How can your parish attract more capable volunteers? Here are some challenges, and some solutions...
In this episode of the Upstream Podcast, Father John Riccardo and I explore a fundamental shift in how church leaders can view and use volunteers, emphasizing that the church is the Body of Christ and not a corporation. The biggest challenges are rooted in low expectations, treating volunteers generically, and creating a division between paid staff and unpaid volunteers. By raising expectations, discerning people's unique spiritual gifts, and holding everyone equally accountable to the mission of rescuing, renewing, and transforming the human family, parishes can become more vibrant and effective.
One thing I've always noticed in parishes is that the older folks, especially, who have volunteered for long periods of time OFTEN are reluctant to accept help from new people because as is often said "we've always done it this way" or "they don't know how the parish should be run" or things along those lines making NEW volunteers feel as though they are a burden or not really needed so people often just don't show up anymore.
The sad part is younger and newer people sometimes have much more efficient ways of doing the same things or have fresh ideas that could not only do the work better BUT perhaps save the parish money which is always needed. Sometimes current folks are "stuck in the old ways" and resistant to change thus frustrating would be newer volunteers from continuing. Just my observation.
"The sad part is younger and newer people sometimes have much more efficient ways of doing the same things or have fresh ideas... " As a trainer of new-hires, I can tell you that the sad part is getting them out of their notion that they are privileged and up-to-date. If there was a more efficient way of doing it, we would have implemented it long ago. Thanks for the comment. Ray S.
One thing I've always noticed in parishes is that the older folks, especially, who have volunteered for long periods of time OFTEN are reluctant to accept help from new people because as is often said "we've always done it this way" or "they don't know how the parish should be run" or things along those lines making NEW volunteers feel as though they are a burden or not really needed so people often just don't show up anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is younger and newer people sometimes have much more efficient ways of doing the same things or have fresh ideas that could not only do the work better BUT perhaps save the parish money which is always needed. Sometimes current folks are "stuck in the old ways" and resistant to change thus frustrating would be newer volunteers from continuing. Just my observation.
"The sad part is younger and newer people sometimes have much more efficient ways of doing the same things or have fresh ideas... " As a trainer of new-hires, I can tell you that the sad part is getting them out of their notion that they are privileged and up-to-date. If there was a more efficient way of doing it, we would have implemented it long ago. Thanks for the comment. Ray S.
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