Respect Those Who Work With Us

Awhile back I wrote a blog about respecting volunteers, I want to look at that again today. In going to different churches, I have seen volunteers treated well and I have seen them treated as if they were second class or worse. The ones that were treated well were happy and productive. The others had a bad attitude that came out when greeting guests, and you know we can't go there! So, here are some tips for treating volunteers with respect. We have already talked about the time volunteers can give, but remember this. If you always spring things on people at the last minute, you are saying, "your time is not important". Give your team as much notice as possible, then when there is an emergency, they are more willing to help out. My next point is, Don't talk down to people. I see this happen a lot. Some think it is okay to talk rough and belittle people to get a point across, I think it is being rude. Next, Realize your helpers might have a good idea once in a while. Actually, because they see what you may not see ask for their input on a regular basis. And lastly, when talking to them, give them your full attention. This validates them and shows them you think what they are saying is important. Respect those God has given you to help you and they will stay with you a long time.

Comments

[Lana]

Pastor Eddie, thanks for reminding us about using manners and sharping our people skills. With a little honey, we might attract bees.

[Debbie Ruiz]

Amen, Pastor. We know we are to "by love serve one another."

D.R.

[Pastor Doug]

One thing I have learned over the years is, "love the one you're with". In other words, focus on those who you are with in service. We have to be careful about distractions, like cellphones, computers, and television. When we are working with our volunteers we need to listen with all of our ability. John Maxwell says that we need input concering our ideas and vision because we probably used up all our mental capacity just coming up with the idea. I need my ideas to be sharpened by the people who God has sent to accomplish the vision. They are invaluable to the mission.

[Deveri Albiston]

I have found this to be true...always encouraging and thanking your volunteers. Sending them little thank you notes for their hard work or when they go above and beyond the call of duty. Today's society isn't lacking in ways to be a blessing to the people that help make ministry possible: text, facebook, email, voicemail, snail mail if you want to go old school. Thanks for reminding us again, of how important it is to validate and respect our teammates.

[Aaron Taylor]

Great job Pastor!

[Rodney Anders]

Thanks Pastor, I think we as leaders we to be reminded of these things on an ongoing basis.

[Rodney Anders]

Thanks Pastor,I think as leaders we need to reminded os these things on an ongoing basis.