An Honest Conversation about Recruiting Church Volunteers

recruiting volunteers at church often recruiting volunteers at church often goes poorly churches appear desperate goes poorly churches appear desperate goes poorly churches appear desperate and volunteers often feel guilted into and volunteers often feel guilted into and volunteers often feel guilted into serving there are of course uh serving there are of course uh serving there are of course uh short-term measures that you can take to short-term measures that you can take to short-term measures that you can take to recruit volunteers uh but typically recruit volunteers uh but typically recruit volunteers uh but typically those do not translate to long-term those do not translate to long-term those do not translate to long-term success so to do this right there are success so to do this right there are success so to do this right there are three stages we need to talk about how three stages we need to talk about how three stages we need to talk about how to recruit how to train and how to to recruit how to train and how to to recruit how to train and how to celebrate and we promise any church can celebrate and we promise any church can celebrate and we promise any church can do this in fact there are a few specific do this in fact there are a few specific do this in fact there are a few specific techniques that when done right end up techniques that when done right end up techniques that when done right end up doing so much of the heavy lifting for doing so much of the heavy lifting for doing so much of the heavy lifting for you let's Dive In you let's Dive In you let's Dive In well hey there and welcome to the pro well hey there and welcome to the pro well hey there and welcome to the pro Church tool show we're here to help you Church tool show we're here to help you Church tool show we're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest and your church navigate the biggest and your church navigate the biggest communication ship in 500 years I'm communication ship in 500 years I'm communication ship in 500 years I'm Brady Shear your host I'm join as always Brady Shear your host I'm join as always Brady Shear your host I'm join as always by my co-host it's Bishop border by my co-host it's Bishop border by my co-host it's Bishop border crossing Alexander Mills hello hello and crossing Alexander Mills hello hello and crossing Alexander Mills hello hello and here's the big idea for this episode here's the big idea for this episode here's the big idea for this episode it's not what you're going to want to it's not what you're going to want to it's not what you're going to want to hear Church leader more it's more work hear Church leader more it's more work hear Church leader more it's more work now for Less work forever now for Less work forever now for Less work forever afterwards I I get it it's not something afterwards I I get it it's not something afterwards I I get it it's not something you want to go into a podcast hearing you want to go into a podcast hearing you want to go into a podcast hearing but what we see very often when it comes but what we see very often when it comes but what we see very often when it comes to this mental task that never seems to to this mental task that never seems to to this mental task that never seems to end and always seems to be in need at end and always seems to be in need at end and always seems to be in need at church recruiting volunteers is we take church recruiting volunteers is we take church recruiting volunteers is we take some shortcuts and we go about it in some shortcuts and we go about it in some shortcuts and we go about it in ways that we see short-term yield ways that we see short-term yield ways that we see short-term yield short-term returns but in the long term short-term returns but in the long term short-term returns but in the long term we're actually not making any ground we're actually not making any ground we're actually not making any ground we're not building the culture and we're we're not building the culture and we're we're not building the culture and we're not actually empowering people to do not actually empowering people to do not actually empowering people to do things which then allow us as on staff things which then allow us as on staff things which then allow us as on staff leaders pastors to do what we do best so leaders pastors to do what we do best so leaders pastors to do what we do best so we're going to talk about three we're going to talk about three we're going to talk about three different stages we're going to talk how different stages we're going to talk how different stages we're going to talk how to recruit how to train and how to to recruit how to train and how to to recruit how to train and how to celebrate and you're talking about celebrate and you're talking about celebrate and you're talking about something you said it already something

something you said it already something something you said it already something that is Evergreen in the church world is that is Evergreen in the church world is that is Evergreen in the church world is the need for volunteers and so by the need for volunteers and so by the need for volunteers and so by extension recruiting new volunteers and extension recruiting new volunteers and extension recruiting new volunteers and we all feel it it's just this constant we all feel it it's just this constant we all feel it it's just this constant pain point you know the The Familiar pain point you know the The Familiar pain point you know the The Familiar phrase I hear from folks who work in phrase I hear from folks who work in phrase I hear from folks who work in churches it's like pulling teeth and if churches it's like pulling teeth and if churches it's like pulling teeth and if you've listened to the show for any you've listened to the show for any you've listened to the show for any amount of time you know that we like a a amount of time you know that we like a a amount of time you know that we like a a framework maybe a three-step framework framework maybe a three-step framework framework maybe a three-step framework love it uh policy and we talk in these love it uh policy and we talk in these love it uh policy and we talk in these ways because by installing a framework ways because by installing a framework ways because by installing a framework or a set of values or policies you have or a set of values or policies you have or a set of values or policies you have structure for setting up for success for structure for setting up for success for structure for setting up for success for the future and that's really what we the future and that's really what we the future and that's really what we need here is like is a rhythm a need here is like is a rhythm a need here is like is a rhythm a structure a framework to recruit recruit structure a framework to recruit recruit structure a framework to recruit recruit volunteers on an ongoing basis because volunteers on an ongoing basis because volunteers on an ongoing basis because you're always going to need them think you're always going to need them think you're always going to need them think about it like about it like about it like finances nobody wants to save money we finances nobody wants to save money we finances nobody wants to save money we want to spend money that's right but if want to spend money that's right but if want to spend money that's right but if you save money and you do that work you save money and you do that work you save money and you do that work upfront in the long term things are way upfront in the long term things are way upfront in the long term things are way better for you MH you have to spend if better for you MH you have to spend if better for you MH you have to spend if you spend it all things are way worse in you spend it all things are way worse in you spend it all things are way worse in the long term but it felt good in the the long term but it felt good in the the long term but it felt good in the short term and here is the cardinal rule short term and here is the cardinal rule short term and here is the cardinal rule for both finances but also for for both finances but also for for both finances but also for volunteers you can only withdraw after a volunteers you can only withdraw after a volunteers you can only withdraw after a deposit and when churches do ministry deposit and when churches do ministry deposit and when churches do ministry fairs and they do announcements from fairs and they do announcements from fairs and they do announcements from stage and they're like hey like we want stage and they're like hey like we want stage and they're like hey like we want to get people involved it's usually to get people involved it's usually to get people involved it's usually because they're like we're already because they're like we're already because they're like we're already overdraft and we desperately are in need overdraft and we desperately are in need overdraft and we desperately are in need so we need to kind of paradoxically so we need to kind of paradoxically so we need to kind of paradoxically approach this from the opposite end of approach this from the opposite end of approach this from the opposite end of the spectrum and there is a specific the spectrum and there is a specific the spectrum and there is a specific social post in fact that I think is

social post in fact that I think is social post in fact that I think is really useful in this way and we really useful in this way and we really useful in this way and we highlighted this on a recent episode of highlighted this on a recent episode of highlighted this on a recent episode of pro Church tools inc uh that video title pro Church tools inc uh that video title pro Church tools inc uh that video title was three must try social media posts was three must try social media posts was three must try social media posts for smaller churches and this social for smaller churches and this social for smaller churches and this social post which you can see on the screen if post which you can see on the screen if post which you can see on the screen if you're watching on YouTube is very you're watching on YouTube is very you're watching on YouTube is very simple if you're listening to understand simple if you're listening to understand simple if you're listening to understand there is a greeter and that greeter is there is a greeter and that greeter is there is a greeter and that greeter is miked up and there is a person filming miked up and there is a person filming miked up and there is a person filming what this greeter is doing on a Sunday what this greeter is doing on a Sunday what this greeter is doing on a Sunday morning from a distance like long lens morning from a distance like long lens morning from a distance like long lens style kind of like uh candid camera style kind of like uh candid camera style kind of like uh candid camera right and so you're like seeing in real right and so you're like seeing in real right and so you're like seeing in real time a compilation a montage of what it time a compilation a montage of what it time a compilation a montage of what it was like for that volunteer to serve in was like for that volunteer to serve in was like for that volunteer to serve in Ministry it's so good on that day this Ministry it's so good on that day this Ministry it's so good on that day this post is awesome and we found a couple post is awesome and we found a couple post is awesome and we found a couple versions of this and when we posted versions of this and when we posted versions of this and when we posted about it on YouTube and Instagram I got about it on YouTube and Instagram I got about it on YouTube and Instagram I got a bunch of DMS from churches that said a bunch of DMS from churches that said a bunch of DMS from churches that said like oh yeah we've done this and like oh yeah we've done this and like oh yeah we've done this and everybody loves it and sometimes these everybody loves it and sometimes these everybody loves it and sometimes these posts go viral but sometimes like just posts go viral but sometimes like just posts go viral but sometimes like just people in the church love it and it is people in the church love it and it is people in the church love it and it is useful in so many different Arenas in useful in so many different Arenas in useful in so many different Arenas in fact I think it's very useful in fact I think it's very useful in fact I think it's very useful in recruiting volunteers and it works as recruiting volunteers and it works as recruiting volunteers and it works as like it's like indirect recruitment well like it's like indirect recruitment well like it's like indirect recruitment well that's the thing and that's why you can that's the thing and that's why you can that's the thing and that's why you can only withdraw after a deposit this is only withdraw after a deposit this is only withdraw after a deposit this is the deposit because it's a culture the deposit because it's a culture the deposit because it's a culture Builder and there are a few reasons why Builder and there are a few reasons why Builder and there are a few reasons why I think this is incredibly effective and I think this is incredibly effective and I think this is incredibly effective and it's the type of thing that yes you can it's the type of thing that yes you can it's the type of thing that yes you can post on social but like run this during post on social but like run this during post on social but like run this during Service as well you know we play mini Service as well you know we play mini Service as well you know we play mini movies we play like transition types of movies we play like transition types of movies we play like transition types of things on the screen um in service like things on the screen um in service like things on the screen um in service like this is a great recurring segment that this is a great recurring segment that this is a great recurring segment that you could do and there are a bunch of you could do and there are a bunch of you could do and there are a bunch of different Ministries that you can different Ministries that you can different Ministries that you can highlight so do kids ministry do highlight so do kids ministry do highlight so do kids ministry do greeters do people at the cafe do people greeters do people at the cafe do people greeters do people at the cafe do people at the welcome desk do ushers do people at the welcome desk do ushers do people at the welcome desk do ushers do people that are giving and you know just watch

