Painting Pictures of the Future
by lipton gain, director, bangladesh
If Jesus was a Young Life leader, what would be his volunteer-making strategy? An unstoppable movement came from his three-and-a-half-year ministry; his volunteer team had almost nothing, but shook the world with the gospel. Today it’s difficult to find committed and called volunteers, but the strength of Young Life ministry is not the number of our full-time staff. It’s our committed volunteers.
Last year our vision was to recruit 400 volunteers from 12 areas in Bangladesh. At the end of last year, we celebrated a list of 406 names. We praise and thank God for these miraculous partners!
Here are three key strategies to recruit, equip, and empower volunteers:
1. Help them own the ministry vision
In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as expansive as the stars in the sky. He provided a future vision for Abraham’s faith, so he could look up at night and be reminded when he was upset or unsure. Similarly, when we create a clear vision for our ministries our staff and leaders can look to it for direction, reassurance, and unity. Leaders paint pictures of the future.
Over the last few years, we found many volunteers because they wanted to be part of our big vision for Young Life Bangladesh. It’s important that every Young Life leader clearly and passionately explain their ministry's vision and mission. It should be compelling and exciting. Helping them own the ministry vision and incorporate it into the vision they have for their lives is essential. When they feel welcomed, loved, and valued to contribute to a big vision, that’s the moment when they make the commitment to be available for our ministry. Every volunteer loves to be a part of something bigger than themselves!
2. Provide an environment to GET and GIVE
This environment is a generous culture of contribution where everybody participates. We need to intentionally nurture our volunteers. Their giving will be a product of their receiving. Ministry is the overflow of our relationship with Jesus. The Samaritan woman, the blind man, the man possessed by a group of demons, and many others are the perfect examples of volunteers. These volunteers were engaging and serving in ministry because Jesus ministered to them. At first, they experienced the power of his love and mercy. By this they were motivated and empowered to the fullest to serve in the ministry. That's why they willingly started volunteering to share about Jesus.
The need for volunteers is different in every culture so we must help them to discover their spiritual gifts and abilities to serve well in the ministry. For example, you can find a leader gifted with music, someone gifted with mentoring, someone tremendously gifted in outdoor activities, and someone who’s a good communicator. We match the volunteer with the ministry’s real need and put the right people in the right places. Last February we brought 80 volunteers (from 10 different areas) who are passionate about music to a music camp, and equipped them with instruments to serve their club kids.
3. Sharpen each other through accountability
Having an attitude of accountability helps our team to grow. We have nothing to prove but everything to improve. This way we create the accountability group where volunteers can grow big in a small group. We go back to the assigned work of the volunteers, review their action plans according to the vision, and measure the results. If any improvement is needed, we discuss it with the team and take the necessary steps. As leaders, we must focus on the people, not just the program. Jesus emphasized being rather than just doing. He sent out his disciples with authority and power to serve the mission of finding the lost and he held them accountable. “When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done” (Luke 9:10, NIV).
The Best Helper
What did Jesus do for his volunteers when he knew his time on earth was coming to an end? He promised them the best helper. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16, NIV).
The Holy Spirit is the birthright for all God’s children and just as Jesus sent him to the disciples, he has sent him to you and me. Jesus knows our strength is limited, our resources are limited, and our number of staff and volunteers is limited. Before we recruit volunteers for this help, however, let’s first welcome the Holy Spirit, our first and best “Helper”!
After all, Young Life is ultimately “A Holy Spirit-Led Kingdom Movement”!
moving FROM receiving to giving
Caring for those entrusted to us is an intentional and often costly choice, risky, intimidating, and sacrificial — but anything worthy is costly.
This is certainly worthy …
Victoria was first known by Young Life volunteers in a Dallas elementary school for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. When Victoria reached the age to join Capernaum, our ministry with kids with disabilities, she participated inconsistently.
In 2020, Bre Baldwin joined staff and expanded Capernaum to the area where Victoria lived with her Granny. Soon, Bre became like family. And Granny always ensured Victoria participated in Capernaum.
After high school, Victoria began The Capernaum Leadership Experience, a yearlong discipleship program developing Christlike leadership qualities and opportunities for Capernaum alumni.
During this time, Granny was diagnosed with, battled, and passed away from cancer. Staff and volunteers were trusted voices processing life and its many challenges with Victoria. They helped Victoria navigate monumental loss, transition between homes, hold on to hope, and dream for herself.
"We clearly saw Jesus’ care for Victoria through this challenging time. We also saw God give her opportunities to care for others experiencing loss. Victoria has served in Capernaum club, Campaigners, and helped start a new Capernaum ministry. She’s been a leader at summer camp, served at work week, and on weekend work crews. Perhaps her favorite thing is volunteering as a YoungLives childcare worker. Victoria’s heart for serving others, especially babies, is an overflow of the Lord’s love within her. She’s using the gifts God has given her to minister to others. She has become a partner in ministry with me and a true friend.” — Bre Baldwin
Victoria will sing “Amazing Grace” for anyone, anytime — at the drop of a hat. How sweet the sound, indeed.
We are thankful for young people like Victoria, who teach us so much about Jesus. We recognize our great need to have our Capernaum friends in our community, to see them, to learn from them, and to realize a fuller picture of the Kingdom at work.
