Volunteer-Centric or Staff-Centric?

Many churches like to think that they are volunteer-centric. In fact, many will say something like “Sure, we love volunteers! Who would turn down volunteers?” But in fact, many churches rely on their staff to do a large portion of the weekly work. And why not? These are the ones that are at the building from 7am-7pm, are salaried, and are “called” to be in ministry.

But, have you ever considered what it means to be volunteer-centric? We all know what seeker-centric is, and we craft everything we do around that fact. But, do we focus our energies to be volunteer-centric? Here is what I consider a volunteer-centric church:

1. Volunteers are given first priority, not the staff, and take most of the burden of work from the staff
2. All church processes, from outreach to Sunday service, focus on making the volunteer effective
3. Your budget, outside of fixed expenses, is primarily dedicated to supporting volunteer efforts

Is this what you expected to read? Is your church as volunteer-centric as you first thought?

Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers,” in order to “prepare God’s people for works of service.”

So, how is your church “preparing God’s people for works of service?” And more importantly, how are you supporting those volunteers once you prepare and engage them? Are you ministering to them, building them up, and praising them for all that they do?

Finally, ask yourself this question: “Who fixed the bathroom when the toilet overflowed last time?” If you answered a staff member (and especially if you answered the youth pastor), then you have some serious work ahead!

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