Comments on: Recruiting Adult Volunteers for Your Mission Trip

By: Steve Smith

Steve Smith — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 13:51:10 +0000

In reply to Dr. Randy Smith. Randy! Thanks for sharing these details about your process. Being able to recruit volunteers is so essential, but I have struggled with identifying potential youth folks and have left it to announcements and mailers to see who is interested. As you mentioned, this process has been ineffective. Guess it is time to bite the bullet and drink some coffee. -Steve

By: Bryan Avey

Bryan Avey — Wed, 25 May 2016 20:55:45 +0000

Yes, recruitment is the best method to being effective and having an effective team. Good article!

By: Dr. Randy Smith

Dr. Randy Smith — Sat, 14 May 2016 12:41:39 +0000

I agree with #1 – pick them out and contact them individually… I disagree with any other method.
for 47 years of youth ministry I have practiced and taught that the best way to recruit “volunteers” is to not ASK for volunteers through announcements for promotions…. too often when you ask for
“volunteers” you are then pressured to “take” them… and it is very difficult to “fire” a volunteer. So, ask for references, then as the article says, 1. make an appointment, do the interview, leave them the info and “job description” and “application”..let them pray about it…then do a second follow-up meeting to discuss the details of the trip and expectations (time and financial commitments). If this is for a more permanent youth volunteer position, it is important to give them a 6-week trial period (that is also announce to the students) then meet and decide if it is a go… then only recruit for a 1-year commitment… with a one-year casual evaluation and possible re-up commitment. my thoughts.