Recruiting is one of the biggest challenges that face Awana clubs and ministry in general. Here are some steps to effective recruiting:
- Don’t Give the Perception of Desperation – Too often pulpit pleas and our approach sound like we are desperate for volunteers. This leads people to wonder what’s wrong in the ministry that no one wants to serve and people don’t stay.
- Don’t use guilt – People who serve because they have been “guilted” in to it serve begrudgingly and usually don’t last long. They have no commitment to serving in the ministry.
- Share what God is doing in your Awana club or ministry – people want to be where God is working. If you have nothing to share, you have bigger problems than recruiting.
- Create a buzz – Get your leaders and clubbers talking about Awana frequently.
- Communicate your vision for the ministry – Where do you see God leading the ministry and how can they be a part
- Pray – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:35-38
- Invite them personally – Look at people who reach out to children and approach them personally to consider serving in the ministry. We often don’t ask because we fear rejection (remember High School?), but people respond more to direct communication.
So put aside the fear of rejection, trust God and ask people to be a part of what He is doing!
31 Weeks to Better Blog: Task 2 | Growing Kids Ministry
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Lindsey Whitney
Agreed. All good ideas. I especially think leaders fall prey to the “using guilt” thing which only works for a very short time. Thanks for sharing!
Joey
I agree with Lindsey. For my first few years in leadership, I definitely relied too heavily on desperation & guilt. I try now to focus more on my vision & passion.