Training Volunteers

I’ve often said that if you get bored working at a church, then you’re doing something wrong. There’s always something to do; the demands seem endless. Pray. Read. Study. Teach. Visit. Share. Listen. Clean up. Paint. Move. Organize. How many times do I come into work with a “to-do” list which by the end of the day is not only longer than when the day started but also has few, if any, items checked off? I have to admit, I love checking things off the list. In fact, I have been known to write something on the list just so that I can have the satisfaction of checking it off. 

With so many demands and an ever-changing schedule in ministry, it’s easy to see why training volunteers often falls to the bottom of the list, and seldom gets a checkmark on the to-do list. Just the amount of time involved in recruiting volunteers is enough, it seems, to keep kicking the actual process of training of volunteers to the curb. 

But, let’s be honest, deep down we all know that training must be done. For several reasons, I believe it must move up on our to-do list. Training volunteers must become a priority. 

Why is it so important to invest time and energy in training volunteers?

If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

As a self-confessed perfectionist, I’ll admit this is my mantra. It resonates deep in my soul. But let’s think about this as it relates to volunteer positions in the church. If we create a ministry position that needs a volunteer, that implies we believe the job is important. If it’s not, then we need to reconsider whether it is a position in the first place. So, if you reevaluate and decide to keep the position, then you are also admitting that it matters how someone does the job. Training becomes vital.

First impressions matter.

Many of the volunteer positions operate inside the church but may actually be “outward facing.” Think about it, does the position have anything to do with welcoming people or taking care of guests who are new to the church? Then, remember that first impressions matter. Volunteers must be prepared to be on time, to greet people with warmth and a smile, to communicate clearly, and to follow-up appropriately.

Training increases longevity.

Let’s be honest, recruiting volunteers in ministry can take up a lot of our time. What if I told you there is a secret to retaining volunteers? The key to keeping good volunteers is to train them well. When a volunteer knows what is expected of them and is prepared to meet expectations, they are far less likely to get frustrated or overwhelmed. In fact, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and accomplished.

Training shows good leadership. 

Good leaders invest in their people. They listen to their concerns. They hear their frustrations. They respond to struggles and systemic issues. A good leader communicates clearly and sets the bar of expectation. A good leader sets the example and models what he/she expects from volunteers.

Training lays the groundwork for accountability.

One of my pet peeves is to be held accountable for something for which I did not know I was accountable. But when expectations are clearly communicated, the stage is set for accountability between the leader and the volunteer. Accountability should go both ways. A leader must be accountable just as much as the volunteer.

Training communicates the why.

Training should emphasize not just the logistics of ministry but, more importantly, the why of ministry.  When volunteers understand why they are doing what they are being asked to do, they are more likely to be committed to the job, to see the purpose, and to be willing to work harder to achieve something that is of more value than meets the eye.

We represent Christ in everything we do.

As Paul says in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We have the greatest job in the world – representing Christ in the world. This applies to everything we do. So, every volunteer job in the church matters because every believer has the same job – to point others to Christ. 

So, let me encourage us all, lean into the work of training volunteers. Spend time in prayer seeking God’s wisdom for recruiting and training volunteers. Then get creative in how you train them. Listen to their needs. Care for their well-being. In doing so, you are equipping the saints for the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). 

Author: Jerry Welch, Family Discipleship Pastor, Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Ridgeland MS