Overcoming the code words
iStock
Studies over the past three to four decades consistently point out that recruiting and motivating volunteers is one of the top one or two issues facing pastors.
Most pastors don't relish the work of recruiting and motivating new volunteers.
If you've ever heard someone say, "I'll pray about it," you know that's simply code for "I don't think so." How can you get beyond the code of rejection? Here are some general ideas to consider.
1. Begin with prayer.At one point in his ministry, Jesus observed how people were distressed without a shepherd. Instead of sending his disciples to meet the people's needs, he called them to prayer.
"Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest," he told them (Matt. 9:38). This is where you must begin, asking God to raise up workers, leaders, and volunteers so you can fulfill his mission through your church.
2. Build a solid foundation.Recruiting begins with building a biblical theology of giftedness. Teach others that no one has all the gifts necessary to build a church. Let them know that everyone has at least one spiritual gift to use in serving the body (1 Pet. 4:10). Encourage them to discover their gifts and to start using them.
3. Analyze your process. Ask questions. Has the church erected conscious or unconscious barriers that discourage people from volunteering? Do people understand the need? Is there a clarity about what is to be done? Is there a support system in place?
What is God saying to you through this vacancy? Work hard to discover what possible volunteers are saying beneath the surface when they refuse to participate. For example, are they rejecting the role because they don't like the leader? Or are they too busy?
Or are they misunderstanding what the role entails? Talk through the opportunity with them. If you let them talk long enough, and don't stop at their initial rejection, their true reason will become clear. When you find out the real reasons behind the rejection, you'll be able to address them.
4. Focus on people rather than programs. Examine the church by looking at the various ways the Holy Spirit has designed each person. Imagine how the church might function if the various parts of the body served based on their gifts. Gradually redeploy people who are already volunteering in accordance with their spiritual gifts. As you do, people will become more resistant to burnout, confident they are doing God's will, and fruitful in ministry.
5. Model off-stage ministry. If you want more people to serve, they need to see you and other leaders in ministry situations up close. To overcome people's reluctance to serve, let them know you experience pain, as well as victory, in ministry. Show them that ministry can grow out of weaknesses as well as strengths.
6. Trust people with ministry. If you're going to see results from your recruitment, you have to put your reputation, and the church's, on the line.
New recruits may not do ministry as well as you or other leaders in the church, but if you don't release control, you'll miss the life-giving power that comes from having others involved in serving.
You'll also have to give up feelings of perfection. Yes, you'll want to do ministry so it brings honor to God, but volunteers can't live under the tyranny of perfection. Reasonable mistakes are a price you pay for letting others serve.
Excerpted from The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor: Proven Practices for Balancing the Demands of Leading Your Church, by Gary L. McIntosh, Baker Books, a division ofBaker Publishing Group, June 8, 2021. Used by permission.
 | Gary L. McIntosh (PhD, DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is president of the Church Growth Network and professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is an internationally known speaker and church consultant who has written more than 25 books, including his most recent book, The Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone. He lives in California. Learn More » |
More on Church Leadership and Administration
- Eight essentials for guest-friendly church bulletins (by Thom Rainer)
- Eleven observations about church transfer growth (by Thom Rainer)
- A multicultural church avoids intracultural leadership (by Bob Whitesel)
- 5 church communication resolutions (by Mark MacDonald)
