by Executive Pastor Mark Waltz
We know it; no one needs to remind us. Or do we need to be reminded? The volunteers and staff who make up our ministry teams matter as much as the people we’re serving. Our teams are people too.
As I’ve had conversations with volunteers and staff on various teams, I’ve been reminded. People matter. People need value. These people are my first “customers” or “guests.” They will experience value when:
- I ask how they’re doing—specifically, remembering the life experiences they’re facing (death of a family member, challenging season with kids, disappointment in ministry, etc.)
- I listen to their take on the ministry they’re leading. All of it. The highlights and the low spots. The victories and the frustrations.
- I state expectations clearly. What’s expected gets inspected. Stated objectives and goals within the mission and vision define success.
- I invite them to view the opportunity/challenge as though they are in my seat (if they’re a good leader, they’re already thinking about what they’d do if they were in my chair) and tell me what they’d do next.
- I initiate conversations before they begin to question if the person or their contribution matters to me or the work of Christ in the local church.
There’s plenty more to valuing volunteers and staff who make up our teams. These are reminders that I’ve experienced personally.
I’m grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who make ministry happen every week at our Elkhart and Granger campuses. They’re the real deal. Relentless. Solid. Joyful.
How do you value your team of staff and volunteers?
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