that are giving and you know just watch that are giving and you know just watch them count the money and whatever it them count the money and whatever it them count the money and whatever it might be the reason that this is useful might be the reason that this is useful might be the reason that this is useful number of uh number of reasons why there number of uh number of reasons why there number of uh number of reasons why there was one uh specific study that I found was one uh specific study that I found was one uh specific study that I found very interesting published in the very interesting published in the very interesting published in the Cambridge press in 2008 and what it Cambridge press in 2008 and what it Cambridge press in 2008 and what it demonstrated was called social pressure demonstrated was called social pressure demonstrated was called social pressure and voter turnout what it demonstrated and voter turnout what it demonstrated and voter turnout what it demonstrated is that there's really only like one way is that there's really only like one way is that there's really only like one way we know proven to get more people to we know proven to get more people to we know proven to get more people to vote and the way to do it is if people vote and the way to do it is if people vote and the way to do it is if people that live you knew if you voted or not that live you knew if you voted or not that live you knew if you voted or not huh not like reveal who you voted for huh not like reveal who you voted for huh not like reveal who you voted for but like just imagine a big X across but like just imagine a big X across but like just imagine a big X across your door if you didn't vote if people your door if you didn't vote if people your door if you didn't vote if people know you're not voting we are compelled know you're not voting we are compelled know you're not voting we are compelled to vote there's this social pressure and to vote there's this social pressure and to vote there's this social pressure and I think that in a positive way this I think that in a positive way this I think that in a positive way this social post accomplishes the same feat social post accomplishes the same feat social post accomplishes the same feat because what it does is you see people because what it does is you see people because what it does is you see people serving and if you show this do it for serving and if you show this do it for serving and if you show this do it for four weeks in a row different Ministries four weeks in a row different Ministries four weeks in a row different Ministries and what you've done is over the of that and what you've done is over the of that and what you've done is over the of that month you started to build culture in month you started to build culture in month you started to build culture in your church like hey we are a church your church like hey we are a church your church like hey we are a church that volunteers and we don't just say that volunteers and we don't just say that volunteers and we don't just say that like we're showing you and that's that like we're showing you and that's that like we're showing you and that's the other power of this show don't tell the other power of this show don't tell the other power of this show don't tell all we do typically when we are all we do typically when we are all we do typically when we are recruiting volunteers is tell it's tell recruiting volunteers is tell it's tell recruiting volunteers is tell it's tell tell tell there is no show whatsoever tell tell there is no show whatsoever tell tell there is no show whatsoever and then we ask ourselves why was this and then we ask ourselves why was this and then we ask ourselves why was this not compelling right you want to get to not compelling right you want to get to not compelling right you want to get to the point where people feel like they the point where people feel like they the point where people feel like they get to volunteer not where they're get to volunteer not where they're get to volunteer not where they're guilted to volunteer and so many of us guilted to volunteer and so many of us guilted to volunteer and so many of us are living in that latter space where are living in that latter space where are living in that latter space where we're guilting people into volunteering we're guilting people into volunteering we're guilting people into volunteering and that's why it's this shortterm um

and that's why it's this shortterm um and that's why it's this shortterm um short-term thing because it doesn't work short-term thing because it doesn't work short-term thing because it doesn't work in the long term because these people in the long term because these people in the long term because these people aren't actually motivated to do well or aren't actually motivated to do well or aren't actually motivated to do well or they're not motivated to stick Al uh they're not motivated to stick Al uh they're not motivated to stick Al uh stick around so imagine I'm Brady and stick around so imagine I'm Brady and stick around so imagine I'm Brady and I'm sitting in service and Alex is not a I'm sitting in service and Alex is not a I'm sitting in service and Alex is not a pastor in this hypothetical Alex is also pastor in this hypothetical Alex is also pastor in this hypothetical Alex is also with me and we go to church together with me and we go to church together with me and we go to church together normally and he's up there and he's in normally and he's up there and he's in normally and he's up there and he's in that greeter video and I think to myself that greeter video and I think to myself that greeter video and I think to myself oh Alex is serving I'm not serving oh oh Alex is serving I'm not serving oh oh Alex is serving I'm not serving oh and I don't think much of it but then and I don't think much of it but then and I don't think much of it but then next I see somebody else I recognize and next I see somebody else I recognize and next I see somebody else I recognize and they're in kids ministry and they're they're in kids ministry and they're they're in kids ministry and they're serving and then the week after I see serving and then the week after I see serving and then the week after I see someone in worship Ministry and they're someone in worship Ministry and they're someone in worship Ministry and they're serving the week after it's somebody in serving the week after it's somebody in serving the week after it's somebody in sound Ministry and I see this week after sound Ministry and I see this week after sound Ministry and I see this week after week and I'm just starting to have like week and I'm just starting to have like week and I'm just starting to have like this culture I'm starting to like be this culture I'm starting to like be this culture I'm starting to like be absorbed by the culture of this church absorbed by the culture of this church absorbed by the culture of this church okay all these people are serving and okay all these people are serving and okay all these people are serving and what it's also doing is it's showing me what it's also doing is it's showing me what it's also doing is it's showing me what they're doing the difficulty of what they're doing the difficulty of what they're doing the difficulty of making the announcement hey we need kids making the announcement hey we need kids making the announcement hey we need kids ministry volunteers like yeah I was in ministry volunteers like yeah I was in ministry volunteers like yeah I was in kids ministry like 30 years ago I don't kids ministry like 30 years ago I don't kids ministry like 30 years ago I don't really remember what that's like when really remember what that's like when really remember what that's like when you see it you're like I could do that you see it you're like I could do that you see it you're like I could do that oh wow that's fun because you're not oh wow that's fun because you're not oh wow that's fun because you're not only showing it you're showing it in an only showing it you're showing it in an only showing it you're showing it in an exciting way and now it starts to be exciting way and now it starts to be exciting way and now it starts to be like this is our culture I know exactly like this is our culture I know exactly like this is our culture I know exactly what you're wanting from me clear what you're wanting from me clear what you're wanting from me clear expectations and it looks fun and expectations and it looks fun and expectations and it looks fun and exciting oh I don't want to be the one exciting oh I don't want to be the one exciting oh I don't want to be the one left out everyone's doing this I don't left out everyone's doing this I don't left out everyone's doing this I don't want to be the one that doesn't show up want to be the one that doesn't show up want to be the one that doesn't show up and vote I love the idea of taking this and vote I love the idea of taking this and vote I love the idea of taking this social post because that's how we social post because that's how we social post because that's how we highlighted it a few weeks ago on the highlighted it a few weeks ago on the highlighted it a few weeks ago on the show was showing it as a social post but show was showing it as a social post but show was showing it as a social post but the idea you've brought bra of like the idea you've brought bra of like the idea you've brought bra of like showing it on the screen during service showing it on the screen during service showing it on the screen during service or pre-service um doing it as like a a or pre-service um doing it as like a a or pre-service um doing it as like a a Sprint promotion for four weeks at a Sprint promotion for four weeks at a Sprint promotion for four weeks at a time we're doing it as a Sprinkle time we're doing it as a Sprinkle time we're doing it as a Sprinkle promotion maybe showing this you know promotion maybe showing this you know promotion maybe showing this you know once a quarter or something I think once a quarter or something I think once a quarter or something I think that's so great because what it does is that's so great because what it does is that's so great because what it does is like you said not only does it um plant

