Today I want to talk to you about the volunteer engagement matrix and how to build an army of volunteers. Often, in the church we practice leadership placement over leadership development. When we do so, we play a dangerous game. We settle for warm bodies instead of weekly volunteers.
This quadrant reveals four types of people in your church and how to equip them to become weekly volunteers.
If someone isn’t bought in to your church’s mission and is rarely around, they’re just a warm body. They simply fill the gaps when absolutely necessary. Cast a compelling vision to this person so they understand the importance of what they’re doing. Infuse in them a passion for your church’s mission and how they can use their gifts and service to contribute to it.
If someone is bought in but rarely serves, they’re willy nilly. They may understand the mission and vision of your church, but they aren’t fully committed. Maybe it’s a case of “everyone does what is right in his own mind.” Maybe you haven’t made a clear ask or explained what and why this service is needed. Make a clear, strategic ask to help them commit to the role.
If someone serves often but isn’t bought in to your mission, they’re willing and able. These are the people who step up and fill the sandbags but don’t know that it’s to prevent a flooding disaster. Provide a clear and compelling vision for the why behind the what of their ongoing service and dedication.
If someone is both bought in and serves frequently, they’re weekly volunteer material. They understand the importance of your church’s mission and are committed to serving to help fulfill it. When someone is a weekly volunteer, it’s important that you equip them to multiply themselves in that role. Doing so, you will develop an army of volunteers in your church.
Now that you understand how to get someone from being a warm body to a weekly volunteer, what are you going to do about it?
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