How to avoid burning out your volunteers [with Jason Young]
All our efforts to assimilate people into our church families can be undercut by an all-too-common problem: burnout.
Unfortunately, burnout isn’t just common in church circles. It’s now a common byproduct of our insanely busy modern lives.
But our churches have to go against the grain - an invitation to serve should be an invitation to a fuller life, one of abundance and an easy yoke.
And the systems we create (or don’t) make all the difference.
We invited good friend, ministry consultant, first impressions expert, and burnout survivor Jason Young to join us for an excellent conversation about how to avoid volunteer burnout, creating a discipleship culture on our teams, and staying personally healthy along the way.
Conversation Highlights
Volunteer Teams vs. Small Group Bible Studies:
The hosts propose that volunteer teams can be more effective in disciple-making compared to small group Bible studies because they provide opportunities for individuals to engage in real-life leadership, competition, forgiveness, flexibility, and inclusion of diverse people, all of which are valuable lessons for discipleship.
Assimilation and Invitation:
Inviting guests to join volunteer teams is a strategic and easier way to integrate them into our church communities, rather than immediately asking them to join a small group or attend Bible studies.
Volunteerism as Pathway to Discipleship:
Volunteering should be viewed as the pathway to discipleship, and it plays a significant role in shaping individuals into fully devoted followers of Christ.
Challenges of Volunteer Leadership:
There are plenty of challenges that anyone leading a volunteer team will face, including the need to view volunteers as individuals entrusted to them by God — and considering how best to nurture their growth and development.
Preventing Burnout:
It’s of the utmost importance that we prevent burnout among volunteers. It starts with us modeling a healthy work-life balance. We also have to tangibly care for volunteers and provide environments that foster joy, connection, and support.
Creating a Culture of Connection:
We have to create a culture that values relationships and meaningful interactions on our teams. That includes clear communication, intentional training, and celebrating successes together.
Systematizing Environments:
Systematic approaches, like volunteer engagement cycles or pre-service huddles, can help create environments that naturally foster discipleship, appreciation, training, and prayer. These systems enable leaders to provide care and support to volunteers effectively.
Negative Stakes of Neglecting Volunteer Culture:
Missed Discipleship Opportunities:
Neglecting a healthy volunteer culture means people may not experience intentional discipleship.
This missed opportunity affects their relationship with Jesus and their spiritual growth.
Discouragement, Frustration, and Disappointment:
A poorly managed volunteer environment can lead to discouragement, frustration, and disappointment among volunteers.
This negative experience can deter individuals from engaging further in church activities.
Loss of Interest in Jesus:
If the volunteer culture is ineffective, people may lose interest in their faith journey.
This can lead to a more transactional approach to Christianity, reducing the depth of their relationship with Jesus.
Disorganization:
A disorganized volunteer environment can create chaos and confusion.
It can hinder the effectiveness of the church's efforts, even if the intentions are good.
Lack of Care and Connection:
Failing to build a strong volunteer culture means missing out on the opportunity to provide care and support to individuals.
This lack of care can leave members feeling disconnected from the church community.
Positive Benefits of a Healthy Volunteer Culture:
Empowered Discipleship:
A well-structured volunteer culture empowers individuals to grow in their relationship with Jesus and share their faith with others.
This leads to a cascading effect of spiritual growth and empowerment.
Encouragement and Joy:
When the volunteer environment is organized and intentional, it fosters encouragement and joy among participants.
This positive atmosphere benefits both newcomers and long-time members.
Effective Connection and Care:
Creating a healthy volunteer culture allows for effective connection and care within the church community.
People within these groups naturally care for one another, ensuring needs are met.
Representing Jesus:
By getting volunteer culture right, the church can effectively present the image of Jesus to its members.
Individuals experience the burden of the world lightened as they go shoulder-to-shoulder with caring individuals.
