Are Volunteers Worth the Hassle?

Be honest: If you didn’t have to work with volunteers, would you? Seriously…if you had all the money in the world and didn’t ever have to work with another volunteer, would it be worth the hassle?

What if you could hire and fire people to do every task in the church? What if, like most businesses, if you wanted to send a mailing or offer an event or redesign your website–you could just hire staff or contractors to do it all. Would you ever bother with volunteers again?

If your goal is primarily to get a task done, then your answer is probably a definite “No.” You would never work with another volunteer again. Too much work, right? They sometimes sign up but don’t show up. Or they show up but don’t get anything done. Or they come to serve with three toddlers in tow. Or they go through a divorce or life crisis and they need more emotional help than you can offer.

If your goal is primarily to save the church money, then your answer is also probably “No.” Since, in this hypothetical situation, your church doesn’t need any money, then you would hire everything out.

However, I would humbly suggest that if your primary goal is getting tasks done or saving the church money–you are missing the point in a very big way. The primary, most important, can’t-be-glossed-over reason for working with volunteers is…(insert drum roll)…life transformation.

I believe there is no greater opportunity to see true life change happen in someone’s life than when they get involved in serving alongside others. There is something powerful about the combination of 1) serving others 2) in an environment of faith 3) with others who can help you take steps in your spiritual journey–and it’s that combination that serves as a fertilizer for growth.

If you work in a church with volunteers–I’d love for you to join me for a one-day workshop on July 15 at Granger Community Church. It’s based on my book Simply Strategic Volunteers — and we’ll dive into some of the practical tools behind our work with volunteers at Granger (where more than 50% of our weekend adult attendance is engaged in a regular volunteer role).

New XP Coaching Network for 12 Leaders

Two years ago I launched my first-ever Coaching Network for Executive Pastors. And it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my year. Beginning this fall, I’m going to offer this again. I will be meeting with 12 church leaders for a coaching experience which begins in September and concludes in December. I’m designing it specifically for Executive Pastors (or leaders in a similar role) who want to take their leadership to the next level. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but here is my best attempt…

• It will be personal. Highly practical. Intensive. Relational. Collaborative.
• Think less conference or workshop–and more hands-on graduate study program.
• We will drill down on building teams, hiring and firing, developing a healthy staff culture, leading change, budget and money issues, communication strategies and more.

It’s not going to be cheap or easy. It will involve an investment of money and time, and a commitment to travel (Granger isn’t “on the way” to anywhere). But for those who join me–I promise it will be an experience that will enhance your ministry and take you to the next level of personal leadership. Here are some comments from last years’ group.

It was great to be able to share things that we could never truly discuss with others and figure out strategies to overcome issues. – Jennifer Winge, Journey Community Church, Evans, GA

This is a “must do.” The knowledge gained was worth the time and money. However, the relationships are priceless. –Scott Adkins, Cornerstone Christian Church, Shihloh, IL

The relationships and collective wisdom of the group is something that is hard to describe. Tim did a tremendous job of listening while also guiding the discussion and speaking wisdom into the conversation every time we met.” – Alex Lowe, Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene, Warren, MI

Worth every penny. I am a much better leader due to this training. Incredibly valuable insights into how to better serve my pastor, my church and my God! –Alfred Turley, Rock Bridge Community Church, Dalton, GA

If you are interested, there is good news and bad news. The good news: This the first day I’m talking about it publicly. If you act quickly, there is a good chance you can be involved. But here is the bad news: Each of the last two years, the slots have filled up very quickly, and so we added a second network to an additional 12 leaders. This year I have decided I will not be adding a second group. There will be only one group this fall. Once these 12 slots are gone…the network will be closed.

Download information here: Executive Pastors Coaching Network Fall 2011

I’m really praying that God will put together an amazing group and can’t wait to see what happens!

UPDATE 7/13: Only 4 slots still available. If you are thinking about applying, don’t delay.

UPDATE 8/2: Was full, but had a cancellation. So 1 slot is available!

Life is Short

Last summer I was working in the backyard with Hunter (who was 13-years old at the time). He was two feet away from me, and while I was looking straight at him his eyes rolled back in his head and he dropped over unconscious. I still get teary when I think about how I felt right at that moment–or in the seconds (that felt like hours) until he regained consciousness and was able to get hydrated.

Two weeks ago, I got a call from my sister telling me my mom was on her way to the hospital. She had lost her memory, and for awhile couldn’t figure out what year it was or who was president. I feared the worst and rushed to Detroit to see her. After two days in the hospital and a battery of tests, her condition was diagnosed to be a one-time incident with little chance of returning and no long-term damage.

This morning, I had just left my house on my way to the office. A girl shot out in front of me from a side street on her bicycle. I slammed on my brakes and slid sideways while listening to her scream. I thought she was going to be dead. In that moment I had random thoughts: Why is she wearing headphones? Man, these brakes are good. Whose daughter did I just kill? I’m glad I wasn’t texting or on the phone. As I came to a stop, she was literally against my front hood. But she stayed on her bike, and came around to apologize profusely. I’m guessing her heart was beating faster than mine, if that’s possible.

Life is so short. I’ve been thinking a lot about James 4:14-15:

You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

I’ve been reminded in the past two weeks by Mark Beeson and DC Curry in their messages that nothing lasts forever. Everything has a season. The time with my family won’t always be the way it is. My time with my wife is limited. Every minute I have with my team is precious–because it will someday end.

What choices am I making with my time and my relationships, so that I’ll have a feeling of contentment at the end? So when I lay a loved person in the grave, I’ll know that I poured everything I could into my time with them? That’s what I’m reflecting on today. And as I get ready for a week of Life Planning, the relationships that are closest to me are on my mind.