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One thing every ministry leader should do is make time to actually volunteer.

If you are a pastor or ministry leader then you spend tons of time asking people to volunteer. You spend hour on hour recruiting and equipping people to serve. Truth is that none of our ministries would ever make a lasting impact without the passion and dedication of volunteers!

You can read others talk about recruiting and equipping volunteers there is nothing like volunteering to teach you what a volunteer needs to thrive. Every pastor should make time to volunteer so they understand the blessing and tension of giving your extra time to serve others. When you take on a volunteer role you commit (humble) yourself to advancing another leader’s vision. Volunteering forces you to depend on others for the tools and information you need to do your job. You learn quickly what is inspiring and what is draining when you give your time away!

The simple truth is that taking time to volunteer helps me to be a better leader of volunteers.

Here are 10 lessons I learned from taking time to volunteer…

  1. Volunteers love to be a part of something significant.
  2. Volunteers need the right info and easy access to info.
  3. Volunteers love to have fun.
  4. Volunteers love seeing progress.
  5. Volunteers need support when problems arise.
  6. Volunteers will give more than asked.
  7. Volunteers need clear expectations.
  8. Volunteers need a voice.
  9. Volunteers are up for hard work.
  10. Volunteers appreciate a simple and authentic thank you.

Take time out to step away from leading volunteers and actually volunteer in another ministry. You will be a better leader of volunteers when you take time to volunteer.