I'm looking at our volunteer group text and it's literally just me barking orders at people.
"VBS meeting Tuesday." "Someone grab construction paper." "Who's covering for Jessica?"
Like I'm their boss or something. No wonder nobody responds anymore.
Sarah hasn't said anything in weeks. Tom just does thumbs up when he absolutely has to. Mike left the chat entirely which honestly made me feel like garbage but also wake up.
We only talk to these people when we want something. That's pretty messed up when I think about it.
Had this moment where I'm like what if my boss only texted me when she needed me to do stuff? Never asked how I was doing or cared about my life? I'd hate that job.
Oh crap. That's exactly what I'm doing to my volunteers.
Started Over with Group Text
Deleted that awful business chat and made new one.
First message was picture of Marcus actually participating for once instead of sitting there like bump on log.
"Look at this! Marcus raised his hand today! You guys are literally changing this kid's life."
Sarah immediately sent back million heart emojis and story about Marcus waving at her at Target.
Tom said Marcus asked him about the lesson which never happens ever.
Jessica added that Marcus's mom told her he's talking about church at home now.
Suddenly we're having actual conversation about real kid instead of me just giving everyone assignments.
Now the chat feels like talking to friends instead of getting work emails.
Telling Them About Kids During Week
Started texting volunteers when their kids did something cool instead of waiting till Sunday.
"Tom - Emma used that patience thing you taught her when her little brother was being annoying. Her mom was like what happened to my kid?"
"Sarah - Tyler sang your worship song at dinner and his dad asked where he learned it."
"Jessica - Marcus told his teacher about forgiveness and actually apologized for something. She couldn't believe it."
Makes them feel like what they do on Sunday actually matters rest of week.
Way better than sending them attendance numbers or curriculum updates nobody cares about.
Sarah told me those texts get her through her terrible job because she remembers why she's doing this.
Actually Caring About Their Lives
Used to only ask them pray for church stuff. Now I ask about their actual problems.
Tom's freaking out about work. Sarah's mom is sick. Jessica's teenager is struggling. Mike's divorce is messy.
Turns out when you care about people's real lives they feel more connected to you. Who knew?
Also we're actually praying for each other now instead of just working same shift together.
Had volunteer almost quit because everything was falling apart but she stayed because she knew we were praying for her personal stuff not just her volunteer duties.
Random Check-ins That Aren't About Work
"How's your week?" instead of "Can you do this thing?"
"Saw your kid made honor roll - that's awesome!"
"How'd your mom's surgery go?"
"Those vacation pics looked amazing."
Shows them you think they're actual humans with lives instead of just warm bodies for Sunday morning.
Tom said no church person ever remembered stuff about his family before. Made him feel like he mattered.
Wednesday Encouragement Because Wednesdays Suck
Wednesdays are the worst. Kids are cranky. Work is stressful. Weekend feels forever away.
Started sending random encouragement with no agenda.
"Halfway through the week! Those kids are so lucky to have you."
"Rough day? Remember Tyler's face when you helped him Sunday. You're making eternal difference."
"Hope your week's going okay. Can't wait to see you Sunday."
Just quick reminder someone cares about them as person.
Jessica keeps these texts and reads them when work is terrible which honestly makes me want to cry.
Telling Them Behind Scenes Stuff
Volunteers love hearing about things happening they don't see.
"Emma's mom called to say she's praying at bedtime every night now. That's because of you guys."
"Marcus's teacher said his attitude completely changed since he started coming here."
"Tyler's principal asked what we're doing because he's being so kind to other kids."
Makes them feel part of ongoing story instead of just Sunday morning thing.
Highlighting Them During Week
Posted on Facebook about Sarah's creativity with picture of kids doing her hand motions.
Put Tom in newsletter for being patient with difficult kids.
Shared Jessica's story about connecting with shy kids.
Their families see this stuff and understand why volunteering matters so much.
Sarah's daughter saw Facebook post and told her whole class her mom was famous.
Group Challenges That Actually Build Team
"Let's all pray for specific kid this week."
"Who can encourage a parent?"
"Everyone try this craft at home and report back."
Optional but gives them way to stay connected between Sundays.
Tom who never does extra stuff started participating and sharing results which shocked everyone including me.
Sharing Cool Stuff I Find
"Found this article about anxious kids - thought you'd love it."
"This craft reminded me of Tom's style."
"Good blog post about difficult kids."
Makes them feel equipped instead of thrown into situations with no help.
Jessica started sharing stuff too and now we're all learning from each other.
Celebrating Their Personal Stuff
Birthdays obviously but also promotions, kids' achievements, anniversaries, even small wins.
Tom got new job and we all celebrated because we'd been praying about his job search.
Sarah's daughter graduated and we sent card from everyone.
Makes them feel like they belong to community not just volunteer schedule.
What Actually Works
Feeling like part of story instead of just worker.
Knowing their stuff matters and makes real difference.
Being seen as whole person not just volunteer.
Having people who care about them personally.
Getting encouragement when they need it.
Seeing impact beyond Sunday morning.
Being supported instead of just expected to figure it out.
What Doesn't Work At All
Only contacting them when you need something.
Treating them like employees.
Only talking business.
Assuming they feel appreciated.
Always focusing on problems.
Ignoring their personal lives.
Why This Matters
Volunteers who feel connected during week are way more committed Sunday.
People stick around when they feel part of community.
Encouragement prevents burnout.
Personal relationships create loyalty.
Supported volunteers invite friends.
Ministry happens all week not just Sunday.
Sarah went from checking out to being most engaged volunteer.
Tom went from emoji responses to sharing stories and checking on others.
Mike asked to rejoin chat after hearing we changed approach.
That's what real engagement looks like. Not perfect attendance but genuine investment.
Volunteers who feel valued between Sundays show up different on Sundays. More energy. More heart.
Worth every text to create that community instead of just volunteer schedule.
