Why You’re Struggling to Get Enough Volunteers—And How to Fix It
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the lack of volunteers in your ministry, you’re not alone. Many leaders struggle to find and retain the right people, leaving critical roles unfilled and overburdening the few who do step up. But the good news? The problem isn’t a lack of willing people—it’s often just a matter of how you’re recruiting, onboarding, and caring for them. Let’s dive into three common challenges and how to overcome them.
1. The Best Volunteers Are Already Overcommitted
You know the type—passionate, dependable, and already serving everywhere. It’s easy to assume they have no room for more, but the truth is, the right opportunity can inspire even the busiest person. Instead of waiting for volunteers to come to you, seek them out. Ask around, set up a one-on-one meeting, and present a compelling vision that makes them excited to say yes. The key is to offer meaningful work, not just another task.
Action Step: This week, identify someone who would be a great fit. Sit down with them, and present your pitch with purpose, passion, and a clear vision of how they can make an impact.
2. Your Follow-Up and Onboarding Process is Too Slow
Imagine someone signs up to help, excited to get started—only to hear nothing for weeks. By the time you reach out, they’ve lost interest or found another commitment. Volunteers need momentum. The faster you can plug them in, the more likely they are to stay engaged. If your onboarding process takes three weeks, aim for two. Better yet, get them involved in a preview role within a week to keep their enthusiasm alive.
Action Step: Take an existing volunteer in process and speed things up. Make it a daily task to check in and move things forward quickly.
3. Volunteers Feel Like Cogs in a Machine, Not Valued Leaders
Nobody wants to feel like just another name on a schedule. Volunteers thrive when they’re pastored, discipled, and empowered—not just assigned tasks. Build a system that ensures every volunteer gets personal attention. Have meaningful one-on-one conversations, checking in on their well-being, not just their performance. Twice a year, evaluate who might be ready for more leadership and who might need a break.
Action Step: Make a list of all your volunteers and start scheduling one-on-one meetings. Go in with thoughtful questions that show you value them as people, not just workers.
The Bottom Line
Volunteers aren’t just a resource; they’re people who want to be inspired, developed, and valued. By seeking out the right people, streamlining your onboarding, and prioritizing personal care, you can build a strong, committed volunteer team. Start this week with just one action step, and watch how small changes lead to big results.
Need a little extra help?
Reach out to Ministry Wingman—your personal assistant for all things church-related. Whether it’s recruiting, organizing, or supporting your team behind the scenes, we’re here to help you lead with less stress and more impact.