Q: We call workers on Saturday to remind them they’re scheduled to serve on Sunday in our children’s ministry department. After calling them and confirming that they’ll come, some still don’t show up. How do you get volunteers to show up for the times they have committed to? Do we need to start with volunteer training? —Houston, Texas

A: Yes, training is important. However, ministry commitment starts with recruitment. Are you getting someone who’s committed and has a passion for the ministry, or just someone who didn’t know how to say “no”? When they were asked to serve, what were the ministry expectations given to them? Did the recruiter say, “Oh, this is an easy job. It won’t take any time at all” or did someone show a detailed ministry description clearly outlining the expectations? If regular attendance is an expectation of this position, then it needs to be addressed up front.

When someone agrees to serve, you have another opportunity to reinforce commitment at his or her orientation. All volunteers should receive orientation and training. It’s important that you equip them with the tools and information needed so they feel they’re able to succeed with the ministry opportunity. Your time and attention to training shows that you value their time and service.

So if you’ve done all this and continue to get no-shows, what should you do? Every volunteer needs supervision and evaluation. This doesn’t mean operating as a micromanager or getting out the red pen to grade their performance. But you do need to offer support and encouragement, as well as opportunities for growth and improvement. When attendance becomes an issue, you can deal with it within the context of ministry improvement. Document your efforts to address and correct the situation in case you need to remove the volunteer from the position.

This situation might also indicate that your volunteers need some motivation. You need to let your volunteers see the big picture and understand how their work is a ministry that’s making a difference in your church—and God’s kingdom. So even if their task is to check in nursery children or collect attendance records, they need to know their time counts. Mission motivates, maintenance does not.

I think it’s great that you’ve come up with a system of reminder calls. Not only have you created more ministry roles for your church, but you’ve communicated to your people that they matter and are a vital element to the program’s mission and goals. Your pastor would probably like to get a phone call like that every Saturday!

Up-front recruitment, detailed training, and supportive supervision will help strengthen your ministry team and create a culture of commitment.

Bob D’Ambrosio has 25 years’ experience with volunteer administration at churches in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas. He now serves as a consultant and trainer with Church Volunteer Central. For help with your volunteer questions, contact Bob by clicking here.

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