Volunteering in Church is always an issue; it does not matter whether it is for something technical or something low key and temporary – there is always an uncertainty. Questions will always run trough your mind like:
- Can I contribute something useful?
- What happens if I get locked in
- Will I be overused?
- But it is too hard or too technical
All legitimate concerns.
But I say, “Don’t knock it before you try it”
I encourage you to rather find out more, shadow if you have to, ask questions. Maybe you find all you concerns are unnecessary and all your questions answered. Maybe it opens doors to you, even doors of enterest and passions that you thought you never had.
For me, I was asked just to man the little Church camera. I look back on it now and I think, “oooooooo, how far we have come”. If I did not take that step I would have missed being part of an incredible journey in advancing video to level where the Church can leverage it to enhance the environment and reach people.
I don’t mean to scare you by making you think that once you get involved you will be taken on a path whether you like it or not. I am saying that there is an opportunity to unlock lots of potential and talent that you may not know that you have.
When it comes to video, people are often nervious of the technology thinking that it is beyond them. Sure there are a few things to learn and yes we whan well equiped and ‘professional’ volunteers – but that can happen through knowledge transfer, maybe workshops and definitely volunteer shadowing. In the end you will have learnt a fantastic skill and possibly have unlocked a passion and talent for video, and dare I say – Film Making 
Now that I’m the head-honcho in charge of almost everything but the pulpit, I think more about finding qualified folks and not filling slots. I interview folks for volunteer spots and make sure they understand the commitments are and what their expectations are. It’s not always perfect, but we have a good time and manage to get some decent work done.
Very true. I am also 120% for training and preparing rather than filling in the slots.
Apart from offering a service the volunteer is actually learning a skill or skills in the process.
But I have to say, we struggle with volunteers, I think that it is largely due to the fact that we are providing a lot – especially technically – on a Sunday morning.
And we are in that uncomfortable zone where it feel like anything is about to happen; there are lots of new people coming every week. But new people don’t walk in for the first time asking to be involved.
hmmm
You had me at hello
just let me finish leading the Starting point group, and then see how the little addition messes with out time schedule. And I will give it a go on your team.
*grin* I remember the times when you were on my team holding that ‘little Church camera’
you would make a fine addition to the team,
technically versed and thrilled