Recruiting Like Jesus Recruited
To quote Jim Wideman from his book Volunteers That Stick
“Jesus recruited people without bulletin boards. Without bulletin inserts.
Without pulpit announcements. Somehow he was able to recruit people as
“disciples,” which involved more than a six-month commitment and a training
meeting.”
He did not candy coat what it would be like to be his
follower and it was always a life-long, life changing commitment. Yet he was (and
still is!) able to sign people up. That is why he is the perfect model to use
when recruiting volunteers in CM. In June and July we will review 15 principles
He used that we can adapt for use in CM recruiting. 1.
Jesus
demonstrated enthusiasm
Jesus was enthusiastic when he talked about serving in the
kingdom of God. Folks want a fired up leader this does not only mean your CM
leader but your pastor as well. The pastor sets the stage for all other
ministries by communicating that service is important and expected. 2.
Jesus
recruited by vision
If your program is broken or if you walk around looking
forlorn why would anyone want to help?
Repel the urge to talk about how desperately you need volunteers.
Instead talk about what people who serve in CM do and what an impact this has
on the lives of children. When Jesus extolled the kingdom of God nobody could
see it but they could feel it. They felt it in the words He used. What is your
CM Vision Statement? If you do not currently have one it is time to get started
working on one. Keep it simple and
make sure it lines up with your churches overall vision. An example is “Our children’s ministry
will serve and glorify God by encouraging the Christian growth of children.” 3.
Jesus
walked the walk
If you want volunteers who have a heart for Jesus you better
have one yourself. Whatever you require in your volunteers you must model in
yourself as the CM leader. Jesus was faithful in His walk, all the way to
Calvary. He has the right to expect no less of us. 4.
Jesus
made everything a matter of prayer, including recruitment.
When we are cornered or in a bind we have a tendency to do
everything but pray. We need to model Jesus. Keep first things first. That
means our relationship with Him must be of the utmost importance. Take time to
pray and listen for His response. Remember it is not in the wind or the fire or
the earthquake but in the still small voice. Are you praying and asking Him to
bring the right people to your ministry? 5.
Jesus
took his time to fill the roster
Time is a gift. Take it and use it when recruiting. If you
jump to fill open positions with a warm body you will most likely end up with
unhappy folks in positions where they will not stick. Jesus did not find all
twelve of his disciples at once but one or two at a time. 6.
Jesus
instituted a draft
“You come and follow me.” Sounds like an order to me. We can
adapt this to work in CM. I am not advocating becoming a drill sergeant but if
you have folks in your church who are not serving in ministry, approach them,
have a conversation with them about volunteering. They may not be geared for CM
but may have a gifting elsewhere. You will never know if you do not ask and
some folks will wait to be asked before they take the first step. 7.
Jesus
seized opportunities
Jesus found some of his disciples walking by the sea in
Galilee. Go out and find folks. If you are always looking, you will eventually
be successful in finding.
Next month we will review the remaining 8 principles. Have a
safe and wonderful 4th of July celebrating and praying for the
country we live in. In God We Trust. It must be our credo, maybe more so than
ever before.
In Him,
CJ Schindler
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