Volunteer recruitment is a perpetual task in youth ministry, but the need really ramps up each fall. When your program has lots of roles to fill, it’s tempting to welcome any warm body into your rotation of helpers. But in the long run, that approach can be counterproductive. Plus, it’s not necessarily the best way to meet your main objectives: discipling students and advancing the Gospel.
Recruiting missteps can affect your teens and youth group in surprising ways. Young people’s physical and emotional safety are at stake, of course, but so is their spiritual well-being. Don’t neglect your ministry’s integrity and long-term impact.
To borrow a concept from economics, think of the opportunity costs involved: Every choice comes with a price tag of where that resource could have been used elsewhere. Settling for a so-so volunteer can create far-reaching ripple effects. Teens might pick up questionable behaviors or attitudes that impact their beliefs and witness. If a leader isn’t on fire for Jesus, your kids (and the people they could have reached for Christ) will miss out. Ask yourself: Who in the long run might not hear the Gospel or receive an invitation to youth group or church?
Ask potential volunteers these important questions.
While recruiting, don’t be timid about your program’s standards. Be clear about duties, expectations, and time commitments. And, of course, run a background check and call references.
But don’t stop there. Before partnering with a volunteer, see if they match your program’s mission by asking:
1. Why do you want to volunteer with our youth ministry? Which tasks interest you most?
Every church and community is filled with service opportunities. Try to discover what’s driving the candidate to pursue this role specifically. Listen for youth-focused answers rather than anything adult-focused, such as nostalgia for high school.
2. How do you maintain your relationship with God, and what type of accountability system do you have in place?
Teens—especially those from non-Christian homes—need role models for loving Jesus and growing closer to Him. Through regular prayer and Bible study, God feeds adult youth leaders and prepares them to guide students.
3. What steps do you take to share the Gospel? When’s the last time you talked with someone about Jesus, and how did that go?
As Greg Stier explains, youth leaders are “the default thermostat for how much disciple-multiplying heat you’re applying toward your youth ministry.” If volunteers aren’t passionate about evangelism, it likely won’t remain a priority for the program or students.
4. How will you explain salvation and the Christian life to a teen with no religious background? How will you handle questions that are over your head or controversial?
Volunteers should be able to share the G.O.S.P.E.L. in a relational way. Recruit teammates who are humble, teachable, and eager to be discipled themselves.
5. How do you think can youth leaders be relatable to teens and admit that they, too, need Jesus without oversharing or crossing boundaries?
Youth leaders can be familiar with teen culture and pressures yet still act their age. Look for responses that speak to appropriate boundaries and healthy communication with kids.
6. How do you handle disagreements and conflicts? How will you respond when someone criticizes your messaging or rules?
Tensions and hurt feelings will occur at some point, so volunteers must “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Look for people who are fair, grounded, and secure in their identity in Christ. They’ll need to interact well with teens as well as parents, staff members, and congregants.
7. What’s your vision for our youth group? What goals do you have for the end of this semester and year? What investments are you willing to make in our teens?
Although volunteers won’t be in charge, they’ll influence decisions big and small. Ask candidates what dreams they have for the youth ministry and how they plan to pursue them.
Consider what’s at stake.
Adapt these questions for your own youth group and church. If possible, try not to rush the recruiting process. Instead of a single interview, have multiple conversations with candidates to better determine their fit with your program.
Most importantly, always focus on the main thing: the would-be volunteer’s approach to sharing the Gospel—and how he or she will equip teens to do the same.