like you said not only does it um plant like you said not only does it um plant seeds of culture and like build culture seeds of culture and like build culture seeds of culture and like build culture but it reveals the culture that's like but it reveals the culture that's like but it reveals the culture that's like already happening in the church that already happening in the church that already happening in the church that maybe not everyone is aware of so the maybe not everyone is aware of so the maybe not everyone is aware of so the yeah the kids ministry is a perfect yeah the kids ministry is a perfect yeah the kids ministry is a perfect example because if you're not currently example because if you're not currently example because if you're not currently volunteering in kids ministry or you volunteering in kids ministry or you volunteering in kids ministry or you don't have kids you don't know what goes don't have kids you don't know what goes don't have kids you don't know what goes goes on behind those closed doors goes on behind those closed doors goes on behind those closed doors because like you're not in there and so because like you're not in there and so because like you're not in there and so the kids leave service and you know that the kids leave service and you know that the kids leave service and you know that there's teachers out there but you don't there's teachers out there but you don't there's teachers out there but you don't really know what it looks like because really know what it looks like because really know what it looks like because you're not a part of it so to bring that you're not a part of it so to bring that you're not a part of it so to bring that into the main worship space and show it into the main worship space and show it into the main worship space and show it reveal that culture it's like oh I had reveal that culture it's like oh I had reveal that culture it's like oh I had no idea that that's what our kids no idea that that's what our kids no idea that that's what our kids leaders do and now that I'm seeing that leaders do and now that I'm seeing that leaders do and now that I'm seeing that either that excites me or I know that either that excites me or I know that either that excites me or I know that deep down within me there's like there's deep down within me there's like there's deep down within me there's like there's like a gift to do that as well and so like a gift to do that as well and so like a gift to do that as well and so you kind of get to pull back the you kind of get to pull back the you kind of get to pull back the curtains and show like this is what goes curtains and show like this is what goes curtains and show like this is what goes on at our church and to the original on at our church and to the original on at our church and to the original social posts we're talking about like social posts we're talking about like social posts we're talking about like welcoming people to church can be a lot welcoming people to church can be a lot welcoming people to church can be a lot of fun that video does a great job of of fun that video does a great job of of fun that video does a great job of showing how much fun it is and so just showing how much fun it is and so just showing how much fun it is and so just by simp sharing this video of what's by simp sharing this video of what's by simp sharing this video of what's going on you're not scripting anything going on you're not scripting anything going on you're not scripting anything you're just showing what it's like to be you're just showing what it's like to be you're just showing what it's like to be a volunteer at this church you've done a a volunteer at this church you've done a a volunteer at this church you've done a great job of making the case for how great job of making the case for how great job of making the case for how fulfilling it can be to volunteer and fulfilling it can be to volunteer and fulfilling it can be to volunteer and how important volunteers are to the how important volunteers are to the how important volunteers are to the community and the culture of the church community and the culture of the church community and the culture of the church so let's just repeat how powerful this so let's just repeat how powerful this so let's just repeat how powerful this type of campaign can do and I would type of campaign can do and I would type of campaign can do and I would suggest run it for four to six weeks and suggest run it for four to six weeks and suggest run it for four to six weeks and do a different one each week this will do a different one each week this will do a different one each week this will give you a new social post every single give you a new social post every single give you a new social post every single week it'll give you a new element to week it'll give you a new element to week it'll give you a new element to play in service every single week it play in service every single week it play in service every single week it will build your your culture with the will build your your culture with the will build your your culture with the show don't tell communication philosophy show don't tell communication philosophy show don't tell communication philosophy you are demonstrating this is who we are you are demonstrating this is who we are you are demonstrating this is who we are as a church we're not just talking about as a church we're not just talking about as a church we're not just talking about it from stage we're not just claiming

it from stage we're not just claiming it from stage we're not just claiming this we are showing you what it's also this we are showing you what it's also this we are showing you what it's also going to do is it will avoid any air of going to do is it will avoid any air of going to do is it will avoid any air of desperation when you do ask for desperation when you do ask for desperation when you do ask for volunteers because the way I would volunteers because the way I would volunteers because the way I would probably do this is I would have that uh probably do this is I would have that uh probably do this is I would have that uh video run let's say before the video run let's say before the video run let's say before the announcements in church and then during announcements in church and then during announcements in church and then during announcements I would say hey if you announcements I would say hey if you announcements I would say hey if you want to be just like uh Lewis and join want to be just like uh Lewis and join want to be just like uh Lewis and join the greeter team and then would lay out the greeter team and then would lay out the greeter team and then would lay out expectations like here's what we're expectations like here's what we're expectations like here's what we're looking for because this is another looking for because this is another looking for because this is another thing that we do poorly when we're thing that we do poorly when we're thing that we do poorly when we're recruiting volunteers we don't make the recruiting volunteers we don't make the recruiting volunteers we don't make the expectations clear when you show that expectations clear when you show that expectations clear when you show that video you now have a real example you video you now have a real example you video you now have a real example you have a source that you can anchor to have a source that you can anchor to have a source that you can anchor to when you talk about what's needed and when you talk about what's needed and when you talk about what's needed and then in the announcement you can get then in the announcement you can get then in the announcement you can get into specifics we're looking for people into specifics we're looking for people into specifics we're looking for people to serve once a month it's going to take to serve once a month it's going to take to serve once a month it's going to take this much time you can talk about the this much time you can talk about the this much time you can talk about the video this is what's like required of video this is what's like required of video this is what's like required of you and now you have an actual uh app you and now you have an actual uh app you and now you have an actual uh app ask a withdraw but it's coming after the ask a withdraw but it's coming after the ask a withdraw but it's coming after the the deposit the reason the withdrawals the deposit the reason the withdrawals the deposit the reason the withdrawals don't work is because you're already don't work is because you're already don't work is because you're already overdraft and you're pulling and you overdraft and you're pulling and you overdraft and you're pulling and you you're appearing desperate and like who you're appearing desperate and like who you're appearing desperate and like who wants to like sign up for something like wants to like sign up for something like wants to like sign up for something like like that and the reason why it turns like that and the reason why it turns like that and the reason why it turns out that it's all one person that's like out that it's all one person that's like out that it's all one person that's like volunteering 20% of people doing all the volunteering 20% of people doing all the volunteering 20% of people doing all the work in churches because those are the work in churches because those are the work in churches because those are the people that are like you know what I'm people that are like you know what I'm people that are like you know what I'm just a very good human at heart and I'm just a very good human at heart and I'm just a very good human at heart and I'm willing to do this I'm going to step up willing to do this I'm going to step up willing to do this I'm going to step up but the other people are not because the but the other people are not because the but the other people are not because the expectations aren't clear it's kind of a expectations aren't clear it's kind of a expectations aren't clear it's kind of a black box I don't really know what black box I don't really know what black box I don't really know what you're asking of me so like it's easy you're asking of me so like it's easy you're asking of me so like it's easy for me to say no because like I'm just for me to say no because like I'm just for me to say no because like I'm just going to assume that you're asking going to assume that you're asking going to assume that you're asking things that I can't do uh and also you things that I can't do uh and also you things that I can't do uh and also you know this just like seems desperate from know this just like seems desperate from know this just like seems desperate from stage like I don't really want to be

stage like I don't really want to be stage like I don't really want to be part of something like that like I've part of something like that like I've part of something like that like I've got other responsibilities I want to be got other responsibilities I want to be got other responsibilities I want to be part of something exciting this can work part of something exciting this can work part of something exciting this can work wonders what it also lays the groundwork wonders what it also lays the groundwork wonders what it also lays the groundwork for in terms of how to recruit before we for in terms of how to recruit before we for in terms of how to recruit before we get to how to train is one of the most get to how to train is one of the most get to how to train is one of the most powerful ways to recruit volunteers powerful ways to recruit volunteers powerful ways to recruit volunteers especially in the mediumsized Church of especially in the mediumsized Church of especially in the mediumsized Church of 75 people is to ask directly yeah it's 75 people is to ask directly yeah it's 75 people is to ask directly yeah it's remarkably more powerful than remarkably more powerful than remarkably more powerful than announcements from State announcements from State announcements from State so you could actually skip the part so you could actually skip the part so you could actually skip the part where you do the announcement from stage where you do the announcement from stage where you do the announcement from stage all you could do is just run these on all you could do is just run these on all you could do is just run these on social R these in service yeah you made social R these in service yeah you made social R these in service yeah you made it was a lot of work to make the video it was a lot of work to make the video it was a lot of work to make the video or it was some work but like you got to or it was some work but like you got to or it was some work but like you got to use it in multiple places and it wasn't use it in multiple places and it wasn't use it in multiple places and it wasn't just like a social post that disappeared just like a social post that disappeared just like a social post that disappeared after a week it was a recruitment tool after a week it was a recruitment tool after a week it was a recruitment tool that yielded fruit in terms of people that yielded fruit in terms of people that yielded fruit in terms of people serving in the ministry which is so serving in the ministry which is so serving in the ministry which is so desperately needed so it's worth the desperately needed so it's worth the desperately needed so it's worth the effort up front do the work up front I effort up front do the work up front I effort up front do the work up front I know you didn't want to hear but do the know you didn't want to hear but do the know you didn't want to hear but do the workout for when you ask me directly workout for when you ask me directly workout for when you ask me directly Alex comes to me directly say Hey how do Alex comes to me directly say Hey how do Alex comes to me directly say Hey how do you feel about um like greeting did you you feel about um like greeting did you you feel about um like greeting did you see that video that we did of leou up see that video that we did of leou up see that video that we did of leou up there I'm like yeah I saw it like now there I'm like yeah I saw it like now there I'm like yeah I saw it like now there's a commonality and I know exactly there's a commonality and I know exactly there's a commonality and I know exactly what's being asked of me I guarantee you what's being asked of me I guarantee you what's being asked of me I guarantee you I am so much more likely to say yes I am so much more likely to say yes I am so much more likely to say yes because I'm like one that looked fun two because I'm like one that looked fun two because I'm like one that looked fun two social pressure of ever Le is doing it social pressure of ever Le is doing it social pressure of ever Le is doing it why am I I'm lisis do it and then I look why am I I'm lisis do it and then I look why am I I'm lisis do it and then I look like the bad guy three uh expectations like the bad guy three uh expectations like the bad guy three uh expectations are clear like I'm confident that this are clear like I'm confident that this are clear like I'm confident that this is not going to be so bad totally and I is not going to be so bad totally and I is not going to be so bad totally and I Pastor a church the mediumsized church Pastor a church the mediumsized church Pastor a church the mediumsized church in America and there is a pastoral in America and there is a pastoral in America and there is a pastoral element to that which which is in a element to that which which is in a element to that which which is in a group that size you're able to discern group that size you're able to discern group that size you're able to discern the gifts not not perfectly of course the gifts not not perfectly of course the gifts not not perfectly of course but you have a pulse of like the gifts

