Articles: Volunteer Ministries

8 Steps to Implementing Church Background Checks into your Christian Volunteer Programs and Church Volunteer Handbooks

As Christians, we are all called to be disciples. But a select few are chosen, as Christ chose His intimate followers, to be core instructors.

Leadership means influence. Effective leaders know they influence by intentionally equipping and empowering others. Ephesians 4:7-13 clearly calls leaders to equip (empower) people so the body of Christ can grow to maturity.

By Steve Mills

Often we are unaware of what it is that has caused the spirit of another to react but we can sense the distance or tension in the relationship. As leaders and team members, who are serving together as part of the church and God’s Kingdom, it is essential that our relationship not be torn apart.

By William Martin

by Steve Mills

The Law of Investment says: A disciple-making church provides an intentional process that releases disciples to invest themselves in the global mission of Christ and the Church and to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. The passion of God’s heart is making and developing disciples who in turn make and develop disciples.

by Robert Douglas

By Larry Thomas

Leaders often fall into the micromanagement trap because they feel they have to touch every phase of the work personally. This method can be very destructive to creativity and achievement. The team approach is far more productive.

Responding to the calling God has placed on your life.

By Stefanie Reubell

This four-part presentation is designed to help your members understand God's purposes for the Church, the structure and needs of the local church, and their calling to serve God by discovering their gifts and learning they can fulfill themselves through service in the local church.

By Richard D. Dobbins

Staying Emotionally Healthy in Ministry

a quick guide to becoming a good storyteller

By Steve Mills

Programs are created for people not vice versa. Ministries arise because God gives talents and resources to people. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that God's plan is to develop ministry around the gifts of a person and not to develop a person to fit a position or ministry. The Scriptures say that a man's gift will make room for him. A ministry will not force a person into a mold.

By Ellen Larson

Although we do give our time and talents to the Lord and His work, we also receive personal gain and satisfaction. People need to know what happens once a person shares Jesus Christ with others. As part of your recruiting efforts, list the reasons for Christian education and be sure to include the personal benefits.

Administrating the Sunday School is not very different from running anything else. You have goals, objectives, tasks, and budgets. The great difference is the Sunday School is comprised of volunteers instead of paid employees.

From Sunday School Administrator's Manual

by Wes Haystead

A church that will have a quality educational ministry in the twenty-first century must have a strong commitment to developing and supporting people who will carry out its teaching ministry. No one else will equip the leaders and teachers a church needs. While special events such as Sunday school conventions can be very helpful for motivation and disseminating ideas, the real work of helping people become skilled must be done on an ongoing basis within the life of the church where people serve.

By Wes Haystead

A church that will have a quality educational ministry in the twenty-first century must have a strong commitment to developing and supporting people who will carry out its teaching ministry.

by Wes Haystead

Principles for recruiting volunteer

by Wes Heystead

guidelines for observing and evaluating volunteer

By Wes Haystead

Most organizations develop a host of insider terms and procedures that everyone knows but never thinks to pass on to a new person. Many of these a new person doesn’t know enough to ask about until the need arises, and then it may be too late. Consider a brief walk-through orientation that introduces a new staff member to basic survival information.

by Wes Haystead

By Stefanie Reubell

Hands-on Bible learning can occur at one table or at interest centers positioned throughout a room. Teachers who want to use hands-on learning in interest centers can refer to the checklist below for possible ways to equip different centers. Resourceful teachers can equip Sunday school rooms for enjoyable hands-on Bible learning on almost any budget. The items with asterisks (*) can be brought from home or made inexpensively.

PDF for Lesson classroom preparation

PDF for Class Preparation

(PDF)

Permission Slip Template

By William J. Martin

Tom Bougher discusses the challenge of recruiting volunteers within the church and the practical steps that can be taken to make the task a little less daunting.