A simple method for tapping into more volunteers
by Tim Stevens
If the pastors or the church staff members are the ones solely responsible for finding and placing new volunteers, then the growth of the church will be limited.
Why?
Because very few people will respond to pleas for help. Rather, most will jump in and help either because they want to make a difference with their lives or because they want deeper relational connections with others.
That's why you must teach shoulder-tapping. All leaders and volunteers must believe that it is their responsibility to tap the shoulders of the folks next to them and invite them into ministry. I'm not referring to the people sitting next to them on Sunday morning, but the people standing next to them in life -- the people with whom they are in relationship. It is so inviting to hear, "Join me." This tells me that someone wants to be with me, that I have worth, that I can make a difference.
Every volunteer in my ministry area has contacts that I don't have. They have nurtured friendships and developed relationships that are different from mine. For that reason, the shoulders they tap will be within a unique network of relationships.
Just try this. If you tell each volunteer in your church that in the next year it is his or her job to tap the shoulder of one person who is not currently serving, you will double your team within one year! Wouldn't that be fantastic?
If you're really brave, let your volunteers tap the shoulders of those who don't attend your church. What a great way to build a relationship with seekers in your community!
