One question I get a lot from other churches is how do you effectively communicate with the some 2500 volunteers that you guys have here at NewSpring? My answer always goes something like this “every way possible”. Here’s what we do right now.
- mass email- While this is not the most effective way because some people just do not read e-mails, this is a way . From the very beginning of serving we try to let volunteers know to be looking for communication through e-mail about things coming up and special announcements.
- snail mail – letters or invitations are sent out from our area maybe two or three times a year. These may be for inviting members not serving to check out a serving opportunity or invite them to a volunteer class. We also send invitations to volunteers for our volunteer celebration that we have yearly.
- Phone calls – depending on what needs to be communicated and the time we have to communicate it, phone calls are made. Many times phone calls are used when there is a smaller group to communicate to and a volunteer team will come in to make those phone calls with us.
- Weekly team meetings – There are always announcements and details given out at the team meetings on Sundays. These are mainly used as reminders and done along with letters or e-mails.
- Blog – Anytime stories are shared with me or there are upcoming events and such I try to blog them.
- Word of mouth – Leaders and other volunteers spreading the word can reach more people than any e-mail. Just as the church has grown because of the talk in the community, so will the volunteer ministry. People will talk about what they are excited about.
With the team work of staff coordinators, Volunteer leaders, and coordinators each of these tools of communication are used on a consistent basis. What is most effective in reaching out to large numbers of people at one time? I would love to get feedback from our volunteers and other church leaders on what you feel is most effective in keeping everyone communicated to and in the know about ministry. Comment it.
At Newspring, a great effort is made to make sure people that choose to volunteer do so where they WANT to serve. This allows for immediate impact for each volunteer has the same mindset…it is through my service that others will accept Christ when I allow God to use me!
It amazes me that so many people come and go every Sunday without committing to ANY type of service. It is about being obedient and getting involved. Take the focus off yourself and remember the feeling that you had on your first Newspring experience. FEED MY SHEEP!!!
Just so you know, I had a model car when I was a kid that had a sign on the side that said this…”bad news travels fast.” As I get more involved, I find that people that help fix things are too busy to keep complaining about everything.
I think we should get a Newspring hot air balloon and fly over Anderson with our events promotion…this is a method we have yet to try…and we are good at being on the edge.
I love the fact that I can and do get to serve and find that when I make myself available I find out what I need to know. Some people will never know what they need to know for they simply agitate and really would rather see everyone miserable for then they don’t have to change…
From the inventor of the “I keep my foot in my mouth club”, try to help as much as you try to hinder and things will go much smoother in all areas of communication.
How about a ‘quick glance’, ‘easy to read’ event calendar/communicaton board on the wall behind the
kiosk?