but you have a pulse of like the gifts but you have a pulse of like the gifts of what people bring to the table and so of what people bring to the table and so of what people bring to the table and so asking people directly actually in our asking people directly actually in our asking people directly actually in our context of a community that size has context of a community that size has context of a community that size has been pretty fruitful because I know like been pretty fruitful because I know like been pretty fruitful because I know like I know folks who are gifted in certain I know folks who are gifted in certain I know folks who are gifted in certain areas and not gifted in others so when areas and not gifted in others so when areas and not gifted in others so when we have a need and if we do a fine job we have a need and if we do a fine job we have a need and if we do a fine job of telling the story I can go to that of telling the story I can go to that of telling the story I can go to that person and say like hey I see this gift person and say like hey I see this gift person and say like hey I see this gift in you would you would you fill this in you would you would you fill this in you would you would you fill this position would you volunteer your time position would you volunteer your time position would you volunteer your time and the success rate of making ask like and the success rate of making ask like and the success rate of making ask like that can be pretty high um you know that can be pretty high um you know that can be pretty high um you know using your pastoral pulse of of the the using your pastoral pulse of of the the using your pastoral pulse of of the the people in your community Pastor pulse people in your community Pastor pulse people in your community Pastor pulse yeah you got it wow okay let's get to yeah you got it wow okay let's get to yeah you got it wow okay let's get to how to train so there are three C's uh how to train so there are three C's uh how to train so there are three C's uh that I like to lean on so this is a that I like to lean on so this is a that I like to lean on so this is a three-part framework with an individual three-part framework with an individual three-part framework with an individual three-part framework Within part two of three-part framework Within part two of three-part framework Within part two of the first three-part framework uh the first three-part framework uh the first three-part framework uh capacity competency and character are capacity competency and character are capacity competency and character are the three C's that I consider when I'm the three C's that I consider when I'm the three C's that I consider when I'm evaluating myself as a leader but when evaluating myself as a leader but when evaluating myself as a leader but when I'm looking at someone and I'm trying to I'm looking at someone and I'm trying to I'm looking at someone and I'm trying to figure out would they be a good fit for figure out would they be a good fit for figure out would they be a good fit for this um do I want them to be in this this um do I want them to be in this this um do I want them to be in this place do I want them to be in this place place do I want them to be in this place place do I want them to be in this place what are their weaknesses what are their what are their weaknesses what are their what are their weaknesses what are their strengths capacity competency and strengths capacity competency and strengths capacity competency and character here's the thing you as a character here's the thing you as a character here's the thing you as a church leader in the context of them church leader in the context of them church leader in the context of them volunteering are responsible for the volunteering are responsible for the volunteering are responsible for the first two you cannot really do anything first two you cannot really do anything first two you cannot really do anything about their character you're going to about their character you're going to about their character you're going to preach you're going to try to do things preach you're going to try to do things preach you're going to try to do things in church between them and the Lord in church between them and the Lord in church between them and the Lord spiritual formation and hopefully they spiritual formation and hopefully they spiritual formation and hopefully they are being formed spiritually the first are being formed spiritually the first are being formed spiritually the first two capacity and competency are your two capacity and competency are your two capacity and competency are your responsibility capacity in the sense responsibility capacity in the sense responsibility capacity in the sense that you don't want to overload your that you don't want to overload your that you don't want to overload your volunteers and and we know that this is

volunteers and and we know that this is volunteers and and we know that this is an epidemic within church because what an epidemic within church because what an epidemic within church because what do we do we need volunteers but we have do we do we need volunteers but we have do we do we need volunteers but we have seven so this is how much needs to be seven so this is how much needs to be seven so this is how much needs to be done and this is how many people there done and this is how many people there done and this is how many people there are and put one in one together and hey are and put one in one together and hey are and put one in one together and hey it's not it's not adding up are not it's not it's not adding up are not it's not it's not adding up are not mathing that's correct uh story of how I mathing that's correct uh story of how I mathing that's correct uh story of how I got started so when I first started got started so when I first started got started so when I first started volunteering in volunteering in volunteering in Church in Bible College it was in the Church in Bible College it was in the Church in Bible College it was in the media director department and this media director department and this media director department and this eventually parlayed itself into becoming eventually parlayed itself into becoming eventually parlayed itself into becoming the media director and this was a the media director and this was a the media director and this was a part-time job I was in Bible College part-time job I was in Bible College part-time job I was in Bible College like it was yes I was on staff quote like it was yes I was on staff quote like it was yes I was on staff quote unquote was I really unsta U so it's was unquote was I really unsta U so it's was unquote was I really unsta U so it's was kind of like this like elevated kind of like this like elevated kind of like this like elevated volunteer role but it started as you volunteer role but it started as you volunteer role but it started as you know purely volunteer and for me at know purely volunteer and for me at know purely volunteer and for me at least I considered myself to be like a least I considered myself to be like a least I considered myself to be like a high capacity volunteer and so for me high capacity volunteer and so for me high capacity volunteer and so for me what my pastor re recognized was like he what my pastor re recognized was like he what my pastor re recognized was like he was going to give me a challenge and he was going to give me a challenge and he was going to give me a challenge and he trusted me that I could like sort it out trusted me that I could like sort it out trusted me that I could like sort it out and so the first thing that he gave me I and so the first thing that he gave me I and so the first thing that he gave me I like proved myself to do it and then I like proved myself to do it and then I like proved myself to do it and then I came out of that feeling like oh I I came out of that feeling like oh I I came out of that feeling like oh I I have the competency in this and what it have the competency in this and what it have the competency in this and what it did was it gave me the faith and the did was it gave me the faith and the did was it gave me the faith and the belief in myself that the next thing belief in myself that the next thing belief in myself that the next thing which was a little bit harder well if I which was a little bit harder well if I which was a little bit harder well if I figured out the first thing I can figure figured out the first thing I can figure figured out the first thing I can figure out the second thing now that's me I out the second thing now that's me I out the second thing now that's me I would say the high capacity volunteer in would say the high capacity volunteer in would say the high capacity volunteer in the church is rare and unusual and the church is rare and unusual and the church is rare and unusual and eventually like I was getting getting eventually like I was getting getting eventually like I was getting getting paid and so that's not going to be paid and so that's not going to be paid and so that's not going to be realistic for most volunteers either realistic for most volunteers either realistic for most volunteers either right most volunteers are going to end right most volunteers are going to end right most volunteers are going to end up being like the first employee at our up being like the first employee at our up being like the first employee at our company Mitch Mitch is like an

