On a Sunday morning some time ago, I was volunteering on a worship team for the first time. I asked for a cord, without it, my bass is rendered useless. I was told that not only was I supposed to supply my own cord, but that I should have a back-up on hand.  This information was paramount, but it came at the wrong time. Had I known beforehand how to prepare for the service, I would have acquired the necessary tools to ensure I was ready for the worship service.

 

When you have been serving at church for a long time, these little details may seem like common knowledge, but to a new volunteer they are likely foreign. If you want your volunteers to represent your church well, here are some things to keep in mind when training them.

 

Cast the vision of what you want to see happen before and after the Worship Service. Your volunteers are part of creating a friendly welcoming atmosphere at your church.

 

Show them how you want them to initiate conversations with guests. Open ended questions are a great place to start such as: how long have you been coming to this church?

 

If the guest appears to be lost, ask how you can help them and then take them there.  It’s important that volunteers are focused on finding guests, and leaving the conversations with members for another time.

 

We have the best life transforming message of all time. From the Pastor to the parking lot greeter, there are many chances for guests to encounter a positive relational touch. It’s important that volunteers catch the vision so they can engage guests in a positive way.

 

What else could you do to set your volunteers up for success?