When recruiting volunteers I feel its very important to present opportunities vs needs. Here’s why:
- When you present a need you come across as a losing team (i.e. We aren’t winning and people don’t want to be a part of what we’re doing. Can you please bail us out?).
- When you present a need you are asking for something for you, not for them.
- When you present an opportunity, it’s all about them, not you (i.e. This is a next step you can take to grow closer to Jesus and follow in his footsteps. This will connect you with other believers and give you an outlet to follow Jesus’ example, who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many, Mark 10:45).
- When you present an opportunity you come across as a winning team (i.e. We are winning and people want to be a part of what we’re doing. As a result we opportunities for you to get involved too).
- When you present an opportunity it’s something people get to do vs something people have to do because we need them to.
Stop telling people you need them. Start telling people of the opportunities that exist at your church to serve. This little change will prove to make a big difference.