Nurturing Your Low-Maintenance Volunteers

I don't consider myself a bad person, but my philodendron plant may feel differently. It's getting a little spindly. I have the best intentions to water, feed, and nurture it, but I'm busy and it gets neglected. I resolve my guilt by reminding myself it's a low-maintenance plant and it's still green, even though the vine is practically leafless. So it's okay that I only pay attention to it when it's gasping for moisture and attention, right?

Many ministry volunteers fall into this low-maintenance category: the quiet ones who don't speak up at meetings or rarely ask for anything, the skip-the-preparation-get-together-but-show-up-at the-event ones; and what about those you rarely see who work behind the scenes maybe only once or twice a year? As religious directors we must remind ourselves that every person plays a vital part in ministry, no matter how small the role..

We must never forget that ministry is a people business, and because of this we sometimes need to see more with our hearts and less with our minds. People who minister with us have convoluted lives outside of our programs, interwoven with personal problems and life experiences we may not always know about or understand. Making them feel valued and appreciated when we don't see them as often can be a challenge, but appreciating their desire to help rather than the amount of work they accomplish should be our main focus. So what can we do as people of faith to make sure our low-maintenance volunteers receive the nurturing and attention they deserve?

Create a nurturing atmosphere. When interviewing someone for a volunteer position, make it clear from the start you're thankful for whatever time they can give. Encourage them to be honest with themselves and with you in regards to what they can and cannot do. Today's volunteers face numerous time constraints due to custody problems, busy schedules, aging-parent care, transportation needs, and financial worries. Let them know right off the bat that you're willing to work with them so each of you can benefit from the ministry experience. Down the road, reconnect with them to address these issues again. Can they still commit to the same amount of time, or do they need a break? When you nurture your volunteers, they in turn nurture others.

Water regularly. Make every effort to keep your seldom-seen volunteers in the mix by sending emails about meetings and events, even ones they're not specifically involved in. Also, include information about their volunteer activities in your monthly church bulletin, along with a thank you for all they've done. Stop and chat with them about their activities outside of the church community when you run into them at the grocery store, school, and other areas away from church. Introduce them to other volunteers when you can, and remind them they're in your prayers. Occasional thank you notes or small gifts from the children in your church family, the staff, or other volunteers reminds them they're an important part of the church community. Regular watering satisfies the volunteer's thirst for information and shows them the're on your mind.

Provide fresh air. Though you may not see some volunteers more than once a year for special events, provide the materials, information, and help they need as if they were helping once a week. For instance, request help from your youth group for jobs that require lifting or moving items. Provide refreshments for volunteers working extended hours, such as VBS directors and Christmas program coordinators. Remember to update everyone on changes in policies or material use. Ask if they have any questions, and always make yourself available. When you make their job easier and more fulfilling, you're providing fresh air in the form of encouragement and support to keep them going and willing to help again!

Pull the weeds. Never let problems slide simply because you don't see someone regularly. Always ask if they have any concerns or suggestions, need materials, or are having any trouble juggling their responsibilities. A little weeding along the way will keep small problems from growing into major ones, provide a sense of satisfaction for your volunteers, and ultimately boost the retention rate of good helpers within your program.

Encourage growth. Time has a way of changing situations. The very people who have limited time to offer now may find they're freer to give more of themselves in the future. So extend the same courtesies to them that you do those you see more often. Update them on current workshop opportunities, retreat experiences, and speakers. Encourage their participation in other activities without being pushy. Remind them that by sharing generously of themselves, they not only encourage the faith of others but they grow in their own faith as well.

After writing this piece I've decided to take better care of my plant this year. Perhaps I'll transplant it to a bigger pot and even set up a watering schedule. I never really thought about how sad I would be if it was no longer dangling from my window and hovering over my computer. It gives me pleasure even if it has to catch my attention on occasion. How much more deserving of your attention are your volunteers who rarely get noticed?

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver ” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Molly Wright has served as director of religious education at St. Thomas More Newman Center in Columbia, Missouri, for 10 years, and is a member of the Church Volunteer Central Advisory Council.

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