part about serving in ministry. When it comes to the tech booth, it can be even harder. For instance, there’s a barrier to having some knowledge of computers and technology. It can be tricky, but here are some helpful steps to make the process easier.
1) Don’t be Afraid to Ask…
It’s a risk to ask. To put yourself out there and get told “No”. But you might get a “Yes”. And you’ll never know unless you ask. From a last-minute fill-in to a rotating volunteer, asking is the first step to recruiting volunteers. But how you ask is important to know…
2) Give a Reason “Why”
When you ask people, in person or from the stage, you should answer the question of “Why?” Why should they volunteer? Why should they give you their time? Give potential volunteers a reason to volunteer. It can be funny, dramatic or inspirational, but it should always answer the question of “Why?”
3) Time Commitment
When you ask, give a time estimate of the commitment, like one Sunday a month. It helps people to know that by volunteering, they won’t get burned out, or overused. It also shows that you, as the leader, are organized and have reasonable expectations of what is expected of a volunteer. If you don’t know the time commitment you’ll be asking of future volunteers, then spend some time organizing your volunteer schedule. It will make a BIG difference when it comes to your time and theirs.
4) Community
If you don’t have a relationship with your team of volunteers currently, work on it! People stay around when they feel appreciated for what they do. Part of that is building a relationship and community with the people on your team. If you build that, you’re not only building lasting relationships with your team, you’re also incentivizing others to join your team. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a team that genuinely cares and looks out for each other? When we build up others, it becomes an example of Christ’s love that draws others in.
5) Get Creative!
Asking people to volunteer doesn’t need to be drudgery and dragging your feet. Get creative! Host a pizza night with a talk about what being a volunteer means in your ministry area. Use puns in your volunteer recruitment copy. Share a testimony about your team and how proud you are of them. Basically, don’t just read some lines off of a page. Put some life and creativity into your ask. It will create a memorable announcement that people will remember after the service is over.
