Recruiting Don'ts

Don't get poorly painted...

Sorry, but I HAD to add this section.  Poor, weary people and weary congregations have been bombarded by bad recruiting tactics for ages.  Stay away from them as if they were the plague, because people will react to your ministry like it is the plague if you partake.  

These are ways that you should NEVER recruit volunteers:

• NEVER guilt anyone into volunteering.  An uncomfortable, resentful teacher is not someone you want teaching. 

• NEVER ask someone who keeps saying, "No."  This is linked to the previous statement.  It guilts them to comply with you and shows you do not respect their decision to decline.

• NEVER recycle the same volunteers over and over again.  It's trying out there - make sure they get to take a break when they need one and try to keep commitments minimal.

• NEVER do a general shout out.  This is a sign of a completely desperate situation.  Not only is it ineffective, it is dangerous.  You get anyone and everyone, you can't be selective, and you can't set up general safety guidelines for teachers to abide by.  If you need more than muscle power, this is generally a bad idea.

• NEVER do a, "bait-and-switch."  This is when you promise them they will be a helper and then throw them in a room full of kids and say - teach.  "Let your yes be yes and your no be no."  Make sure you keep your word.

• NEVER ask.  Always tell someone they are valuable to the ministry.  Asking is not effective and creates a pestering quality in you.  (Instead of saying, "Would you like to teach the K class for the summer?"  You should tell them, "I noticed how well you do with the 5 and 6 year olds in the church.  I think you would be the perfect person in the K class this summer."  And then let them respond). 

• NEVER settle.  You know what I mean...It's the last minute and still no teachers.  So you settle on someone who doesn't fit.  They don't like kids, bring Brussel-sprouts to class, and yell a lot.  Even if they offer, don't accept.  They don't fit and will damage the ministry more than they can help it.    

•  NEVER go it alone.  Prayer is your best friend!  Excluding God from any ministry is a bad idea.  God needs to be central in your life and to keep it that way you need to pray often.  Get yourself on a schedule if you find it never gets done.  Pray when you awake and when you go to sleep.  Pray before you eat.  Even if it's a short prayer it reminds you who you are and who's you are.  Add additional times for lengthy prayers.  

• NEVER skip the last step!

• NEVER doubt yourself.  A confident recruiter can give a shy pew-sitter enough confidence to jump in head first.  Speak with authority...and if you feel like you need more confidence - revert to the previous step.

Remember - God is powerful and he will raise people up to help you.  Have confidence He will and keep your eyes peeled for those leaders and helpers He created.