company Mitch Mitch is like an company Mitch Mitch is like an ox and Mitch is like an ox because you ox and Mitch is like an ox because you ox and Mitch is like an ox because you can basically just like hook him up and can basically just like hook him up and can basically just like hook him up and they just say go Mitch and Mitch goes they just say go Mitch and Mitch goes they just say go Mitch and Mitch goes all right and he just goes in a circle all right and he just goes in a circle all right and he just goes in a circle and a circle and a circle forever and a circle and a circle forever and a circle and a circle forever there's this uh memorable scene from there's this uh memorable scene from there's this uh memorable scene from Parks and wreck uh where Jerry is Parks and wreck uh where Jerry is Parks and wreck uh where Jerry is licking these envelopes to send out for licking these envelopes to send out for licking these envelopes to send out for this political campaign this political campaign this political campaign and he licks and stamps like 200 and he licks and stamps like 200 and he licks and stamps like 200 envelopes and he's just having the best envelopes and he's just having the best envelopes and he's just having the best time doing this like menial work and time doing this like menial work and time doing this like menial work and he's just like la la la la la and he's just like la la la la la and he's just like la la la la la and everyone else is kind of like laboring everyone else is kind of like laboring everyone else is kind of like laboring through the task but he's like this is through the task but he's like this is through the task but he's like this is just great at certain point someone just great at certain point someone just great at certain point someone points out to him like he did it all points out to him like he did it all points out to him like he did it all wrong he's like oh okay time to start wrong he's like oh okay time to start wrong he's like oh okay time to start again and he just like goes through it again and he just like goes through it again and he just like goes through it all over again because he just he's just all over again because he just he's just all over again because he just he's just like this person that just does the work like this person that just does the work like this person that just does the work for those people they're not usually the for those people they're not usually the for those people they're not usually the types now Mitch has really grown into types now Mitch has really grown into types now Mitch has really grown into this over 10 years and that that just this over 10 years and that that just this over 10 years and that that just shows you like the ability wow exactly shows you like the ability wow exactly shows you like the ability wow exactly um at the start what I did for Mitch was um at the start what I did for Mitch was um at the start what I did for Mitch was I took what I knew how to do and I gave I took what I knew how to do and I gave I took what I knew how to do and I gave him a foolproof system and this is I him a foolproof system and this is I him a foolproof system and this is I think the best way to train people think the best way to train people think the best way to train people because what it does is it builds the because what it does is it builds the because what it does is it builds the feeling of Competency within themselves feeling of Competency within themselves feeling of Competency within themselves because you gave them this foolproof because you gave them this foolproof because you gave them this foolproof system to follow and so then they've system to follow and so then they've system to follow and so then they've done it they come out of it and they done it they come out of it and they done it they come out of it and they feel good about themselves which means feel good about themselves which means feel good about themselves which means they're more likely to do the job better they're more likely to do the job better they're more likely to do the job better they're more likely to do do the job they're more likely to do do the job they're more likely to do do the job well and case in point Mitch as a well and case in point Mitch as a well and case in point Mitch as a perfect example and me starting as that perfect example and me starting as that perfect example and me starting as that media director every time you introduce media director every time you introduce media director every time you introduce something new you can give it to the something new you can give it to the something new you can give it to the that's a bit more challenging and a bit that's a bit more challenging and a bit that's a bit more challenging and a bit more challenging and then eventually more challenging and then eventually more challenging and then eventually they're doing things where they're they're doing things where they're they're doing things where they're combining different skills because combining different skills because combining different skills because you've kind of created different systems you've kind of created different systems you've kind of created different systems and now they're basically filling in the and now they're basically filling in the and now they're basically filling in the gaps on their own and now they're gaps on their own and now they're gaps on their own and now they're becoming that high-capacity volunteer

becoming that high-capacity volunteer becoming that high-capacity volunteer these fail prooof systems to be clear we these fail prooof systems to be clear we these fail prooof systems to be clear we just like write them in Google Docs what just like write them in Google Docs what just like write them in Google Docs what I did was I had learned how to do video I did was I had learned how to do video I did was I had learned how to do video announcements as a media director and announcements as a media director and announcements as a media director and then I was like I need someone else to then I was like I need someone else to then I was like I need someone else to edit Mitch you will now edit video edit Mitch you will now edit video edit Mitch you will now edit video announcements and I gave him 52 steps it announcements and I gave him 52 steps it announcements and I gave him 52 steps it was the first system I'd ever written it was the first system I'd ever written it was the first system I'd ever written it was 52 steps in a Google doc and I was was 52 steps in a Google doc and I was was 52 steps in a Google doc and I was like follow these steps Mitch nowadays like follow these steps Mitch nowadays like follow these steps Mitch nowadays we can loom for this and there's we can loom for this and there's we can loom for this and there's actually like screen records back then actually like screen records back then actually like screen records back then it was just screen grabs with like it was just screen grabs with like it was just screen grabs with like written instructions and he did it once written instructions and he did it once written instructions and he did it once and I looked at and I was like okay this and I looked at and I was like okay this and I looked at and I was like okay this step you misinterpreted like this this step you misinterpreted like this this step you misinterpreted like this this step I should have written that step I should have written that step I should have written that differently I meant this and then he's differently I meant this and then he's differently I meant this and then he's like great okay and now he could do it like great okay and now he could do it like great okay and now he could do it again and again and again yeah and like again and again and again yeah and like again and again and again yeah and like you said when a new volunteer a new you said when a new volunteer a new you said when a new volunteer a new recruit has that success because you've recruit has that success because you've recruit has that success because you've done the work up front as a recruiter as done the work up front as a recruiter as done the work up front as a recruiter as the staff member the pastor the the team the staff member the pastor the the team the staff member the pastor the the team leader leader leader whatever they will inevitably feel whatever they will inevitably feel whatever they will inevitably feel the uh I don't know the satisfaction the the uh I don't know the satisfaction the the uh I don't know the satisfaction the affirmation of completing the task affirmation of completing the task affirmation of completing the task learning a new task and hopefully get learning a new task and hopefully get learning a new task and hopefully get excited by the fact that they learned a excited by the fact that they learned a excited by the fact that they learned a new skill they they are doing new work new skill they they are doing new work new skill they they are doing new work and ideally and we've seen it happen in and ideally and we've seen it happen in and ideally and we've seen it happen in this office um repeatedly end up going this office um repeatedly end up going this office um repeatedly end up going above and beyond in their role taking above and beyond in their role taking above and beyond in their role taking ownership of it because you've created a ownership of it because you've created a ownership of it because you've created a framework for them to succeed taking framework for them to succeed taking framework for them to succeed taking ownership and then taking that role ownership and then taking that role ownership and then taking that role Beyond where anyone has ever taken it Beyond where anyone has ever taken it Beyond where anyone has ever taken it before that in in my estimation is like before that in in my estimation is like before that in in my estimation is like the ideal situation and we've seen it the ideal situation and we've seen it the ideal situation and we've seen it play it enough times within this play it enough times within this play it enough times within this framework that like it's pretty it's not framework that like it's pretty it's not framework that like it's pretty it's not just possible it's pretty plausible that just possible it's pretty plausible that just possible it's pretty plausible that when you put people in the right when you put people in the right when you put people in the right circumstances the right environment to circumstances the right environment to circumstances the right environment to succeed they will Feel So Satisfied in succeed they will Feel So Satisfied in succeed they will Feel So Satisfied in that work that they will very likely that work that they will very likely that work that they will very likely take end up taking it above and beyond

take end up taking it above and beyond take end up taking it above and beyond um I can think of somebody in our church um I can think of somebody in our church um I can think of somebody in our church the the guy who runs propresenter as the the the guy who runs propresenter as the the the guy who runs propresenter as the perfect example um where I didn't even perfect example um where I didn't even perfect example um where I didn't even do a good enough job in in this area to do a good enough job in in this area to do a good enough job in in this area to like set him up for success but we we like set him up for success but we we like set him up for success but we we worked through it together to the point worked through it together to the point worked through it together to the point where like he had what we like to call where like he had what we like to call where like he had what we like to call Core competency and now he's doing Core competency and now he's doing Core competency and now he's doing wither that like is Way Beyond myview wither that like is Way Beyond myview wither that like is Way Beyond myview and I love it that way CU I like I don't and I love it that way CU I like I don't and I love it that way CU I like I don't need to know because the next person need to know because the next person need to know because the next person that's going to come up to do that's going to come up to do that's going to come up to do propresenter I'm not going to train he's propresenter I'm not going to train he's propresenter I'm not going to train he's going to train and they're going to be going to train and they're going to be going to train and they're going to be two steps Beyond or two two full steps two steps Beyond or two two full steps two steps Beyond or two two full steps two leaps Beyond where I where James two leaps Beyond where I where James two leaps Beyond where I where James ever even started and so I I think ever even started and so I I think ever even started and so I I think that's kind of the the ideal situation that's kind of the the ideal situation that's kind of the the ideal situation but it all does begin like you said and but it all does begin like you said and but it all does begin like you said and and kind of what we're advocating for and kind of what we're advocating for and kind of what we're advocating for here in this episode is doing the leg here in this episode is doing the leg here in this episode is doing the leg work upfront and the exercise that you work upfront and the exercise that you work upfront and the exercise that you want to practice with every person that want to practice with every person that want to practice with every person that you are responsible for in terms of you are responsible for in terms of you are responsible for in terms of volunteer whether you're the lead pastor volunteer whether you're the lead pastor volunteer whether you're the lead pastor and you're responsible for everyone or and you're responsible for everyone or and you're responsible for everyone or you're an executive Pastor or a youth you're an executive Pastor or a youth you're an executive Pastor or a youth pastor I'm just responsible for my youth pastor I'm just responsible for my youth pastor I'm just responsible for my youth leaders is consider those three C's leaders is consider those three C's leaders is consider those three C's first evaluate yourself and think about first evaluate yourself and think about first evaluate yourself and think about how you're doing on capacity competency how you're doing on capacity competency how you're doing on capacity competency and character and then think about each and character and then think about each and character and then think about each volunteer and run through each of those volunteer and run through each of those volunteer and run through each of those three C's so start with capacity okay three C's so start with capacity okay three C's so start with capacity okay how much work is this person doing are how much work is this person doing are how much work is this person doing are they ready for a bit more or should I they ready for a bit more or should I they ready for a bit more or should I give them a bit less you know this is give them a bit less you know this is give them a bit less you know this is the curse of the high capacity volunteer the curse of the high capacity volunteer the curse of the high capacity volunteer and the Paradox which is like the more and the Paradox which is like the more and the Paradox which is like the more you prove yourself in places like church you prove yourself in places like church you prove yourself in places like church where we are in desperate need of where we are in desperate need of where we are in desperate need of volunteers more you're going to get volunteers more you're going to get volunteers more you're going to get exactly and then eventually you're like exactly and then eventually you're like exactly and then eventually you're like I'm I'm doing too much my my competency

