“How to Invite Others to Serve with You”

Joelavagnino   -   July 28, 2021

As a leader, it is your responsibility to recruit others to join you in your ministry.  Now, we won’t leave you alone in this.  There are ways the church can help you recruit, such as announcements, flyers, web site postings, etc.  However, the most effective means of recruiting comes from a personal invitation from the leader.  Here are some steps you can take in recruiting others:

 

  1. Communicate the details of your ministry clearly and passionately–

Others will be captivated by your passion and commitment to the ministry or group.  Let them see why it is important for their involvement and how it will benefit their faith and life.  They won’t be excited if they don’t see you excited.  Point out why your ministry exists and what you are trying to accomplish.

 

  1. Send an email first, then make a phone call–

Here are some helpful steps:

  • Send an email stating the ministry, why it exists and how it will benefit them.  Let them know you will call them in a couple of days.
  • Call them and ask if they received the email.  Answer any questions they may have.
  • Give them time to pray about it and offer to call in a couple of weeks.

 

  1. Create “First Date” experiences –

A “First Date” experience is a low-pressure exposure, a quick in-and-out,

low commitment to your ministry that allows a potential team member to get an up-close look at your ministry.  These types of experiences could be driving during an event, evaluating an element of the ministry using their experience, or sitting in on a meeting.  Follow up these experiences with a quick discussion asking them what they thought and if they’d like to help again in the future.

 

What are possible “first date” experiences with your ministry?

 

  1. Look to the team’s web of existing relationships –

It can be intimidating for someone to join your ministry, especially if they don’t know or trust you yet.  Begin approaching people who are friends of existing members on your team.  People who are from your team’s circle of friends are more likely to join than from people who don’t know you.  Start there first.

 

  1. Be clear about your expectations of them –

Before people join your ministry team, they will want to know three things:

 

  • “What do you want me to do?”
  • “How much time does it require?”
  • “How will I make a difference?”

 

Make sure you have the answers for those three questions ahead of time.  The clearer you are the more they can define their commitment.

 

  1. Always recruit with vision rather than with need.

People aren’t as excited filling a need as they are making a difference!  They are willing to spend time, talent and treasure to a cause that is making a significant difference and that lives are changing because of their involvement.  Craft a “vision statement” that is a short-phrase that adequately describes your ministry’s life-changing difference.

 

What are possible phrases and statements that describe your ministry’s vision?

 

  1. Avoid under-selling or candy coating the commitment.

It is tempting to say things like, “It doesn’t take that much time…all you have to do is…it is super easy…”  Let them know it will be difficult at times, require energy and effort, or that they’ll face challenges along the way.  However, if you are recruiting with vision, clearly explain the difference they will make, they will usually rise to the level of challenge if they believe it is important.

 

  1. Don’t be afraid to make the “big ask”!

Don’t be afraid to ask them for a commitment that is consistent with your vision for the ministry.  Asking people to join your ministry may be just the thing someone needs to move them from disengaged to engaged!  Many want to be asked and will feel appreciated you thought of them!  Also, God has gifted His people with a variety of gifts (1 Cor 12).  The job you hate doing might be just might be a perfect match for someone else’s giftedness and NOT asking them would rob them of a chance to use their gifts!

 

  1. Graciously accept “no” as their answer-

If they know that you accept “no” or a “Let me pray about it” they will be more open for your approach later on.  DO NOT hound them or pressure them into service.  It needs to be motivated by the Holy Spirit!

 

  1. Pray

Continuously pray this prayer:

 

“God, please stir the hearts of your people to love and serve You.  Amen.” 

 

I have found that by praying this prayer God begins to move in wonderful ways beyond my effort and strategies!