How do I train volunteers?
I’m glad that this is a post that will have many contributors (I hope!) because this topic has so many facets. I will only take on one of them…. that of teaching-as-you-go…
In this regard, I learn most from two passages in the Gospel of Mark:
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. (Mark 4:10)
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. (Mark 9:2)
Jesus was a tremendous teacher, thinking quickly on his feet, making incredible connections between the Scriptures (what we now know as the Old Testament) and his new teachings. Whether he was in the synagogue, the temple, or in a field, he taught directly and didactically.
But when it came to the disciples, I feel his best teaching was done in the moment, as they ministered side-by-side. That is what I see in Mark 4. After this amazing revelation about the different seeds, it is obvious that the disciples simply do not get it. Jesus might be a little impatient with them, but he still quietly walks them through the steps of what he is saying, breaking it all down into smaller bites for them to chew on.
In Mark 9, he chooses to reveal himself completely only to Peter, James and John. Again, it is a small setting. They are alone. He doesn’t try to spread big news on a large scale. He steadily works through his closest relationships and lays down layers of leadership development.
I call this approach “shoe leather.” We must pound the pavement, week in and week out, walking others through the basics of ministry OVER AND OVER. As I look at my calendar week by week, I want to see at least as many hours spent with leaders as with students. In those appointments, I don’t usually have any “new material.” After 27 years in youth ministry, there is nothing new to say! Instead, I believe my best time is spent in reinforcing the basics. In lunches and coffee appointments with leaders, my goal is to bring those foundational things to their context, “teaching-as-I-go.” One-on-one mentoring has great power and effect. I also grab every teachable moment I can — during youth group meetings, sports events, camps, etc. Just like Jesus, keep your eyes open to point out a key point in the moment.
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Kelly Soifer has more than 25 years experience in Young Life and the church. She is a consultant with Youth Ministry Architects, a Campus Pastor at Providence Hall High School, a Fuller Seminary graduate, a committed bicycle commuter and proud Italian scooter owner who lives in Santa Barbara, CA. She blogs at kellysoifer.blogspot.com and twitters @kellysoif.
Make sure you check out Kelly’s latest article over at the Fuller Youth Institute
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