Why We Often Fail to Use Volunteers

Insecurity
We may feel like we are imposing on others, or that others might think we are less than capable if we ask for help.

Lone Rangers Mentality
Remember, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. It takes work to recruit, develop, and train and maintain a healthy volunteer team. Sometimes it seems easier to simply do things ourselves. As it says in Ephesians 4:11-12, the job of a leader in the Church is to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry”. The word “equip” means “to make strong, ready, and prepared for action”. Its out job, not just to do by example, but also to equip.

Control
We have less control when we give it away to others. Our youth ministry volunteers may not do the job the same way we would do it. It may be done differently, or not as well as we would do it--but it may be done even better! The best Youth leaders don't demand carbon copies of themselves, but instead develop the unique gifts and talents of their volunteers to their fullest potential in ministering to the youth they serve.

Role Confusion
Volunteers need guidance and more importantly support until they learn the ropes. They will have a lot of uncertainty and need a lot of encouragement. Their expectations of results can be unrealistic and they may doubt their gifts and their ability to serve the youth. Clear expectations, procedures and systems for handling common issues, and carefully defined roles go along way toward helping to alleviate their uncertainty.

Shortsightedness
It may seem easier to do it ourselves, rather than hassle with finding leaders, training them, supervising them, etc. But if we don't, we're virtually guaranteeing ourselves a short-lived ministry. We'll just burn out.