You finally have a good group of volunteers who show up regularly and have been trained by you and the best in the business. Speaking of, you have taken your team through The National day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training, right?
But now, how do you care for these volunteers? How do you make sure they stick around and our ministering from full cups?
The best advice I’ve got for you is to treat your volunteer team like your own small group.
What are the things that you suggest your volunteers do for your students on the weekly basis?
- Communicate and check-in
- Show interest in their hobbies and activities
- Pray for them regularly
Communicating and Check-in
One of the easiest things you can do is send your volunteers a text message after you meet for youth group. It can be the day after so that you’re not texting them. Crazy late at night.
Ask him how they’re doing. Ask him how they’re Small Group went last night. Ask them if there was anything YOU could’ve done to make their night better.
Just checking in like this will help your volunteers feel supported and connected to you. If they feel like they have an easy way to communicate with you, then they will be willing to share their struggles and their victories!
And they’ll feel like they’re getting taken care of. A huge win.
Show interest in their hobbies and activities
You might be surprised to hear this, but adult volunteers are people too! Your volunteers have jobs, families, hobbies, and things they do outside of volunteering for you and the youth group.
If you have a note on your phone with every volunteer on it, make sure you keep a list of their interests and activities close at hand. This gives you something to ask them about so that you’re not just talking about that one knucklehead kid who keeps interrupting during Small Group.
This helps volunteers feel seen and cared for in big ways!
It also makes for giving them a Christmas present or recognition gift super easy down the road. Win, win!
Pray for them regularly
It makes such a huge difference. Pray for your volunteers. Set aside time each week to lift them up. Let them know you’re going to be praying for them and ask them for their prayer requests. If they talk about something that’s happening on a specific date, follow up when you’re praying.
Because they’re volunteering under you, you’re their spiritual leader. Lead them well and set the example by praying for them and letting them know you’re interceding on their behalf! Send them encouraging verses and remind them we’re caring for them just like they’re caring for students.
Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear about it.
Leave a Reply