I'm I'm doing too much my my competency I'm I'm doing too much my my competency outpaced my capacity and now my outpaced my capacity and now my outpaced my capacity and now my character is lagging because I'm bitter character is lagging because I'm bitter character is lagging because I'm bitter at everyone right and and that's why at everyone right and and that's why at everyone right and and that's why what's cool what's cool but also just what's cool what's cool but also just what's cool what's cool but also just you know a little strange but these you know a little strange but these you know a little strange but these three seases that they all kind of work three seases that they all kind of work three seases that they all kind of work together and so you need to be mindful together and so you need to be mindful together and so you need to be mindful of how all three are affecting your of how all three are affecting your of how all three are affecting your volunteers how all three are affecting volunteers how all three are affecting volunteers how all three are affecting yourself so capacity should I be adding yourself so capacity should I be adding yourself so capacity should I be adding more should I be removing competency is more should I be removing competency is more should I be removing competency is this person on a positive trajectory this person on a positive trajectory this person on a positive trajectory right like Alex had to train that right like Alex had to train that right like Alex had to train that individual in the basics of propresenter individual in the basics of propresenter individual in the basics of propresenter and then they kind of took ownership and and then they kind of took ownership and and then they kind of took ownership and started doing more and more themselves started doing more and more themselves started doing more and more themselves it's kind of an interesting um if you it's kind of an interesting um if you it's kind of an interesting um if you think about a line this is more work think about a line this is more work think about a line this is more work before things get easier right so like before things get easier right so like before things get easier right so like you are able to do something so the line you are able to do something so the line you are able to do something so the line is flat and then you train someone else is flat and then you train someone else is flat and then you train someone else and invariably at the beginning they're and invariably at the beginning they're and invariably at the beginning they're not as good as you so like the quality not as good as you so like the quality not as good as you so like the quality goes down a bit and then it starts to goes down a bit and then it starts to goes down a bit and then it starts to creep back up and it eventually reaches creep back up and it eventually reaches creep back up and it eventually reaches the original level that you were at and the original level that you were at and the original level that you were at and then in the ideal it then surpasses what then in the ideal it then surpasses what then in the ideal it then surpasses what you were ever able to do and so you kind you were ever able to do and so you kind you were ever able to do and so you kind of have to get through that lull to then of have to get through that lull to then of have to get through that lull to then get to the other side where things get to the other side where things get to the other side where things actually get a lot better and so how are actually get a lot better and so how are actually get a lot better and so how are you evaluating competency and then you evaluating competency and then you evaluating competency and then finally character uh this is really just finally character uh this is really just finally character uh this is really just thinking about how someone is growing thinking about how someone is growing thinking about how someone is growing it's being mindful of how they're it's being mindful of how they're it's being mindful of how they're affecting the other people near them and affecting the other people near them and affecting the other people near them and are there any issues that you need to be are there any issues that you need to be are there any issues that you need to be talking about because yes it's not your talking about because yes it's not your talking about because yes it's not your responsibility for someone's character responsibility for someone's character responsibility for someone's character but it does become your responsibility but it does become your responsibility but it does become your responsibility when their character is affecting other when their character is affecting other when their character is affecting other people around them and now you have to people around them and now you have to people around them and now you have to consider about the the interplay between consider about the the interplay between consider about the the interplay between the different people on the team and the different people on the team and the different people on the team and frankly this is like one of the least

frankly this is like one of the least frankly this is like one of the least fun parts of a job of being uh being a fun parts of a job of being uh being a fun parts of a job of being uh being a leader and I'll point you to the podcast leader and I'll point you to the podcast leader and I'll point you to the podcast episode that we did at the beginning of episode that we did at the beginning of episode that we did at the beginning of this year 2024 where we talked about our this year 2024 where we talked about our this year 2024 where we talked about our non-negotiable values because values are non-negotiable values because values are non-negotiable values because values are how we kind of um how we kind of um how we kind of um Monitor and work with character issues Monitor and work with character issues Monitor and work with character issues in our own organizations like hey here in our own organizations like hey here in our own organizations like hey here are the expectations here is who we are the expectations here is who we are the expectations here is who we strive and aspire to be and when people strive and aspire to be and when people strive and aspire to be and when people are not kind of leaning into that I are not kind of leaning into that I are not kind of leaning into that I usually don't go to our team and I go usually don't go to our team and I go usually don't go to our team and I go you're disappointing me I say you're you're disappointing me I say you're you're disappointing me I say you're disappointing the people around disappointing the people around disappointing the people around you and because we're in a you know a you and because we're in a you know a you and because we're in a you know a paid setting you can take certain you paid setting you can take certain you paid setting you can take certain you know approaches that may be necessary to know approaches that may be necessary to know approaches that may be necessary to avoid uh in church but those three C's avoid uh in church but those three C's avoid uh in church but those three C's continually evaluate and this gets us to continually evaluate and this gets us to continually evaluate and this gets us to then celebration this is the part that I then celebration this is the part that I then celebration this is the part that I think most churches um just never even think most churches um just never even think most churches um just never even get to um it's just hard enough to get get to um it's just hard enough to get get to um it's just hard enough to get volunteers it's hard enough to put them volunteers it's hard enough to put them volunteers it's hard enough to put them in a place where they're actually like in a place where they're actually like in a place where they're actually like can help and they're serving and can help and they're serving and can help and they're serving and everything's fine and there's not everything's fine and there's not everything's fine and there's not conflict and celebrating is how you keep conflict and celebrating is how you keep conflict and celebrating is how you keep volunteers for the long term and it's volunteers for the long term and it's volunteers for the long term and it's the same three C's capacity competency the same three C's capacity competency the same three C's capacity competency and character you celebrate a volunteer and character you celebrate a volunteer and character you celebrate a volunteer by going to them and asking them about by going to them and asking them about by going to them and asking them about how they're feeling with the amount of how they're feeling with the amount of how they're feeling with the amount of workload that they have you celebrate workload that they have you celebrate workload that they have you celebrate them by acknowledging that hey we really them by acknowledging that hey we really them by acknowledging that hey we really appreciate you being here and I appreciate you being here and I appreciate you being here and I appreciate it so much that I want to appreciate it so much that I want to appreciate it so much that I want to hear are you like taking on too many hear are you like taking on too many hear are you like taking on too many Sundays right now or do you feel like Sundays right now or do you feel like Sundays right now or do you feel like you I can challenge you to do a little you I can challenge you to do a little you I can challenge you to do a little bit more and just by taking the step and bit more and just by taking the step and bit more and just by taking the step and asking them about that you're asking them about that you're asking them about that you're celebrating them because they're being

