The budget of our church’s volunteer program got a substantial bump this year. Thankfully, we are now able to hire a full-time coordinator. What are the most important parts of a volunteer program that we should shift to her, the expert? — a reader
My Response:
Glad to hear your church is joining those adding a staff position for volunteerism, and I’m especially glad you’re starting by thinking through your expectations.
In everyone’s dream world, you’d be able to go to this person to place your order for the two Sunday school teachers and the four ushers you need, plus someone to head the rummage sale, and 24 hours later she’d have them all ready to go to work! I wish it were that easy, . . . Read more.
In the past year, we’ve had a huge influx of millennials into our church. What’s the best way to recruit these individuals for service? — a reader
My Response:
It’s a great blessing when the family of God includes people of all generations. It’s also a great challenge when the younger generation has differing values, habits, and expectations.
The best answer to your question is to ask to a millennial. Talk to the millennials in your family or in the next pew. Take some out for a latte. Ask where they’ve volunteered and why; what moves them to give their time; and what signals a place as somewhere they don’t want to volunteer. In the meantime, here’s what I’ve been seeing and reading: Read more
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