Volunteer Management: Best Practices

Carol Cartmill

Online Resources

li.cor.org/resource

PrinciplesWhat 1-3 words capture your guiding principles for volunteer management?

noun: principle; plural noun: principlesA fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. synonyms: truth, proposition, concept, idea, theory, assumption, fundamental, essential, ground rule

3 Words to Consider• Relevant– I know the purpose; how it helps the church, the

people I serve, and my growth as a disciple• Realistic– What you ask me to do is a reasonable match for

my gifts, interests and availability• Relational– I matter to you more than the task you want me to

accomplish

Our Purpose is: to build a Christian community

where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming

deeply committed Christians

On a life-long Journey:To know, love and serve God and others

Invite Connect

Equip Sustain

Invite

You need me?Why?What do you want me to do?What’s the purpose?What are the expectations?

Mission Fair 2015 – Give Back 25

The Technical Arts Ministry is looking for a few good souls that are

passionate about telling the Gospel with lights, sound and video.

You will be serving God in a fun and exciting team mentor atmosphere

where training is provided and no experience is necessary.

Anyone age 15+ is encouraged to be a Jesus Roadie with us!

• Leverage current volunteers

• Easy access, non-intimidating entry points

• Appealing communications & themes

• Intentional forethought & planning

• Make it personal & relational

• Tell stories & utilize social media

• Look to your ministry participants

• Make it fun!

Reflect & Share

What is one successful invitation idea you have seen in practice at your church?

Connect

Does this ministry role fit my gifts and interests?Have I been welcomed by other volunteers?Who will follow up with me? When?What happens if this doesn’t work?

Spiritual gifts TalentsResourcesIndividual styleDreamsExperiences

Serving from the H

eart

Tips Connect within 48 hours Make introductions and remind existing

volunteers to welcome new ones Check-in to confirm fit

Challenges Bad connections happen The grunt work Inward focus

Equip

What support will I receive?Who will train me?What resources must be provided?Who do I call if I need help?

Simple logistical information in writing

Ride –along’s & peer-to-peer development

Fellowship, Food, Formation, Focus

Newsletters/emails/texts w/key updates

Depth of training = responsibility level

Clear expectations and communication

Sustain

Do I feel appreciated?Is this joyful work?How is it making a difference?Does the leadership know and care for me?How do I invite others to join me so we can grow the ministry?

Create community / Make it fun

Share stories of ministry impact

Seek and respond to feedback

Express appreciation in a personal way

Share leadership and responsibility

Pray for each other

Your Action Plan

• Invite• Connect• Equip• Sustain– One action step in each area– Who, what & when?

Volunteer Management: Best Practices

Carol Cartmill