I came across this article that outlines five steps North Point Community 
Church (where Andy Stanley is the Senior Pastor) does to recruit, train, and retain volunteers. Volunteers are so crucial to the sports ministry world that I thought this was pertinent to share. Below is an excerpt but do read the whole thing. You may also want to check out this webinar from a few weeks ago: Recruiting & Training Coaches & Volunteers
Step 1: The SENIOR PASTOR asked me to fill out a card on the spot
At least once year, Andy preaches on strategic service and asks people to turn in an interest card. When the senior pastor leverages his influence in this way, it serves as a powerful beginning.
Andy Stanley used the stage and his influence as the senior pastor of the church to ask me to volunteer. When the senior pastor holds a sign up card in his/her hand & asks people to make a choice in that moment it really makes a difference if people take action or not. Most church leaders I see either over do this or under do it. Two times a year having the most powerful person in the church move people to volunteer is genius.
They asked me fill out a card & turn it in. I can’t over estimate how important this is. Most church leaders inform people & inspire people, but never actually ASK a person to step over the line & commit right then.
Step 2: Follow up is fast and personal.
After receiving an interest card, they send an email inviting a potential volunteer to an interest meeting. They remind you that the card and the meeting are not commitments – just a first step. After inviting everyone who signed up, they reach out personally. This creates value.
