Transforming Volunteers
Volunteerism is up. Can churches put them to meaningful work?
Krista Petty
April 1, 2006
During the 2005 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Washington, D.C., rocker Jon Bon Jovi declared, "I've done it all. But I got more of a rush when I went to the Northern Home for Children in North Philly and built a playground."
Yes, volunteerism is becoming hip, but it goes beyond trendy. In 2004, 64.5 million Americans volunteered, an increase of nearly 5 million since 2002.
As non-church people look for a good way to serve, they may see a church's community-based projects as viable options. Rolling Hills Community Church in Tuatalin, Oregon, found this true during their 2005 Community Food Drive.
"We invited our people to ask their neighbors, co-workers, and friends if they would be willing to fill a sack—as opposed to our people simply going to the store to buy the needed supplies," says Monte Schmidt. Together, church and community gathered over 77,000 pounds of food to be distributed throughout three counties. Over 1,600 church attendees collected food, but 7,047 people participated. Non-church people stepped up.
While volunteerism is an opportunity to meet physical needs, a serving experience can also be the beginning of a faith experience. Volunteer management expert Don Simmons suggests some essential guidelines.
Six steps for equipping
1. Training. Many churches focus on training leaders, but not volunteers. According to Simmons, "If it is important enough to do, it's important enough to train volunteers in how to do it!"
2. Affirmation. "We often forget that people need to know that they matter more than what they do," says Don.
3. Feedback. "Authentic, love-based feedback does much to develop servants into strong leaders," said Simmons. In her book on volunteers, Marlene Wilson says avoiding feedback ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
