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In the world of church and non profit organizations volunteers are the people who make things happen. Although, it’s important that we recruit people based on ability and not just availability. If there is one thing I’ve come to realize (sometimes the hard way) it’s that a high caliber volunteer can add significant value to your ministry, but the wrong volunteer can have a negative impact on the entire team. So, here are a few things to look for when recruiting volunteers.

1. Proven Track Record - Have they been faithful in the small stuff? 

2. Pure Motives - Do they have a hidden agenda or is their heart in the right place?

3. Problem Solver - Do they complain or do they bring solutions to the table?

4. Cool Under Pressure - How do they respond in high stress situations?

5. Good with People - Are they good with people (other volunteers, parents, guests)?

6. Goes the Extra Mile - Do they take ownership of their role and hand it off in better condition than when it was given to them?

What are some things that you look for in volunteers?

One of our rockstar volunteers, Mike Koehler, sent me his Top 10 Reasons to be a Kids Ministry Volunteer at People’s Church. Even if you don’t go to People’s Church I think you will agree with some of these reasons for your church as well.   

10. Who needs caffeine on a Sunday morning when you have a room full of 3-year-olds?

9. Six-year-olds never leave you hanging for a high five.

8. Too rushed to wash your hair? That’s why 2 year old room has a bubble machine.

7. The “Round the World” worship song is a great aerobic workout.

6. Gives you a chance to memorize every Veggietales movie - ever.

5. When the kids aren’t looking, you can sneak into the moon-bounce.

4. Some of the kids are old enough to tell you about the days at the Movie Theatre. (We use to meet at the AMC)

3. We know your secret. You’ve always wanted to dress up like Mary and Martha. (An inside joke for one of our volunteers, Brent.)

2. Hugs!

1. Some adult in the future will look back and remember how you changed their life!

Thank you to Mike and to all of our volunteers that change lives every Sunday.