In the realm of social media management for churches, the decision to involve volunteers can be a game-changer. Let's explore why giving volunteers a chance can revolutionize your social media strategy and how to build and maintain a thriving volunteer team.

Why Volunteers Matter:

1. Transforming Lives Through Service

Volunteering isn't just about completing tasks; it's about changing lives. Consider the profound impact serving had on one individual's journey, from feeling inadequate to leading ministries and embracing personal growth. Remember, everyone has something valuable to contribute, and volunteering offers opportunities for personal development, community building, and discovering one's purpose.

I’m all aboutabout leading volunteers because when I came to church, I felt like I had nothing to offer, I didn’t even feel good enough to volunteer!I felt like the last person picked on the team.

Then one of the leaders asked me if I would be on the Welcome Team and told me I would be really good at it. What a compliment!!

The fact that one person believed in me and believed I could help others in a small way, has completely changed the course of my life. I would have never even taken the first step if someone didn’t believe in me. 🖤

I went from serving on the Welcome Team BARELY being able to talk to people, to leading a small group for 12 years counting, leading our college ministry for 8 years with my husband, teaching our training/leadership classes + getting into all the social/creative world!🙌🏻

I realized all God needs is a willing person, you don’t have to be the best or most talented person to offer something.

EVERYONE can serve. EVERYONE has something to offer. EVERYONE is valuable.

You and I both know that Churches cannot operate without an army of kick butt volunteers. But it takes GREAT leadership to lead people who don’t have to follow you (aka volunteers!)

I want you to change your language and mindset when recruiting volunteers to want serving FOR them, not FROM them. They will feel the difference. 

2. Expanding Capacity and Skills

Juggling multiple responsibilities can limit your social media growth. By assembling a diverse team of volunteers, you tap into a range of skills and perspectives.

It can be difficult to find an “all in one” person who is good at every social media skill. 

You have to have an eye for design, photos, video, copywriting, reels, stories, content ideas, and project management.

If you’re reading this, you may be that ‘all in one’ person and need some help! 

Another case to add volunteers to your team is that there may be people in your church that do these things for their job and they would love to use their talents to serve God at your church. 

These people may be better than your hired staff at some of these skills! 

They may have skills you don't know about or have potential to be developed, they can use their gifts to serve God.

3. Clearly Defined Roles for Clarity and Efficiency

Undefined roles often lead to frustration and misunderstandings within volunteer teams. By providing clear job descriptions and expectations, you establish a framework for success. Whether it's posting schedules, content creation, or approval processes, clarity minimizes confusion and maximizes productivity.

What happens is the leader of the team thinks you are going to do something, but you didn’t know that was a part of your role and now everyone is frustrated. 

To avoid this, write out simple job descriptions of volunteer roles. They don’t have to be fancy, just clear. Bullet points.

Keeping Volunteers Engaged:

1. Remind Your Volunteers of The Why

Remind volunteers of the greater mission behind their efforts. Social media isn't just about gaining followers; it's about sharing the message of Jesus, impacting lives, and shaping the church's culture. Connect each volunteer's role to this overarching purpose to instill enthusiasm and commitment.

Always bring your volunteers back to the reason why you do what you do. 

People serve for something greater than themselves. 

Tie what your volunteer team does and their specific role into the greater mission of Jesus and your church. Use stories and examples to help them remember.

2. Make them Feel Needed and Known

Effective communication and genuine appreciation are essential for volunteer retention.

Simple gestures like expressing gratitude, offering assistance, and building personal relationships go a long way in making volunteers feel valued and respected.

Remember, leadership is about relationships, not just tasks.

Taking the time and energy to build relationships is the key when it comes to leading volunteers. 

In John Maxwell’s book, 5 Levels of Leadership, he talks about how Level 2 of leadership is all about building relationships. 

This is where people actually start following you because they want to, not just because you have a position. 

Take the time to get to know your volunteers. You’d be surprised how far a 5 minute conversation asking about how they are doing will go.

3. Empower Growth and Ownership

Don't stifle potential by micromanaging volunteers or fearing mistakes.

Encourage individuals to explore their talents, take on new responsibilities, and grow in their roles.

Provide opportunities for skill development and ownership, allowing volunteers to unleash their full potential.

We all weren’t good at stuff when we first started, but someone let us take a stab at it. 

If you want to have high capacity, high quality volunteers they will want to have full ownership and be able to use their experience without being held back by micro-management. High functioning people need freedom to try and even fail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a successful volunteer team requires more than just recruitment; it's about empowerment, appreciation, and fostering a sense of purpose.

Remember, everyone has something valuable to offer, and by giving volunteers the chance, you're not only developing your social media presence but also transforming their lives in the process.