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Painting Pictures of the Future
Lipton Gain, Bangladesh
If Jesus was a Young Life leader, what would be His volunteer-making strategy? An unstoppable movement came from His three-and-a-half-year ministry; His volunteer team had almost nothing, but shook the world with the gospel. Today it’s difficult to find committed and called volunteers, but the strength of Young Life ministry is not the number of our full-time staff. It’s our committed volunteers.
Last year our vision was to recruit 400 volunteers from 12 areas in Bangladesh. At the end of last year, we celebrated a list of 406 names. We praise and thank God for these miraculous partners!
Here’s three key strategies to recruit, equip and empower volunteers:
1. Help them own the ministry vision:
In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as expansive as the stars in the sky. He provided a future vision for Abraham’s faith, so he could look up at night and be reminded when he was upset or unsure. Similarly, when we create a clear vision for our ministries our staff and leaders can look to it for direction, reassurance and unity. Leaders paint pictures of the future.
Over the last few years, we found many volunteers because they wanted to be part of our big vision for Young Life Bangladesh. It’s important that every Young Life leader clearly and passionately explain their ministry's vision and mission. It should be compelling and exciting. Helping them own the ministry vision and incorporate it into the vision they have for their lives is essential. When people feel welcomed, loved and valued to contribute to a big vision, that’s the moment when they make the commitment to be available for our ministry. Every volunteer loves to be a part of something bigger than themselves!
When people feel welcomed, loved and valued to contribute to a big vision, that’s the moment when they make the commitment to be available for our ministry. Every volunteer loves to be a part of something bigger than themselves!
2. Provide an environment to GET and GIVE:
This environment is a generous culture of contribution where everybody participates. We need to intentionally nurture our volunteers. Their giving will be a product of their receiving. Ministry is the overflow of our relationship with Jesus. The Samaritan woman, the blind man, the man possessed by a group of demons and many others are the perfect examples of volunteers. These volunteers were engaging and serving in ministry because Jesus ministered to them. At first, they experienced the power of His love and mercy. By this they were motivated and empowered to the fullest to serve in the ministry. That's why they willingly started volunteering to share about Jesus.
The need for volunteers is different in every culture so we must help them to discover their spiritual gifts and abilities to serve well in the ministry. For example, you can find a leader gifted with music, someone gifted with mentoring, someone tremendously gifted in outdoor activities, and someone who’s a good communicator. We match the volunteer with the ministry’s real need and put the right people in the right places. Last February we brought 80 volunteers (from 10 different areas) who are passionate about music to a music camp, and equipped them with instruments to serve their club kids.
3. Sharpen each other through accountability:
Having an attitude of accountability helps our team to grow. We have nothing to prove but everything to improve. This way we create the accountability group where volunteers can grow big in a small group. We go back to the assigned work of the volunteers, review their action plans according to the vision, and measure the results. If any improvement is needed, we discuss it with the team and take the necessary steps. As leaders, we must focus on the people, not just the program. Jesus emphasized being rather than just doing. He sent out His disciples with authority and power to serve the mission of finding the lost and He held them accountable. “When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done” (Luke 9:10, NIV).
The Best Helper
What did Jesus do for His volunteers when He knew His time on earth was coming to an end? He promised them the best helper. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16, NIV).
The Holy Spirit is the birthright for all God’s children and just as Jesus sent Him to the disciples, He has sent Him to you and me. Jesus knows our strength is limited, our resources are limited, and our number of staff and volunteers is limited. Before we recruit volunteers for this help, however, let’s first welcome the Holy Spirit, our first and best “Helper”!
After all, Young Life is ultimately “A Holy Spirit-Led Kingdom Movement”!