We’ll never build movements apart from building multiplying leaders. And all leaders begin as key volunteers. Don Simmons, an expert on church volunteers, argues that there are six elements involved in the equipping process.
1. Training
Training isn’t telling and listening isn’t learning. Effective training includes delivering information, but also practice, feedback and hands-on application. Training happens best when it’s just in place and just in time.
2. Affirmation
Affirmation is NOT saying ‘Thank You.’ It is about affirming people for who they are, not what they do.
Affirmation, says Simmons, is about valuing a person’s presence, not performance.
3. Feedback
“Authentic, love-based feedback can do much to develop servants into strong leaders,” writes Simmons. Avoiding feedback is a big mistake; it communicates something in and of itself–for we cannot not communicate.
Feedback comes in three forms: compliments, criticism and critique. Compliments are like a child’s bubbles–pretty, but difficult to grasp and use again. Criticism is like a weapon at which volunteers will pull away from.
Offering a critique, however, is the balance between the two when delivered in a grace-filled, timely manner. A good critique can be used to influence change for the next time and leads to proper self-examination.
4. Evaluation
Don’t confuse evaluation with feedback. Evaluations are done in teams and need a guide or measurement for success. Effective evaluations measure success of goals achieved, but are often skipped because of time. “We get too pushed for speed and neglect evaluation,” warns Simmons.
5. Recognition
While affirmation is about appreciating people for their presence and willingness, recognition is about performance.
Simmons says that “Affirmation honors people for WHO they are. Recognition acknowledges people for WHAT they do. Recognitions says, ‘Thanks, we noticed you served well!’”
One of the principle reasons the people leave their volunteer positions is that they feel unappreciated and not recognized.
The best recognition comes not from “large group recognition” events. The best kind of recognition often comes from a written note or the kind of phone call that is individual and connects to the person’s service specifically.
6. Reflection
Reflection is the ‘remembering’ part of service that looks intently into the meaning of the act. Simmons says that reflection always asks two simple questions: So what? and Now what?
Leaders must help volunteers reflect on what their service means to the bigger picture. They must constantly help people connect the dots, linking their good deeds to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Helping volunteers reflect helps them reconnect to the larger Kingdom purposes. (Source: Transforming Volunteers by K. Petty)