The 7 Characteristics of Exceptional Volunteers: What to look for When You're Looking for Help
Steve could hear his seventh grade boys laughing while he prayed.
When he opened his eyes, he discovered what was so funny. Tim, a “spirited” middle schooler, was standing over a trashcan—urinating. Tim and his friends acted more like frat boys than middle schoolers, but somehow Steve remained patient.
Thank God he did.Tim’s family history included divorce, drug abuse and jail time. Steve was the only consistent adult in Tim’s life. Steve’s patience slowly drew Tim to Jesus.
What makes volunteers like Steve so effective while others struggle or quit? Is it giftedness? Personality? Something else?
Advertisement
I decided to ask them. I interviewed Steve and other exceptional volunteers from all over the country—spanning demographics—to find common traits to help recruit, train and encourage more leaders like Steve. These are not just "good" leaders. These volunteers have an
exceptional history of God using them.
The interviews showed seven common traits:
1
Great Volunteers Practice Remarkable Relational IntentionalityIt’s no secret that meaningful relationships between kids and adults are what God often uses to transform lives. These great volunteers
take the art of building relationships to a higher level. “It’s easy to talk about getting to know kids,” said one volunteer, “but it takes discipline and perseverance to actually do it.”
These volunteers practice great intentionality in getting to know kids. They are busy people who have discovered how to involve kids in what they do—including hobbies, meals and even errands. Some go to greater lengths. “We decided the best way to impact these kids would be to move into their neighborhood,” said Jorun Kaufman, who moved his family into inner-city Kansas City to be near the kids he works with.
Moving might be an extraordinary example, but all of these leaders have significantly altered their lives to minister to kids and families.
Volunteers report it took an average of nine months to build trusting relationships with middle schoolers—that included almost weekly interaction
outside of the ministry’s “programmed time.” They are patient, diligent and genuine.
2
Great Volunteers See Parents as PartnersThese volunteers know they cannot fully understand kids
unless they know their parents.“The parents often tell me stuff about their kids that gives me insight into their worlds,” said Angel McQueen, a volunteer in Michigan. “It helps me have patience.”
On a practical level, these volunteers think differently about the time they spend with kids in order to develop relationships with kids and parents. An example would be attending events where the kids are involved and the parents are present. These volunteers support the kids while intentionally meeting and spending time with their parents. This more inclusive view of youth ministry has surprising results.