I provide instant feedback for my team because even if they do not verbally ask, their eyes and body language give it away, “How did I do? Did I pull my weight? Were your expectations met?” Answering these questions is extremely important because when our team members know we are going to take notice, they will be more likely to fulfill their commitments to the best of their ability. By providing feedback, our volunteers realize we care enough to observe and know enough to respond.

Individualized Treatment: Do you love me?

While the first couple of questions focus on what the volunteer can add to the leader, the last two deal with what the leader can add to the volunteer. Above all else, your volunteers need to know you not only value them, but also love them. This requires us to know who they are on more than just a professional, working level; we must also know them on a personal level.

By displaying interest in the personal lives of our volunteers, we are showing genuine care for them as individuals. This should be a natural happening because in many cases the youth leader functions as the pastor and shepherd to the volunteers. Personally, I operate my team as a small group where life is shared together and friendships are developed. In doing so, I get to know my volunteers, their families, their prayer requests, and their needs.

The benefits of knowing my team at such a personal level is extremely rewarding. Not only do I have the opportunity to create great friendships, I also have the privilege of catering to their unique personalities and situations. One of my volunteers, Sandy, has a brother who is fighting cancer. Knowing she was struggling, I called her to say I was praying for her. She responded by crying and saying this phone call showed her God still cared. All I was doing was making contact, but to Sandy it was much more important and meaningful. The call showed Sandy I value her, know her and love her.

Individualized treatment assumes we know our volunteers as individuals, allowing us to provide personal treatment and give specific encouragement to each person. Individualized treatment communicates clearly that you not only need your volunteers for the job they do, but you love them for the people they are. Individualized treatment helps build your dream team because members realize you care more for who they are rather than what they offer.

Conclusion: My Dream Team

Your volunteer team is your lifeblood. Without them, there is no student ministry. Your mind should search for ways to reward and thank team members for their service. You cannot give them a paycheck, the typical incentive for work, but you can give them a role in something that makes a difference in eternity. What you can offer is a knowledge and understanding of how they fit into the big picture. What you can provide are your thoughts and insights about how they’re doing. What you can do is love them as individuals. The result will be an effective, efficient, healthy, helpful, God-honoring dream team.

Jamey loves student ministry and has spent 15 years teaching and training students in the local church. He currently serves as the student ministries pastor at Calvary Church in Fruitport, Michigan, and enjoys coaching high school football and flying kites at the beach with his family.