Written by Bob Schindler, Executive Director of CEDE Partners – an Initiative of CEDE Sports
In my job, I have the privilege to regularly sit with Sports Ministers from Local Churches and discuss their ministries. Recently, in one of those conversations, the subject of recruiting came up.
The Sports Minister and I were discussing the Ministry’s Leadership Team and one of the people rotating off. I asked if she planned to replace this person. She said yes and we discussed possible candidates.
One particular person was at the top of the list and, when I asked further about him, the Sports Minister said, “He is very busy – he already coaches his kids and his job is very demanding.”
I sensed her reluctance to recruit him to this position even though he was probably the most qualified for the role.
Have you ever felt that reluctance in recruiting someone to your ministry?
I asked the Sports Minister how they would go about recruiting this person if she went ahead with the idea. She outlined their hypothetical discussion and something clicked for me.
My Sports Minister friend didn’t want to burden this busy man down with another obligation.
She didn’t say it directly but it seemed to me this was their perception of the role underneath the recruiting. I brought this up and she confirmed my thoughts.
We then discussed a different perspective on recruiting – one where you are recruiting to an opportunity not an obligation, to a privilege not a burden, by invitation not by begging.
To help the Sports Minister see this opportunity and privilege, we discussed the benefits she had experienced in being a part of the Leadership Team in the past 3-4 years. Sure it was work but she agreed it had been very transformational for her and the others. The group experienced real community as the Leader encouraged them to share their lives as well as the work. They also experienced personal development as they learned more about their gifts and abilities and how they fit on the team. Finally, we talked about God’s affirmation for the team as he used them to develop the ministry.
Community. Development. Affirmation. Sense of Purpose.
As we reviewed these benefits, she realized they were things everyone looks for. She saw afresh that being a part of ministry where these are taking place is a great opportunity, a privilege she should never apologize for inviting people to take part.
So the next time you are reluctant to recruit, remember the benefits inherent in the position and the difference between inviting someone into a privileged opportunity and begging someone to take on a burdening obligation.
