Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teenagers. It requires passing a written test to receive a learner’s permit, learning behind the wheel with an experienced driver, and then passing a hands-on driving test. The safety of teenage drivers and our communities depends on it.
As church leaders, we know that Sunday is coming and that we need people to fill the volunteer roles in our ministries. However, we shouldn’t hand over the keys of ministry to someone who may not be qualified to serve in that role. So what do you do? You ask them to apply.
To begin, ask the person to submit a volunteer application. This application allows you to get to know the person’s spiritual story, ministry interest, and previous ministry or community involvement. On this application, you should also include space for the person to list references. You can then follow up with these references to learn more about the person and any concerns they may have about this person’s interest in serving in your ministry. Most churches also require a background check for volunteers to serve, especially for those who serve in kids ministry or student ministry.
After you have reviewed a volunteer’s application, contacted their references, and received the results of their background check, you may or may not be ready to move forward with this volunteer. If a person does seem like a solid fit for your ministry team, great! It’s time to provide ministry training to help them get started in their new role. If the person does not seem like a strong fit for this role based on your review, be upfront and honest about the concerns raised. There may be a different volunteer role for which they are gifted to serve.
If establishing an application process sounds overwhelming to you, don’t worry. We created a free ebook to help you onboard and train your new volunteers. You can download it here.
