• We will train you. Share the courses, conferences, and any additional training necessary to equip them. This can be a comfort to those who feel inadequate to lead students. When I started in youth ministry 39 years ago the person recruiting me to be a leader said to me, “Just get involved in the training we provide, and we will equip you to be effective.” Though I was still nervous about my ability, I was encouraged that there was training to help me do something I knew the Lord wanted me to do. • We have a plan. Let them know you will publish a yearly calendar at the start of the ministry year. Planning tells volunteers you know what you are doing. Few people want to join a team where the leader is “flying by the seat of his pants.” People have lives and want to be able to plan the ministry accordingly. Let them know you will also have times scheduled throughout the year to get together for planning. Let them know you will have times to connect monthly, quarterly, or whatever works to make sure everyone is on the same page. • We will pay your way. People shouldn’t have to take off work and pay as well for the privilege of volunteering in your ministry. Your leaders are the foundation for your ministry and paying their way should be a high priority in your yearly budget. As you do this you will communicate the incredible value you have in your volunteers. Charge students extra if you don’t have the budget for this policy. • Be prepared to let them try it out. Some people may show interest but may not be ready to jump in with both feet. You can be flexible with them. Suggest that they just start to attend the youth group and “test the waters” for a few weeks. Lay out opportunities for them to become involved in non-threatening ways. This will give both you and the candidate a chance to observe each other. This will give them a chance to check out the young people and what happens in a typical meeting. You will have an opportunity to observe how they interact with the other leaders and your students.
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