celebrating them because they're being celebrating them because they're being acknowledged and their efforts are not acknowledged and their efforts are not acknowledged and their efforts are not being overlooked that's right you can being overlooked that's right you can being overlooked that's right you can also then go to competency and celebrate also then go to competency and celebrate also then go to competency and celebrate every time they do something well you every time they do something well you every time they do something well you know the know the know the propresenter volunteer at Alex's Church propresenter volunteer at Alex's Church propresenter volunteer at Alex's Church who's now doing transitions that Alex who's now doing transitions that Alex who's now doing transitions that Alex didn't even know were loaded into Pro didn't even know were loaded into Pro didn't even know were loaded into Pro Presenter because he hasn't looked in Presenter because he hasn't looked in Presenter because he hasn't looked in Pro Presenter in a couple of years every Pro Presenter in a couple of years every Pro Presenter in a couple of years every time you see something good go out of time you see something good go out of time you see something good go out of your way to acknowledge it you know this your way to acknowledge it you know this your way to acknowledge it you know this happened the other day in our happened the other day in our happened the other day in our organization you know a person had like organization you know a person had like organization you know a person had like really succeeded in something and so you really succeeded in something and so you really succeeded in something and so you know we we did this little fun little know we we did this little fun little know we we did this little fun little thing it was on Pro Church DS Inc same thing it was on Pro Church DS Inc same thing it was on Pro Church DS Inc same episode as before where we gave him the episode as before where we gave him the episode as before where we gave him the the wrestling belt and we're like hey the wrestling belt and we're like hey the wrestling belt and we're like hey the Q3 wrestling belt goes to Kyle the Q3 wrestling belt goes to Kyle the Q3 wrestling belt goes to Kyle because he's really taken this because he's really taken this because he's really taken this initiative that I didn't ask of him but initiative that I didn't ask of him but initiative that I didn't ask of him but he took and so we want to acknowledge he took and so we want to acknowledge he took and so we want to acknowledge like this competency and this like this competency and this like this competency and this willingness to like Step Up M it can be willingness to like Step Up M it can be willingness to like Step Up M it can be public it can be private and kind of no public it can be private and kind of no public it can be private and kind of no people like I I felt like okay in this people like I I felt like okay in this people like I I felt like okay in this case I think a public thing is case I think a public thing is case I think a public thing is appropriate and I think everyone loves appropriate and I think everyone loves appropriate and I think everyone loves it sometimes it's like a private thing it sometimes it's like a private thing it sometimes it's like a private thing and people appreciate that even more and people appreciate that even more and people appreciate that even more depending on the person and then uh depending on the person and then uh depending on the person and then uh finally character again acknowledge and finally character again acknowledge and finally character again acknowledge and give credit where it's due anytime give credit where it's due anytime give credit where it's due anytime someone does something that's someone does something that's someone does something that's praiseworthy anytime someone shows the praiseworthy anytime someone shows the praiseworthy anytime someone shows the fruit of the spirit and this is distinct fruit of the spirit and this is distinct fruit of the spirit and this is distinct from competency it's 100% distinct right from competency it's 100% distinct right from competency it's 100% distinct right like there's it's what you do and and like there's it's what you do and and like there's it's what you do and and who you are yeah there's what you do and who you are yeah there's what you do and who you are yeah there's what you do and there's how you do it and so there's how you do it and so there's how you do it and so acknowledging hey you had just Integrity acknowledging hey you had just Integrity acknowledging hey you had just Integrity you know and and often times this you know and and often times this you know and and often times this celebration can come in a difficult time celebration can come in a difficult time celebration can come in a difficult time right it's like hey I saw that this right it's like hey I saw that this right it's like hey I saw that this happened and it was challenging but you happened and it was challenging but you happened and it was challenging but you did it in such a way that I wanted to

did it in such a way that I wanted to did it in such a way that I wanted to acknowledge like that was with Integrity acknowledge like that was with Integrity acknowledge like that was with Integrity that was with grace that was with that was with grace that was with that was with grace that was with empathy yeah and this is empathy yeah and this is empathy yeah and this is like this is not unique to Leading a like this is not unique to Leading a like this is not unique to Leading a volunteer team like this is something volunteer team like this is something volunteer team like this is something that comes up in just any sort of that comes up in just any sort of that comes up in just any sort of interpersonal relationship for anyone interpersonal relationship for anyone interpersonal relationship for anyone who has a romantic partnership this who has a romantic partnership this who has a romantic partnership this comes up all the time in the area of comes up all the time in the area of comes up all the time in the area of like having expectations of like you like having expectations of like you like having expectations of like you know what you do in the house and when know what you do in the house and when know what you do in the house and when your partner meets those expectations your partner meets those expectations your partner meets those expectations over time you just like kind of stop over time you just like kind of stop over time you just like kind of stop thanking them for doing the thing like thanking them for doing the thing like thanking them for doing the thing like whether it's like making the bed or I whether it's like making the bed or I whether it's like making the bed or I don't know bringing you a glass of water don't know bringing you a glass of water don't know bringing you a glass of water night or something it's like well yeah I night or something it's like well yeah I night or something it's like well yeah I expected you to do that so you just over expected you to do that so you just over expected you to do that so you just over time there's a tendency to stop thanking time there's a tendency to stop thanking time there's a tendency to stop thanking them for that and then that just breeds them for that and then that just breeds them for that and then that just breeds all sorts of uh of issues and so in in all sorts of uh of issues and so in in all sorts of uh of issues and so in in the context of like leading a volunteer the context of like leading a volunteer the context of like leading a volunteer team you know again I I bring it up team you know again I I bring it up team you know again I I bring it up often just because it's the context that often just because it's the context that often just because it's the context that I Pastor in but like we're a small I Pastor in but like we're a small I Pastor in but like we're a small church and we don't have as as as many church and we don't have as as as many church and we don't have as as as many volunteers as we'd like to have like volunteers as we'd like to have like volunteers as we'd like to have like James who runs propresenter is a perfect James who runs propresenter is a perfect James who runs propresenter is a perfect example right now we have one person who example right now we have one person who example right now we have one person who runs proes presenters like James is runs proes presenters like James is runs proes presenters like James is behind the computer every week and I behind the computer every week and I behind the computer every week and I don't have much to offer James I don't don't have much to offer James I don't don't have much to offer James I don't have a break to offer him I don't have I have a break to offer him I don't have I have a break to offer him I don't have I can't lavish him with gifts you know we can't lavish him with gifts you know we can't lavish him with gifts you know we do the Christmas gifts for our do the Christmas gifts for our do the Christmas gifts for our volunteers every every year but like I volunteers every every year but like I volunteers every every year but like I can't lavish him with gifts what I can can't lavish him with gifts what I can can't lavish him with gifts what I can do is like at the very least once a do is like at the very least once a do is like at the very least once a month or like better every time he month or like better every time he month or like better every time he volunteers thank him intentionally like volunteers thank him intentionally like volunteers thank him intentionally like just go out of my way to like thank him just go out of my way to like thank him just go out of my way to like thank him and be on the lookout for opportunities and be on the lookout for opportunities and be on the lookout for opportunities to celebrate him to praise him and that to celebrate him to praise him and that to celebrate him to praise him and that will go so far relationally and I'm I'm

will go so far relationally and I'm I'm will go so far relationally and I'm I'm convinced it will go far like as far as convinced it will go far like as far as convinced it will go far like as far as the energy that he has to show up every the energy that he has to show up every the energy that he has to show up every Sunday and do the thing if his work is Sunday and do the thing if his work is Sunday and do the thing if his work is not going unnoticed if I go out of my not going unnoticed if I go out of my not going unnoticed if I go out of my way as a team leader as a pastor as a way as a team leader as a pastor as a way as a team leader as a pastor as a volunteer leader whatever to call that volunteer leader whatever to call that volunteer leader whatever to call that out and acknowledge Him even when it's out and acknowledge Him even when it's out and acknowledge Him even when it's just even when he's just meeting just even when he's just meeting just even when he's just meeting expectations when he's just like we have expectations when he's just like we have expectations when he's just like we have a Sunday where there's like he just a Sunday where there's like he just a Sunday where there's like he just Nails everything it's like well yeah Nails everything it's like well yeah Nails everything it's like well yeah like James does that no no like go out like James does that no no like go out like James does that no no like go out of my way to celebrate that to of my way to celebrate that to of my way to celebrate that to acknowledge it to thank him I'm acknowledge it to thank him I'm acknowledge it to thank him I'm convinced that'll go a long way right convinced that'll go a long way right convinced that'll go a long way right and we talked about the relationship and we talked about the relationship and we talked about the relationship between these three C's character between these three C's character between these three C's character competency capacity if you know like competency capacity if you know like competency capacity if you know like okay capacity wise I can't really do okay capacity wise I can't really do okay capacity wise I can't really do much and you know I can't really like much and you know I can't really like much and you know I can't really like give him gifts um okay if one of them is give him gifts um okay if one of them is give him gifts um okay if one of them is like in a tough spot then you can overdo like in a tough spot then you can overdo like in a tough spot then you can overdo like go harder on the other one to kind like go harder on the other one to kind like go harder on the other one to kind of make up for it that's a really great of make up for it that's a really great of make up for it that's a really great point I think as well to uh to point out point I think as well to uh to point out point I think as well to uh to point out it's tough recruiting volunteers it's it's tough recruiting volunteers it's it's tough recruiting volunteers it's tough and it is an tough and it is an tough and it is an evergreen challenge before us there's evergreen challenge before us there's evergreen challenge before us there's always stuff to do it feels like there's always stuff to do it feels like there's always stuff to do it feels like there's never enough people to do it but I I I never enough people to do it but I I I never enough people to do it but I I I really do think that and you know we really do think that and you know we really do think that and you know we joked about at the top of the show but joked about at the top of the show but joked about at the top of the show but like by maybe writing some of this stuff like by maybe writing some of this stuff like by maybe writing some of this stuff down or like putting it in a dock and down or like putting it in a dock and down or like putting it in a dock and like sitting down down with your your like sitting down down with your your like sitting down down with your your team leaders and and saying like hey we team leaders and and saying like hey we team leaders and and saying like hey we need a little more help or we think need a little more help or we think need a little more help or we think there's people in the room who like who there's people in the room who like who there's people in the room who like who want to volunteer but we haven't built want to volunteer but we haven't built want to volunteer but we haven't built that bridge for them to get on board that bridge for them to get on board that bridge for them to get on board like let's build this framework and get like let's build this framework and get like let's build this framework and get more people integrated because we we more people integrated because we we more people integrated because we we talk about it all the time it takes a talk about it all the time it takes a talk about it all the time it takes a village or Church's Community or all village or Church's Community or all village or Church's Community or all this stuff but like most maybe most this stuff but like most maybe most this stuff but like most maybe most people show up on Sunday just have never

