I have learned and used this principle over the last couple years. I have always struggled to 'sell' any volunteer opportunities that have a long time commitment. So I started doing something new a couple years ago and have had more success. The best way to recruit new volunteers is to not recruit new volunteers. :)
If I know of a potentially great youth volunteer I won't even mention volunteering. Even hinting at a time commitment is something I stay FAR away from. BUT I will ask if he/she can come and help do X at our Youth Ministry one time. Often the conversation might be, "Hey Jim, can you come and help set up some equipment on Wednesday night? My regular guy is away and I could use you to fill in." Jim is way more likely to say "yes" to this question compared to this one: "Hey Jim, I think you'd be a great youth leader. Would you consider joining our team?" That's way too big of a sell.
One night + easy service opportunity = Very easy sell.
Then, if I felt Jim had a great time and we enjoyed having him, I may ask him to come back again another time. After that I may go in for the "kill" (ask for longer commitment). But that ask is always after he has had a couple times to experience our ministry. Let the Youth Ministry sell itself by getting Jim there once.
The principle:
Never sell a commitment without a context.
Never sell a commitment without a context.
Get your whole team doing this and watch your new potential volunteers come to you!
Have you struggled to sell a commitment?
1 comment:
Hey James,
I was looking through my cds and found a recording of yours that you had given me WAAAAAY back during your time at RMC in Calgary. I listened to it and thought "hmmm, I wonder what he is up to and if he has more music somewhere?" Thus, I found your blog site! How cool is that?! My husband Joseph and I pastor a small rural EMC church in Saskatchewan and are so excited to see that you are in ministry way out in L.A.! One of the most interesting is the similarity that earlier this year I also went through a miscarriage at 7 weeks, but God is good and guided us through it! Still no kids, but it appears that one is on the way! Thanks for the music as well as your insight on volunteers or getting them :) We should try that in our church sometime. Would love to continue to hear from you. I will visit and listen again soon!
An RMC friend: Sherri Steeves
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