Where would we be without our volunteers?

Last week we celebrated, thanked and prayed for those who lead and serve in youth and children’s ministry in Methodist churches across Ireland. We wanted to end our week of celebration with some helpful tools and resources for those who lead volunteers in your church.

How could you equip and prepare your volunteers stepping forward this next season? How might you recruit or reconnect with volunteers and get them on board with your vision?

We hope the resources below are helpful!

Equipping Volunteers- Resources and Upcoming Events:

Volunteers- Leading in Uncertainty

Check out our YouTube playlist where we discuss and answer questions like…“What is God calling us to as leaders?” and “How do we inspire volunteers? How do we care for them?”

Watch our full playlist where we share 5-6 minute conversations about leading in uncertainty as youth and children’s volunteers: https://buff.ly/3jPmkv7

Essentials Training for Youth and Children’s Ministry - IMYC  

If you want to learn some new skills or build on existing ones, come and join us for our Essentials Training course.

Whether you are 18, 50 or somewhere in-between, we hope this short course will encourage you as you build on existing skills, learn some new ones and spend time putting into practice what you are learning, supported by another leader.

We hope to run this course both in-person and online so please do sign up to join us: https://buff.ly/3xjxmxm 

 Gain confidence in sharing your faith- Gospel Confidence Course  

Do you or your volunteers want to gain confidence in sharing your story and faith with others, including the children and young people you serve? This is a four-session resource exploring the topic of everyday faith-sharing and evangelism. The sessions include video stories from Methodists across Ireland and beyond, together with guided reflection activities, discussion questions and prompts for action.  

Access the course here: https://irishmethodist.org/shop/p/6jk2lq4hlwguh15btpdxrx9ivb9wcf  

 How not to lose youth work volunteers- YouthScape Article  

“Volunteer youth workers are an essential part of youth ministry – but what do you do if they've had enough? How do you cultivate teams that last for the long run?”

Youthscape offer some simple tips and reminders for how to care for your volunteers. Have a read: https://www.youthscape.co.uk/services/youth-work-news/how-not-to-lose-youth-work-volunteers  

 Casting Crowns- If We Are The Body 

We love this song from Casting Crowns that reminds us that we are the Body of Christ.

Have a listen and ask yourself - who are you teaching? And who are you reaching?

Perhaps God asking you to ‘step forward and rise up’ as a volunteer in a specific area of ministry. Listen here: Casting Crowns - If We Are The Body (Official Lyric Video)