Do you know the turnover rate among your volunteers? There are studies that focus on employees. The general goal for staff members in organizations is 10 percent. I think most of us would love to see that at our churches. We would love to add more volunteers but not to lose our current volunteers especially the good ones. So how does your church retain your rock star volunteers?
I believe that volunteers will stay longer if you can answer this question, “How can I make volunteers feel special?” Everyone loves to feel valued and important even if you always work in the background. We all want to be noticed and feel like we matter. If we can help our volunteers feel special then I know that they are likely to stay longer. Here are four ways to help your volunteers feel even more noticed.
1) Brag about them
People don’t like it when you brag about yourself. It just doesn’t look or sound good. But when someone else that you know brags about you at a party or dinner then it feels great. Your volunteers will appreciate any moments that you can show them off. You can do this in a variety of ways. You can post a picture of their creation or artwork on your social media platform. You can also do this publicly in a team meeting or a prayer circle. You can just highlight a volunteer for what they did the previous week. They will feel great inside and feel incredibly valued. It also allows others to celebrate and honor that volunteer. You create community through that celebration. There is more of a bond and connection between with your whole team and staff.
2) Care for their soul
Have you noticed that some volunteers are hesitant to pick up your phone call because they know you want something for them to do? I’ve noticed that. Sunday is coming and we need to get results. We need to connect with them. But if that’s the only thing they receive from you then you’ll have a one sided relationship. It’s important for you as the leader to care first for the soul of your volunteers. You need them to serve but it’s essential that you help them on their spiritual journey. You can text them asking for any prayer requests or asking how God is working in their lives. It does not have to be a long conversation. But it needs to be a priority to ask them specific questions about their faith. It’s our job to encourage that they are growing spiritually. Do you know if your volunteers are in a small group or taken the membership class? Do you know if they attend service regularly and connect with God on a regular basis? It’s our responsibility to care for their souls.
3) Celebrate their birthdays
There’s one day that everyone knows and wants to feel special…for most people at least. It’s your birthdays. It’s a day that’s all about you. It’s important as a leader to recognize and celebrate your volunteers on their special day. You can send them a text, mail a card or send a small gift card. That’s a great gesture but I’m wondering how else can we make them feel even more special. One thing that we are doing is sending a video from our staff singing happy birthday and affirming that team leader. We record it during our staff meeting which takes 2 minutes. I’ll then text it to them on their birthday. It takes little coordination but feels more special then just a text or card.
4) Connect Individually
You show someone you love them through your time. It’s the greatest way to show you care. It’s important to spend time individually with your volunteer. You can do this over a meal or over coffee. It’s just a time to block off thirty minutes to an hour to show them that you want to connect and just be with them. Now if you have a big team, then you may want to invite one or two of the volunteers and do that together. But if you have a team of 12 volunteers. You can meet with one a month and be done in a year. It takes intentional planning and initiative but the impact is priceless.
Which one will help you this week?
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