Recruiting Like Jesus Recruited – Part 2

Happy Fall to you! I can see evidence of the Lord’s paintbrush on the tips of the leaves in my front yard today. I am never disappointed in His artistry. This month we will conclude the two part article on recruiting like Jesus recruited so let’s get started!

8. Jesus talked about rewards

In child rearing is often looked down upon to use rewards as a motivating force. We want our children to want to do things intrinsically not because they will get a new book, some candy or those well loved fast food chicken nuggets. Some also say this is true when it comes to CM volunteers as well… but… and there is always a but…Jesus talked about rewards; the promise of heaven and eternal life. He is the way, the truth and the life and no man gets to heaven except through Him. That is one carrot I will gladly dangle in front of any rabbit! There are rewards in CM volunteering; that joy you feel when you see a child ‘get it’, when they recite a Bible verse from memory, when you overhear them telling a friend the bible story you taught them last Sunday and the ultimate one is the privilege to perhaps one day lead a child to Christ. Talk about this with your volunteers; share your own reward stories.

9. Jesus required commitment, not just sacrifice

Jesus asked for commitment from his disciples. The sacrifices they made were a result of that commitment to be faithful and follow Him. When recruiting volunteers make that commitment expectation clear from the beginning. If you require them to serve on a monthly rotation basis for a minimum of 6 months then say so rather than the ‘if you can help some weeks that would be wonderful’ reply. You may lose some folks because of this but the ones that stay you can be certain are committed to the ministry. Children deserve commitment.

10. Jesus went after good people

Jesus recruited hard working, busy people as disciples. I can tell you from personal experience that being a fisherman like a couple of the disciples were is a hard, often thankless occupation as it was my father’s life work until he was in his mid forties. People who are hardworking and reliable at their jobs and in their personal lives often make the best volunteers in CM as well. They are there when they say they will be there and do what they say they will do. Do not be hesitant to recruit busy people.

11. Jesus let his volunteers do recruiting

Jesus allowed the disciples to pick other disciples; Andrew brought Peter and Philip brought Nathanael. Allow your volunteers to recruit other volunteers in CM. Trust in them to bring others to you that share the same zeal for the ministry.

12. Jesus demonstrated how to do ministry

Jesus taught by example. Do the same in your CM. If you as the leader do not model what you expect of your volunteers they will be confused and quality will suffer.

13. Jesus coached and corrected volunteers

Evaluations are part of good recruiting. Make sure this is clear to your volunteers when you recruit them.

14. Jesus expected results

Volunteers should continue to grow spiritually and bear fruit just as Jesus expects his followers to bear fruit.  If they are where they are meant to be and are relying on God they will continue to grow.

15. Jesus entered into a relationship with his volunteers

Jesus spent time with his team. Do not recruit volunteers and then neglect them. Be available for your volunteers, be in relationship with them.

In October we will discuss writing job descriptions for your volunteers.

In Him,

CJ Schindler

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