Engaging Volunteers During The Summer
A lot of churches do a great job at planning their fall, winter and spring seasons. Not so much for the summer. Often June hits and we find ourselves scrambling because the church is half the size it was in May. To better plan for the summer I want to coach you through how to engage your volunteers during these months.
Some of us may need to give our volunteers a break during this season. Some of us may need to give them opportunities. And some of us need to do a combination of both. Below are reasons why - and action steps on how - to do both. Also, if you’re looking for coaching on this topic beyond this article then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you determine the obstacles you're facing and if I’m the best person to help you overcome them.
Why You Should Give A Summer Break
Biblical - We clearly see cycles (daily, weekly, yearly, etc.) of rest throughout the bible. I don’t want to belabor this point because it is fairly clear. But for the hard charging leaders out there it is helpful to remember Psalms 127:2 “God gives rest to his loved ones.”
Recharge - A break recharges your volunteers that have been serving faithfully and aggressively throughout the year. Let them catch their wind during this down season.
Rebound - A summer rest empowers volunteers for a fall rebound. This will allow you to launch, instead of limp, into September.
Demonstrates Faith - When you as a leader scale back and provide rest, it is based upon a belief in God. Resting tests, develops and showcases your faith. Do not miss this opportunity to develop a greater reliance on God.
Showcases Health - Nothing turns off a potential volunteer more than a toxic team. If your current team members don’t enjoy serving then why would others want to join them? Rest shows would-be volunteers that you value health which in turn increases the likelihood they’ll join in.
Allows Evaluation - We normally jammed our ministry calendar with so much activity that we don’t allow any time for evaluation. Is this creating life change? Is there a better way? Is any of this working? A season of rest allows you to ask these needed questions.
Acknowledges Reality - News flash…people take vacations. Additional news flash…that happens the most during the summer. I’ve worked in NJ churches for the majority of my career. A lot of our folks spent a substantial time at the shore during the summer. Acknowledging this reality allows me to adapt to it.
Creates Rhythms - Churches often recruit volunteers in the fall and reward them in spring. Adding in rest during the summer strengthens the overall rhythms of your church.
How To Give A Break
Wants Versus Needs - Identify what is your wanted and needed ministry activity. And then pursue accordingly.
Do You - Get off of social media. Stop looking at what the mega church across the nation is doing this summer. Do what is right for you this summer.
Condense - If you have more than one Sunday morning service, consider condensing it into one during the summer months. It cuts your Sunday volunteer workload by 50%. It also provides a chance for people attending different services to connect with each other.
Acoustic - If you provide contemporary worship you are probably running ten deep on stage each Sunday. Consider going acoustic for the summer which would decrease your needs by at least half.
Groups - If you aren’t already scaling back your groups during the summer, I would strongly recommend you do so. Generally speaking this move is all pro and very limited con. It is a very easy way to give your volunteers a break.
Why You Should Give Summer Opportunities
Disposable Time - Some people have more disposable time during the summer. Tap into these people, especially high school and college students for increased volunteerism during the summer.
Student Ministry - A lot of ministries scaled back during the summer. But not students. This is their time to shine with mission trips, summer retreat weeks and additional events. Call this opportunity out for anyone that might want to join them for the summer.
How To Give Summer Opportunities
Incentives - Provide incentives for those joining during the summer. I love how my former church, Liquid, gamified serving by giving out limited-edition swap to those jumping in.
Internships - Internships are great ways to find and develop your future church staff. When done right, you can have a lasting impact on the kingdom by the way you develop and mentor up-and-coming church leaders. And the summer is the perfect season to launch them. Check out this article for more info.
Communicate - If you have increased opportunities for engagement during the summer then let people know what they are. I love how my former church, Christ Fellowship Miami, did that last summer.
Let me know how you engage volunteers during the summer. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.