SPRINGDALE CRC
VOLUNTEER
HANDBOOK
SPRINGDALE CRC
VOLUNTEER
MEMBER
INTRODUCTION
We cannot even begin to tell you how happy we are that
you are interested in volunteering at Springdale! We cannot
do what we do without people like you. This is not just
something we say – it is something we honestly believe. We
value volunteers and their ministry more than you will ever know.
It is important that you understand some things about the
volunteer culture we want to have here at Springdale. We are
looking for faith-full servants who are excited to do ministry. This
handbook defines the volunteer culture we aspire to have that
will keep our church on purpose.
THE BIG PICTURE
Our model for serving is Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:45
that “even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve.” Jesus teaches principles like the “last becoming first” and
“dying to self.” These reflect an others-focused lifestyle and
mind-set.
Here at Springdale we want the servant’s heart and attitude
of Jesus to define what we do and how we act. An obedient
Christian serves others. It is the way of Jesus and therefore the
way of the disciple.
Our church works hard to create a place where guests,
visitors, and members are not only welcomed but are served
with excellence. Beyond our Sunday services are ministries that
function behind the scenes to help gather, grow, and serve.
None of this is possible without amazing volunteers.
Please see your volunteering through the lens of the mission.
We are trying to be Christ’s church to gather, to grow, and to
serve.
Remember that as you serve, you are ministering to human
beings who will spend eternity somewhere.
PROPER MOTIVATION
Our motivation should always be loving God and loving
others. This requires humility. You should be decreasing your
own self to elevate God and others.
WE NEED YOU
No matter what size our church is, we need you. There is
always a volunteer spot for you. In fact, there is a “you-sized”
spot for each person. God has uniquely gifted you. Your
experiences are one of a kind. Our church needs you to plug
in and serve others.
KEEP GROWING
You cannot be a top-notch volunteer unless you are growing
spiritually. We want you to be practicing personal spiritual
disciplines. To help others grow, you need to keep growing.
THE CHURCH, NOT JUST YOUR
MINISTRY
We consider all of our ministries to be important. Remember
that your ministry is not the only ministry.
THERE ARE SEASONS
There are seasons in each of our lives. Sometimes you need
to step away; maybe the ministry has changed and you are no
longer the right fit, you may now be a better fit in a different
ministry. That is not only okay, but it is more rewarding for you
and those you serve.
NUTS & BOLTS
These are some of the basic responsibilities, attitudes and
actions of a volunteer at Springdale. In life and in ministry never
forget TEAM: Together Everyone Accomplishes More
YES IS YES
Honor your schedule and your commitments. If you say you will
be there, be there. If you sign up, show up. When you say you
will serve for a season, honor that season.
BE ON TIME
Be on time. Be there early to give yourself time to prepare.
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OPINION
Do not get overly attached to your opinion. We want
people to own their ministry and share ideas, suggestions and
thoughts. However, it is really important to remember that you
are part of a T.E.A.M. Do not take it personally when you
propose something and it is not chosen.
WORK HARD TO COMMUNICATE
Practice effective communication with your ministry partners.
We know that people are busy. A quick response is
appreciated.
FOLLOW THE LEADER
Submit to your volunteer team leader. There is a leader who
has been placed over each volunteer in every ministry at
Springdale. This person is not always going to be right, but
they are still the volunteer team leader. When there are
disagreements, they should be handled person-to-person with
the leader. And when a decision is made, get behind the
leader and champion that decision as if it were your own.
CLEAR IT UP
Ask for clear expectations. Although it is a volunteer team
leader’s job to communicate expectations, there will be times
the leader does not do this as well as he or she should. Please
ask the leader for clarity.
YOU ARE PRIVILEGED TO DO THIS
Attitudes should reflect service to Christ and the purpose of the
church. You are doing your part in God’s divine plan.
IT MAY NOT BE YOUR JOB FOREVER
The principle of multiplication needs to be present in our
volunteer culture. We should be working to create
replacements for ourselves. Do not forget that serving in any
role is a privilege.
BE THERE NOW
Do your task. This may sound silly, but it’s not. When you are
working with kids, focus on kids; this is not the time to reconnect
with your friends or have a counseling session. Be on. Be
focused. Be prepared.
OWNER VS. RENTER
Respect and care for the building and equipment. If you get
something out, put it back. Do not just stuff something in a tub,
crate or closet and expect someone else to handle the mess.
Clean up after yourself. We all must be good stewards of each
and every resource God has given us, including a building
and its contents. Respect others’ volunteer time.
A SAFE PLACE
As a church, we love children and youth. Springdale CRC is a
place where parents and children can go to feel welcomed,
safe, and deeply loved. We have made a commitment to
making Springdale CRC a safe place with our Safe Church
Policy.
SPRINGDALE CRC
VOLUNTEER
LEADER
INTRODUCTION
In addition to the Volunteer Member Handbook, here are
some other things to keep in mind as a volunteer team leader
of ministry at Springdale Church.
When it comes to team size, ministry teams operate on the
adage, "less is more." Team sizes should be large enough to
get the task done; small enough to encourage and maintain
accountability while minimizing inefficiency and compromise.
Rather than grow the leadership team, ask volunteers to be
involved in specific tasks.
CHARACTERISTICS
The bottom line of servant leadership is that we don’t emulate
the examples of the world; our example is Jesus, who came as a
servant. Therefore, our mission is to serve one another, to give
of ourselves.
KEEP GROWING
A volunteer team leader is a growing Christian disciple who
seeks to emulate the servant ministry of Jesus. He or she
understands that everyone has gifts and experiences that are
vital to the Body of Christ. A team leader builds a relationship
of attentiveness to God's will and direction.
BIG PICTURE
A volunteer team leader has the ability to keep his or her eye
on “the big picture” of Springdale’s purpose. He or she takes
care to avoid scheduling conflicts on the church calendar and
in its facilities. A volunteer team leader is aware of other ministry
activities and works together with them planning unified activity.
WORK HARD TO COMMUNICATE
A volunteer team leader is a living example of one who “loves
God and loves neighbor.” It is important for a team leader to
listen well and communicate with people of all ages, allowing
and encouraging ideas without judgment, personal attack, or
dismissal. This person shows evidence of working well with
church council and with various teams and church members.
A volunteer team leader facilitates clear communication within
the church. He or she communicates the ministry team’s purpose,
status, and hopes and plans to the congregation. The
Volunteer Team Leader encourages regular communication
with council by reporting in 2-parts—what the ministry is doing
and what the ministry needs help with (for information, for
action).
A volunteer team leader recognizes conflict and helps those in
conflict face the situation with respect and commitment to
each other.
BE A LEADER
A volunteer team leader models and encourages an attitude
of continual learning. He or she also regularly evaluates the
effectiveness of their work, measures their progress and plans
for the future.
A volunteer team leader works to develop and mentor new
volunteer team leaders.