TN100 Why some offer, why some don't

These notes were first published on this website in April 2017 and last updated in March 2023

Synopsis

This set of Training Notes comes from the first section of a typical training event on working with volunteers. It is helpful to recognise just why people do volunteer in churches, not always for the best reasons, and why they do not, where the fault may often lie with the church rather than the individual. Twelve reasons are given in both lists.

People may offer to serve because:

• they long to put their faith into practice
• they are keen to support your church
• they are wired to meet needs.

But for some it may be because:

• they simply cannot say ‘No’
• they want others to admire them
• they desire power.

People may not offer to serve because:

• they are shattered by the pressures of life
• they fear increasing legislation
• they are aware of lack of support.

But for some it may be because:

• they have low self-worth
• they are frightened of failure
• they are untaught disciples.

Check out the two lists of 12 points to see which might apply in your church and what you can do about it.

These notes were updated in March 2023 with minor amendments to the text and some reformatting.