5 Ways to Invest in Volunteers (So They Invest in Kids)

Invest in Volunteers

Every children’s ministry relies on volunteers. I’m always wondering, “How can we invest in these people in ways to bring out their best?” I learned most of what I know from an incredible leader named Kim Gunderson.

1. Time

Several years ago I was on a children’s ministry team celebrating the 10 year anniversary of one of our staff members, Kim Gunderson. To help the celebration, I was put in charge of creating a video. I interviewed current and past volunteers and asked them to share about Kim and what they remembered most about Kim’s leadership. The answers were so simple and it became clear what Kim had invested, year after year, in her volunteer team: time. Great leaders invest time into their team because they know that time reaps incredible benefits like buy-in, development, and alignment. Do you know how much a phone call matters or a conversation over coffee? Spending your time with your team is one of the best investments you can make into your ministry.

2. Appreciation

Have you ever worked in a thankless job? Thankless jobs stink. No one likes that job. It’s why I go out of my way to be thanked for every job I do. Just kidding. When you invest appreciation, you are winning your team. Figure out how to appreciate each volunteer you have uniquely and then make it happen.

3. Care

Volunteers are people. I forget this sometimes. In fact, I’m sorry to admit this but sometimes I only think about volunteers as the slot they fill. When we focus our attention on volunteers as people, we can begin to invest the care they need. Volunteers might need you to listen, provide counsel, pray, visit, or walk with them through a difficult time.

4. Knowing

This is the most surprising truth that I learned from Kim’s volunteers. So many of them simply shared, “Kim knew my name” or “Kim asked about my life.” This is a critical investment. Do you know the people you serve with? Are you checking in on their lives, families, work, and interests? The best leaders invest in knowing their team.

5. Laughter

Find a group of people laughing and you instantly want to be in on the joke. People genuinely enjoy laughter. Laughter is fun! When leaders laugh, they are experiencing joy and camaraderie. Infuse this into your volunteer team. Make it fun. Make ’em laugh.

More Posts

Deeply Loved: An Easter Encouragement

“Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to him belong, They are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me ….”

How many times have we sung this song?  And yet, I wonder today, do

Read More >
Kids talking in a group

10 Scary Things That Today’s Kids Think

This article was written by Chuck Peters, Director of Lifeway Kids. My team and I have done a deep dive into research on Gen Z and Generation Alpha to help Kids and Student Ministry leaders better understand how we can best reach the next generation with the gospel. The research

Read More >
INCM

Get Your Free Prayer Experience Guide!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Get Your Free Creating Moments Guide!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Join the list, and we'll send you more info on coaching.

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Join the list, and we'll send you the INCM Member invite!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Get Your Free Video Devotional & More!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Get Your Free Felt Safety for Kids Guide!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Get Your Free Trauma Assessment Resource!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Get Your Free Policy Review Framework!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Receive Encouragement, Get Exclusive Offers, and Much More

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.

Be the first to hear about the coaching release in 2020!

By submitting the form, you're opting in to marketing emails from INCM. Your email is 100% safe.