people show up on Sunday just have never people show up on Sunday just have never put their hands to doing some work in put their hands to doing some work in put their hands to doing some work in church like we want to build a bridge to church like we want to build a bridge to church like we want to build a bridge to give people that opportunity write give people that opportunity write give people that opportunity write writing some of this stuff down having a writing some of this stuff down having a writing some of this stuff down having a framework having a policy could really framework having a policy could really framework having a policy could really go a long way to you know bolstering go a long way to you know bolstering go a long way to you know bolstering your volunteer teams so increasing the your volunteer teams so increasing the your volunteer teams so increasing the capacity for all your existing teams but capacity for all your existing teams but capacity for all your existing teams but also giving folks in your church maybe also giving folks in your church maybe also giving folks in your church maybe who want to volunteer but who have never who want to volunteer but who have never who want to volunteer but who have never been asked the opportunity to get been asked the opportunity to get been asked the opportunity to get involved and put their faith into action involved and put their faith into action involved and put their faith into action yeah some just asking is the final thing yeah some just asking is the final thing yeah some just asking is the final thing to get past the excuse that we all kind to get past the excuse that we all kind to get past the excuse that we all kind of tell ourselves internally the last of tell ourselves internally the last of tell ourselves internally the last thing we want is for an episode like thing we want is for an episode like thing we want is for an episode like this to he one extra task on top of a this to he one extra task on top of a this to he one extra task on top of a weary pastor and so the best way to weary pastor and so the best way to weary pastor and so the best way to think about this entire process which is think about this entire process which is think about this entire process which is how we kicked off this episode is think how we kicked off this episode is think how we kicked off this episode is think about it like finances it never feels about it like finances it never feels about it like finances it never feels good to save because like we have we good to save because like we have we good to save because like we have we want to spend and then also like we have want to spend and then also like we have want to spend and then also like we have to spend but if you are disciplined to to spend but if you are disciplined to to spend but if you are disciplined to do that extra bit up front what it does do that extra bit up front what it does do that extra bit up front what it does is is eventually those savings start to is is eventually those savings start to is is eventually those savings start to like pay dividends and then the like pay dividends and then the like pay dividends and then the dividends earn savings on top of the dividends earn savings on top of the dividends earn savings on top of the savings and the Miracle of compound savings and the Miracle of compound savings and the Miracle of compound interest begins to take place and interest begins to take place and interest begins to take place and compound interest Works in finances and compound interest Works in finances and compound interest Works in finances and savings it also works with culture C so savings it also works with culture C so savings it also works with culture C so as you begin to build culture it's like as you begin to build culture it's like as you begin to build culture it's like you're pushing this snowball you're you're pushing this snowball you're you're pushing this snowball you're pushing this rock up a hill you're pushing this rock up a hill you're pushing this rock up a hill you're pushing it up a hill it's like every pushing it up a hill it's like every pushing it up a hill it's like every step is like I'm laboring with every step is like I'm laboring with every step is like I'm laboring with every single step but then eventually you get single step but then eventually you get single step but then eventually you get to the other side of the hill and now to the other side of the hill and now to the other side of the hill and now the rock starts rolling down itself and the rock starts rolling down itself and the rock starts rolling down itself and you're not pushing it and that's the you're not pushing it and that's the you're not pushing it and that's the compound interest of culture because compound interest of culture because compound interest of culture because you've built this culture and eventually

you've built this culture and eventually you've built this culture and eventually it gets to this point where you had to it gets to this point where you had to it gets to this point where you had to do all this work laying the foundation do all this work laying the foundation do all this work laying the foundation up front but that's not indefinite and up front but that's not indefinite and up front but that's not indefinite and that's what I want to encourage you with that's what I want to encourage you with that's what I want to encourage you with the most healthy churches in terms of the most healthy churches in terms of the most healthy churches in terms of volunteers and in terms of culture have volunteers and in terms of culture have volunteers and in terms of culture have done the hard work up front and then you done the hard work up front and then you done the hard work up front and then you reap the Harvest and the benefits down reap the Harvest and the benefits down reap the Harvest and the benefits down the line because of this compound the line because of this compound the line because of this compound interest that culture kind of keeps interest that culture kind of keeps interest that culture kind of keeps building upon itself building upon building upon itself building upon building upon itself building upon itself and that that point all you're itself and that that point all you're itself and that that point all you're kind of doing is maintenance and now kind of doing is maintenance and now kind of doing is maintenance and now ideally you also have all these ideally you also have all these ideally you also have all these departments that are thriving people departments that are thriving people departments that are thriving people that are serving and being spiritually that are serving and being spiritually that are serving and being spiritually formed because they are active in formed because they are active in formed because they are active in community they're not just consumers community they're not just consumers community they're not just consumers sitting in the pews but they're actually sitting in the pews but they're actually sitting in the pews but they're actually reaching out and serving and making a reaching out and serving and making a reaching out and serving and making a difference in the church which is difference in the church which is difference in the church which is actually forming them more spiritually actually forming them more spiritually actually forming them more spiritually than it ever would just hear a sermon than it ever would just hear a sermon than it ever would just hear a sermon and just raise hands during music and and just raise hands during music and and just raise hands during music and just sing to the worship so yes it's just sing to the worship so yes it's just sing to the worship so yes it's work but like most things if you do the work but like most things if you do the work but like most things if you do the work up front it's so worth it on the work up front it's so worth it on the work up front it's so worth it on the other side that's right and will you see other side that's right and will you see other side that's right and will you see you on the other side next Wednesday you on the other side next Wednesday you on the other side next Wednesday thanks for your time attention and Trust thanks for your time attention and Trust thanks for your time attention and Trust we'll talk to you then I'm just a little we'll talk to you then I'm just a little we'll talk to you then I'm just a little out of my rhythm right now I got this out of my rhythm right now I got this out of my rhythm right now I got this trip coming up and then I keep eating trip coming up and then I keep eating trip coming up and then I keep eating too much if I just don't eat right it's too much if I just don't eat right it's too much if I just don't eat right it's like what's the point it's really hard like what's the point it's really hard like what's the point it's really hard hard to eat right everyone has birthdays hard to eat right everyone has birthdays hard to eat right everyone has birthdays and food is just great well that's also and food is just great well that's also and food is just great well that's also true right but 10% body fat that's got true right but 10% body fat that's got true right but 10% body fat that's got to be great right surely that's great I to be great right surely that's great I to be great right surely that's great I have no like context for that I want to have no like context for that I want to have no like context for that I want to get to it once you know you just get to get to it once you know you just get to get to it once you know you just get to it once and you know I've heard it said it once and you know I've heard it said it once and you know I've heard it said no food tastes as good as looking good no food tastes as good as looking good no food tastes as good as looking good feels something like that no food tastes feels something like that no food tastes feels something like that no food tastes as good as feeling good tastes man right

as good as feeling good tastes man right as good as feeling good tastes man right it was so profound when I heard it this it was so profound when I heard it this it was so profound when I heard it this is not a good no but it it makes sense is not a good no but it it makes sense is not a good no but it it makes sense cuz I'll go through seasons of like oh cuz I'll go through seasons of like oh cuz I'll go through seasons of like oh I'm just gonna I'm GNA Live While I'm I'm just gonna I'm GNA Live While I'm I'm just gonna I'm GNA Live While I'm Alive I'm gonna eat I'm GNA just and Alive I'm gonna eat I'm GNA just and Alive I'm gonna eat I'm GNA just and it's not like crappy food it's just like it's not like crappy food it's just like it's not like crappy food it's just like no no it's like actually just the best no no it's like actually just the best no no it's like actually just the best food but then a couple months that and food but then a couple months that and food but then a couple months that and you're like ah I kind of hate myself you're like ah I kind of hate myself you're like ah I kind of hate myself there