Welcome
Welcome to a resource specifically designed to equip clergy and lay leaders to recruit and support volunteers for ministry.
Volunteering in Parishes takes the principles and practice of effective volunteer management found in the voluntary sector and ‘translates’ them into the language, culture and theology of parish communities.
Everything is focused in prayer and Scripture. The practical strategies are making a difference in many parishes... they could make a difference in yours...
If you want to be more effective in the ways in which you recruit volunteers...
If you want to support your volunteers with appropriate induction and training...
If you want to explore ways of recognising and rewarding your volunteers...
If you want to deepen the connection of volunteer ministries to a prayerful theology of participation... - this website is for you...
Charities and other voluntary sector organisations depend on volunteers. Parishes depend on volunteers too...
The WORKBOOK, To Love and Serve the Lord, contains 6 steps to enable everyone to participate more fully in parish life and in the mission of the Church... full of practical ideas and prayerful reflection...
The WORKSHOPS provide parish leaders with the opportunity to prayerfully and practically consider the principles and practice of effective Volunteer Management and how they might be appropriately implemented in a parish...
The MINISTRY BOOKLETS provide detailed, practical guidance on recruiting and supporting volunteers for particular ministries...
The NEWSLETTER is a quarterly publication providing information and ideas to support a variety of volunteer ministries in parish communities...
All of the resources are rooted in prayer and Scripture....
At every meeting and workshop we always have a lively debate about language.
Is everyone who is baptised a ‘volunteer’ or are they simply living out their unique calling to be disciples?
The answer of course is both!
As leaders in Christian communities and organisations we are encouraging, equipping and enthusing people to connect and respond to their Baptism – using the gifts they have each been given for a good purpose. There are roles and responsibilities in parish communities, however, that require a more formal arrangement. We ask for volunteers from the pulpit, in newsletters and on notice boards. Parishes often tell me that they are struggling to recruit new volunteers.
What ever we call them - volunteers, ministers, stewards - it is through effective volunteer management that we will successfully recruit and support them. Do email Barbara with your experience and suggestions....