Involve People into Roles that Best Match Their Gifts and Calling

Women folding newsletters for a mailing

Every one-to-one recruitment invitation should include these four major components which are based on paying attention to the individual and building authentic relationship.

Connect the Volunteer Role to the Ministry Goals or Vision

  • Explain how the particular position relates to the MISSION or purpose of the congregation.
  • Expand on why this work is important.
  • How is this part of the ministry of the congregation?
  • What difference would the potential volunteer's contributions make?

Why You Are Inviting This Particular Person

  • Explaining specifically why you are inviting this special, unique person to this particular position.
  • Identify the skills, interests, vision, personality, attitude, values or experiences this member has that make him or her just right for this position.

Benefits to the Potential Volunteer

  • Describe some benefits the volunteer might receive from accepting this position.
  • How will serving in this way help in their own enrichment? These may relate to the specific gifts of the person involved or an area where they would like to grow.
  • The more personal you can be, the better.

Accurately Describe the Position or Role

  • Explain briefly the elements of the position, including major responsibilities, expected amount of time involved and length of commitment.
  • If there are expectations for training, explain them.
  • Including a printed position description with the letter is an effective way to communicate expectations.

Adapted from Sharing the Ministry: A Practical Guide for Transforming Volunteers into Ministers
Jean Morris Trumbauer (Augsburg Fortress Press, Minneapolis, 1995) Out of Print

About the Author

Renee Ruchotzke

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke (ruh-HUT-skee) is a Congregational Life Consultant and program manager for Leadership Development.

For more information contact .