Try This, Not That: Enlistment

Enlistment is one of those tasks that never seems to be complete. As soon as you think you’ve gotten all the slots covered, someone shares that they’re having to quit.  I want to share with you 10 principles for enlisting that I’ve found helpful, but first… DON’T TRY THESE:

• Hanging “WANTED” posters around the church (even in the men’s restroom over the urinals).  I’m embarrassed that I did this… I thought it was a good recruitment campaign, but I wasn’t really thinking about the implications of someone being “wanted.”
• Begging from the pulpit.  It just doesn’t work, and it says some pretty bad things to visitors.
• Placing an announcement in the church bulletin or newsletter and expecting folks to respond.  Some may, but most will think you’re talking to someone else.
• Asking the same people to do everything.  You will burn out your best workers and your friends will stop wanting to hang out with you!
• Lazily recruiting through social media.  Social media is a tool but not the only way to recruit. Emails, texts, Facebook messaging make it very easy to say no.

Instead, use these principles for recruiting:

1. Pray.  Know that God is in control and He wants you to succeed.  Know that he did not put kids in your church without workers to lead them. Pray.
2. Have a vision.  People want to be a part of something that is meaningful and purposeful.
3. Be enthusiastic.  Nobody wants to be a part of a boring and “no-fun” event/organization.
4. Get organized.  Know what you’re going for and be organized about getting it. How many folks do you need?  What classes still need workers? Write it down, create a chart and be organized.
5. Share the joy of enlistment.  Use division directors, lead teachers, and event/organization coordinators to help you enlist.
6. Use a job description.  Job descriptions say that this is important, thought through, and serious business. Folk need to know what you expect of them.
7. Men.  Close to half the population is male, and we make great kids ministry leaders. Don’t forget about the men!
8. Use the “buddy system.”  Friends like to do things together. Consider asking friends to work together in the same classes. Use “buddies” to do the really big jobs to make those positions  less overwhelming.
9. Train and Equip.  New leaders need to know that you’re going to help them know what to do when they teach. Promise (and follow through) on training.
10. Appreciate.  Everyone likes to be appreciated. Find personal and public ways to appreciate your leaders.

What tips are you willing to share about enlisting and recruiting?