Volunteers: How to Get Them, How to Keep Them!

By Anne Fargusson

I have written this book out of my experience working in small to medium sized churches. I address the great challenges of finding, training, and keeping volunteers. There are some simple techniques that I learned to have happy and engaged volunteers who do not get burned out.

I also spend time describing how you can run a successful children’s ministry with a minimum of people and yet not overburdening any of them. I talk about ways to combine functions so that you still cover all the age levels but in an efficient and effective manner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781400332526

Anne Fargusson

Anne Fargusson is retired from a career as registered nurse with a B.S.N. degree. She was certified in wound, ostomy and continence care and served as a wound care specialist until her retirement. She and her pastor husband, Ed, served in several churches in Northern California where she was always active in children’s ministries. They have identical twin sons who are both emergency physicians.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

What is a volunteer?

According

to the college dictionary, it is: A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking. A plant that is sprung up spontaneously from seed rather than having been planted or cultivated. Like a weed.¹

In Luke 9:1-3 Jesus called the twelve disciples together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and cure diseases, and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them, Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.² Jesus called these men to be His first volunteers, telling them to take nothing for themselves and preach about salvation. They were the ultimate volunteers, with the ultimate mission. Has God called you to something greater than