How to Serve the Volunteer Teams You LeadJacob FlemingThu, 03/28/2024 - 00:05 Nothing compares to the privilege of serving in the house of the Lord! My heart echoes David's: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).Along with that privilege comes responsibility; and when that responsibility includes leading others, it is imperative that we have a plan. My pastor, mentor, and friend, Dr. Paul Chappell, says, “Churches struggle when they establish goals without a strategy and ministry without structure.” Unfortunately, many times our volunteer teams never reach their full potential because of a lack of structure.? Following are five simple principles that can help you serve the volunteer team you lead and establish a culture that promotes the forward momentum of God's work.? Strategically Recruit? To lead a volunteer team, we must first have willing and able volunteers. Some volunteers will do just that—volunteer. Others, we need to recruit. And then, we must have the wisdom to place each volunteer where they will have the most impact on a weekly basis.? As leaders, we should have a personal goal to set each volunteer up for success. One of the most helpful ways to know where specific volunteers will be successful is to learn what their spiritual and natural gifts are and then involve them in areas where their gifts will be put to the best use. In addition to gifting, different areas of ministry require different levels of oversight and discernment. For instance, stocking guest tables or preparing refreshments for an event wouldn't involve the extensive background checks verifying childcare workers would require.? The fact is, God has created every person precious and unique, fitted to serve Him. As ministry leaders, we want to help our volunteer teams reach their potential by serving in their naturally gifted areas. Generally speaking, it is much easier to take a little time and effort to discern the right position for a volunteer than it is to make an adjustment when someone is already actively serving in the position that you have (mistakenly) placed them in.Think, for example, of a church member volunteering for “whatever you need me to do.” At the moment, you happen to need door greeters for the first impressions team. This volunteer, however, has an introverted personality. Should you place this volunteer in the door greeter position? Most likely, that wouldn't be the best fit. But this volunteer could shine in many other areas. Perhaps they could still be on the first impressions team, but doing the work of stocking supplies, treats, etc. On the other hand, there may be more extroverted people who would be happier to greet, knowing that the more tedious work of stocking supplies is cared for.? Equip with Resources? As ministry leaders, we are to equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). One of the greatest ways you can encourage your volunteer team to reach their potential is to equip them with the training and resources they need to excel in that specific ministry. Here are four areas in which you can equip your volunteers:? Job descriptions: Write out a purpose statement for each ministry with key responsibilities for each volunteer position. (The book Order in the Church by Paul Chappell has some helpful sample descriptions.) If you have not provided clear communication to a volunteer, don't get frustrated when they don't serve exactly how you desire.? Clear expectations: Volunteers want to be told what is expected. A great way to frustrate your volunteer team is to leave your expectations open-ended or fuzzy.? Contact information: If a volunteer has questions or an emergency on the day that they are serving, who do they call? Give them your phone number and the phone numbers of any other people they should turn to for help.Periodic training: Strategically schedule ministry meetings throughout the year during which you can provide further training. For instance, you may train your first impressions team three weeks before Easter so everyone has a fresh reminder of the ways to serve first-time guests.? Reward Regularly? It is impossible to encourage the wrong person. Volunteers sacrifice time and often finances to actively participate in serving our Lord. It's a good thing to recognize their sacrifice and encourage them to keep up the great work. Regular recognition can put wind in the sails of your team members. Here are some suggestions:Yearly: Recognize a ministry team in a Sunday night service.Quarterly: Write a thank you note with a candy bar.Monthly: Have a bite-size treat, waiting at their serving station.? Weekly: Verbalize your gratitude with a heart-felt “thank you.”Value the Team's Response? Your volunteer has strategically been placed, equipped with resources and training, and is feeling encouraged by serving. By now, there's a great chance that they have gleaned knowledge in their ministry and have ideas that can make their specific ministry even better. To be effective leaders, we must take the time to listen to their input.It's easy to receive compliments. But leaders are willing to receive complaints too. Make sure the compliments don't go to your head, and make sure to handle the complaints prayerfully and responsively.? Empower Responsibly? The purpose of delegation is not for you to do less, but for you to get more done effectively. The leader should always be watching for a volunteer team member that potentially could step up and help co-lead a part of the ministry. Be willing to share the ministry and allow well-trained volunteers to be empowered to help make decisions.? The person who builds by himself won't accomplish nearly as much as if he had a team of leaders helping him build. Can you imagine Nehemiah building the walls by himself? He would have ended up in the place many of us have found, or nearly found, ourselves: blown up, burned out, or quitting in discouragement. Build your volunteer team, and build with your volunteer team.It is my prayer that these five principles will encourage you as you serve your volunteer teams.? Strategically Recruit? Equip with Resources? Reward Regularly? Value the Team's Response? Empower Responsibly? Category Pastoral Leadership Ministry Resources Order in the Church Order in the Church Dr. Paul Chappell Guided by Grace Guided by Grace Dr. Paul Chappell Tags Local Church Church Service Leadership

A little planning can enhance your eclipse viewing experience!

Plan ahead to maximize your total solar eclipse viewing experience.

“When you go on the internet, please pray for the Hoffman Family – your missionaries to Cyberspace.” Volume 36? Issue 5? (September/October/2023) Greetings? in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The Latest News: Bob’s prostate cancer is back. He has started on two years of hormone therapy and starts seven weeks of radiation therapy on […]The post Bob and Maureen Hoffman September/October 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Missionaries to Cyberspace.

