4 Ways To Recharge Your Volunteers
“I just feel like I need a break from ministry.”
You’ve almost certainly heard this before. It’s one of the most common reasons that volunteers give for stepping back from youth or children’s ministry.
It makes sense. Being a great volunteer requires a lot of time and energy. If we aren’t careful, those demands slowly drain our teams until it feels like the only solution is to stop serving.
Sometimes those breaks are necessary, and what is healthy for the volunteer is ultimately healthy for the ministry. Oftentimes, however, it is a reaction to a temporary dip in capacity.
As a leader, the energy of your team is one of the most important things that you steward. Doing this well lets volunteers grow in capacity, sets them up for success, and shows how much you care for them.
When you notice a volunteer (or an entire team) is running low on energy it is time to take action. Here are four ways you can recharge your team.
1 - Learn Together
One of the best ways to invigorate a team is to expand their knowledge. The smarter we get about something, the more we enjoy it. Taking time to grow together as a team benefits everyone.
You can read a book, watch a training video, attend a seminar, or invite a guest-speaker to bring a new perspective or experience to your team. (If you need a list of great books for youth ministry teams, you can find one here.)
2- Do Something Fun
Maybe your team just needs to blow off some steam. The weekly demands of ministry can easily overshadow the value of the work you’re doing and the joy it brings.
Finding time to laugh together and create a shared experience can remind volunteers why they started in the first place. Include a time to talk about recent wins in your ministry, and share how much you appreciate the work they are doing.
3- Meet 1 on 1 With Volunteers
We all wish we could meet regularly with our volunteers, but often they are so busy that we only see them during ministry times. If you feel a volunteer is growing weary, make a point to schedule a lunch with them (go to their workplaces if it makes it easier).
The personal connection is encouraging, and it can give you more insight on what might be draining your team. Here are five questions you can ask:
What is a recent highlight in your role?
What is the low point in recent weeks in this role?
What about your role is filling your tank?
What about your role feels draining?
How can I pray for you?
They are simple questions, but easily lead to more substantial conversation.
4 - All Of The Above (And More) At Recharge Conference
If you want to do all of the above in one day, join us at Recharge Conference. Learn together with your team, have fun at a day you don’t have to plan, and find time to personally connect with volunteers throughout the day. (You can skip a workshop to talk with them, we won’t tell.)
Recharge gives a huge mid-year boost to volunteer teams. With practical workshops and inspiring keynotes, as well as space for prayer, worship, and connection, it is a one-stop shop for teams to reconnect with their heart for ministry.