Author: Michelle Suarez

I’ve been in full-time ministry for just over a decade. Prior to that I was a volunteer. I’ve always felt that experience prepared me to lead volunteers well. But I realized that over time, there are some things I’ve forgotten. Recently, I’ve stepped away from ministry – just for a season. We moved back “home” to Oklahoma and I’ve started volunteering in a church I was previously on staff at. In the few months I’ve been “not on staff,” I’ve learned a few things from the perspective of a volunteer.

1. It’s easy to believe what we do doesn’t matter that much. We sign up to serve because we’re bought into the vision. Then, Sunday after Sunday, month after month, goes by and we show up to serve regularly. But, let’s be honest, serving is taxing work. The details can become overwhelming. It’s easy to get focused on the specifics that are needed each week, or the things you hoped to accomplish but didn’t. Over time, the vision fades away and what’s left behind is the work. We need you to remind us of the vision and purpose. More often than you think you need to. We need you to remind us that what we do is important. That our work matters in the overall scheme of things. We need you to see us and our service.
2. We don’t think about Sundays that often. It’s not because we don’t realize the importance of it all. It’s just that life can be busy. I know you think about Sunday every day, maybe multiple times a day. But, believe it or not, I’ve gone days before it’s ever crossed my mind. Sometime, I don’t think about it until that morning. It’s not that I purposely don’t prepare the lessons that you’ve provided, or make the contacts that you’ve asked me to make, it’s just that time moves quickly and sometimes it’s Sunday again before I even notice. That’s why I sometimes call out on Saturday night or Sunday morning – I really did forget! We won’t get offended if you send a reminder text or email or just check in to see how it’s going. In fact, we’d actually appreciate it!
3. Holidays are difficult. There is a whole list of things we need to accomplish at work and at home to make the holiday successful for our family. When you add expectations at church, it can cause new levels of stress. The small things you do to help us really do make a huge impact. Hot coffee in the mornings, snacks when we’re serving for a few hours, even a little piece of candy as a quick “thank you” can make a huge difference and help remind us that it’s all worth it.
4. We really do want you to succeed! I know that sometimes we’re not as quick to jump on board with your ideas as you’d like us to be. We don’t sign up the second you mention the event or activity. And sometimes, we might even argue with you a little. But it’s not because we want you to fail! Sometimes we just don’t see and understand where you’re going or how this change will benefit the ministry in the long run. Change is hard for us. Probably because of that whole “not thinking about Sundays often” thing. Maybe just slow down a bit, take some time and explain the details to us. Really focus on the purpose and end goal. Be sure to let us ask questions and help us process. Bring us with you, rather than causing us to always run and catch up.

I’m sure I’m just scratching the surface with this list. Maybe you need to take a volunteer to lunch and talk to them about these things. What do you need to know about your volunteers so you can lead them well?