Episode 173: Encouraging Volunteers Q&A with Paula Dannielle

In this episode, we hear from Paula Dannielle on the power of creating a strategy for encouraging volunteers and creating space to do this every week. This is the third part of a six-session series from an online event called Volunteer Bootcamp, hosted by Ministry Boost. Paula Dannielle Connect with Paula on Instagram, and Twitter. […]

In this episode, we hear from Paula Dannielle on the power of creating a strategy for encouraging volunteers and creating space to do this every week. This is the third part of a six-session series from an online event called Volunteer Bootcamp, hosted by Ministry Boost.

Paula Dannielle

Connect with Paula on Instagram, and Twitter.

Volunteer Bootcamp

Get access to the full Volunteer Bootcamp sessions and notes here.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Volunteer Bootcamp Webinar

Ideas for Encouraging Volunteers

Idea One: Make sure they are seen

Each of them should be known by name

This may not be a staff member, but this could be a ministry lead, coach, etc.

Get personal

During huddles, take time to celebrate
Acknowledge prayer requests
Be sure they are greeted when they arrive and when they leave and at least once during their service hour

VALUE: People can feel invisible during the week with all the things we have to do; help them feel seen with something they don’t have to do, but they want to do.

Idea Two: Be sure they are known

Each of your volunteers should be confident that you know they have a life outside of volunteering each weekend

Leaders need to know they are connected to the vision of the church, regardless of their circumstances
Take into consideration the unique “family makeup” of each volunteer

Single parents
Parents with multiple kids
Parents of kids with special needs
Health challenges

VALUE: When volunteers know they are cared for outside of their time serving, they will feel encouraged and feel like part of a community and a team

Idea Three: Tell them/their Stories

Tell stories as far back and as recent as possible
Examples of ways to tell stories:

Storytelling wall with volunteers’ pictures on the wall
Stories of life transformation written on cards on the wall
Encourage stories with Communications Team; record these stories and share with people in the church
Use huddles
Use storyboards
Use social media – “Visual images paint 1,000 words”
Use names with stories

VALUE: Stories give inspiration and tangible results that their work is not in vain, and stories encourage volunteer

Action Items

Do a 5 under 5 or What floats your boat
Write a note each week in 2020
Text 5 volunteers this week

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