Andrew Torba, an ultraconservative web commentator, turned on the radio a few weeks ago and discovered a secret war on Christmas.The post Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer's plot to ruin Christmas, and America appeared first on Baptist News Global.

In the last couple of weeks, three issues have dominated debate in Britain: the Israeli/Hamas war in Gaza, the COVID-19 inquiry and Rishi Sunak's migration deal with the Rwandan government. Of the three, the British and Rwandan government’s plan designed...The post Despite a Supreme Court judgment stopping Britain's migration deal with Rwanda, Sunak administration presses on appeared first on Baptist News Global.

After three weeks of chaos, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives finally elected a new speaker — Mike Johnson of Louisiana's 4th Congressional District. While Johnson has served in Congress since 2017, and most recently held the position...The post New speaker of the House once led never-opened Paul Pressler School of Law appeared first on Baptist News Global.

Former president Donald Trump received pushback from prominent pro-life leaders over the weekend when he said he opposes Florida's heartbeat abortion ban and added that he wants to work toward a nationwide compromise on the issue, perhaps around 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Archaeologists and workers in Israel in recent weeks have unearthed eight steps at the Pool of Siloam as part of a major project that will reveal – for the first time in centuries – the very stones that Jesus and the men and women of Scripture once walked.

A few weeks ago, voters in Ohio rejected a ballot measure that would have made it harder to amend the state's constitution. As it stands, to amend Ohio's constitution only requires 50% of the vote plus one. Issue 1 would have raised that threshold to 60%.The turnout for this vote was unexpectedly high for what appeared to be a procedural change. It was the only issue on the ballot. However, this vote was not merely about a procedure. It was also about abortion.

This year was one of the best weeks at camp that we've ever had. There was lots of fun, the teens rekindled some old friendships, and most importantly the preaching (and the teens' response to it) was great! Big thanks to everyone who prayed and gave of their time and money ...

It’s a boy, Liam Isaiah Thorpe was born on May 26, 2009. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations Brandy and Rob. Brandy’s baby shower at FBC a few weeks ago. Stephanie, Jessica, and Rochelle try to put as many cotton balls in the bowl, blindfolded, and on top of their heads! And [...]

A new men’s class is starting May 3 during the 11 a.m. hour. Based on the series “The Man I Want To Be” by Neal Jeffreys, the class will meet for 12 weeks in the large classroom upstairs. Building on the themes introduced at the recent men’s retreat, the LDP (Life Development Process) class [...]

A new men’s class is starting May 3 during the 11 a.m. hour. Based on the series “The Man I Want To Be” by Neal Jeffreys, the class will meet for 12 weeks in the large classroom upstairs. Building on the themes introduced at the recent men’s retreat, the LDP (Life Development Process) class [...]

Listen to this sermon here Three weeks ago we began to study one of the most familiar passages of Scripture in all the Bible… the Lord’s Prayer.  Now familiarity can be good, but there can also be a down side… it’s possible to think, “I already know this.”  Knowing is one thing, but putting into practice [...]

Christians in Colombia were still searching for a Christian leader Wednesday, November 12, more than six weeks after he disappeared amid reports that several fellow pastors were killed by leftist rebels.

More than five weeks after town bosses in Chiapas state, Mexico, signed an agreement to restore water lines cut off from Christians since January, the Protestants still rely on dirty, distant wells and puddles for washing and drinking.

Yesterday's report on neonatal survival rates, along with resounding evidence produced by the world's leading foetal pain expert, Professor Anand, that a foetus feels pain from quite an early stage - certainly at 20 weeks - makes the recent science and technology committee report redundant. It also serves to highlight the selective way in which the evidence was presented.

Christians in Colombia were still searching for a Christian leader Wednesday, November 12, more than six weeks after he disappeared amid reports that several fellow pastors were killed by leftist rebels.

Dear Friends, Greetings from Peru once again by the mercies of our Lord! I’ve been in Peru for two weeks now taking care of Mission business and getting our bills paid up. Anita was not able to make this short trip with me because she needed to recuperate a few weeks after her last chemo therapy [...]

Welcome to the new web home of Jordan Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida. We will be adding to and completing the rest of the site in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more. Our service times are listed to the right and directions are on the contact page. Please e-mail me if you have [...]

Reasons churches don't ask clown ministries to return: 10.Pesky escaped balloons stuck to the Sanctuary ceiling for weeks after they've gone. 9.That cream pie

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: Obama message 4 weeks in the making Final Joshua message now free First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "A long vacation is what prevented any notes from being sent out for the last 3 weeks.  However, I have used much of that time writing a very special sermon for use either of the next 2 Sundays.  I pray it is a blessing to you and your people at such a time as this."   Just released:1/18/09 - "The Audacity of Faith" - Daniel 3:1-3:30 Talk about ‘change we can believe in’--you’ll never be more changed than when you believe in the real Messiah, Jesus Christ, and when you have the audacity to place your faith in ‘That One’.   [Special Obama Inauguration / What's Next Theme] Note:  The above is a special release that usually would be for sale, but we're making it free like all our other sermons, asking only that you RECOMMEND it to others to help spread the truth!  Please take 10 seconds and rate this sermon now.   1/11/09 - "Choose You This Year" - Joshua 24:15 It was not only a new day for the Jews, but a new year...a new era! 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I want to pick up where we left off two weeks ago. There were several significant events that we looked at… the disciples were arguing over which one of them is the greatest, (that in and of itself is bad, but for them to be arguing about which one of them is the [...]