Rest Your Stars – Getting the Best, Not More From Your Volunteers

By Kile Baker

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I’m a huge basketball fan. My team is the San Antonio Spurs, and they have a rather unique way of running their team on long road trips. Instead of playing their best players to get the immediate wins, they rest the stars to get the best from them when it matters later. I think this same type of strategy can be used with our volunteers, as resting can help them perform better, but more importantly restores their joy and increases their longevity.
One of the first things I did when taking on a large leadership position at my last church was to give permission to one of the foundational volunteers to take a much needed break. This person was highly influential, a great leader, and one of the pillars of our church – however it was becoming apparent that their energy and joy were running on empty. I knew that I still wanted them to serve, but just not in the way they were. They needed a recharge. Here’s what I did and what happened:
Discover & Recover

• Discover what’s going on.  When meeting with a volunteer, the first part of the conversation should never be about what they do for the church, but what the church is doing for them. How is the church helping them, their family, and their ministry? This lets them know that I care about them and their family, before their service to the church. This is pivotal and must always be done.

• Let them talk. This may sound absurdly simple but for the most part people who are worn out, unhappy, or want a change generally have opinions to be expressed and they want to be heard. I listen for answers to questions like: Are they still behind the leadership? What frustrations have repeatedly come up? Where are they overcommitted? Are they getting enough private time with God? How could their family life be better?

• Give them permission. I believe this is the most important part in the process as it can define a relationship with a worn out volunteer. Many times volunteers needed a break months or even years before, but because of the needs of the church they either felt too worried or embarassed to do so. A pastor saying it’s ok, and even suggesting a mini-sabbatical for a volunteer can release an enormous amount of pressure from dedicated volunteers, and in turn place a large amount of trust and respect in you.

Discern & Return

• Discern how long they’re gone. At some point you want the valued volunteer to return, so some clear communication and boundaries need to be set. I give people a suggested time period usually no less than 90 days, and no more than 6 months. Personally I’ve found this to be the right amount of time for rest, but not so long as they feel disconnected.  It’s important that the timeframe be clearly communicated several times, and checkups built in at intervals along the way.

• Make them take the full rest. God rested a whole day when He didn’t need to, so how can we not rest the fully alotted time when we need it? This process shouldn’t be rushed, even if the church needs something pressing. It can be tempting to mention a project or a need that they to meet in their presence – don’t! They may feel like they’re ‘rested enough’ and want to come back too early.

• Return them with celebration and purpose. A volunteer returning from rest is a great time for celebration. They often bring back joy, excitement and a refreshing spirit that revitalizes others. Make it a big deal that they’re returned, have some group volunteer time together, take pictures, and give lots of hugs.  In certain circumstances it’s appropriate to throw a party, or announce them in a big meeting or event. After all, who doesn’t like seeing a vital part of the team return?

What happened?
After the volunteer came back it was apparent that we had made the right move. They couldn’t wait to serve again, their joy had returned, and they had regained their affection and easy going attitude with others.  It was a complete transformation.  Because they were given permission to rest, they were able to concentrate on their time with God and with their family without the fear of being called up to do something.    When they came back, I didn’t get more out of them, in fact I got less.  They volunteered for less, and for less hours.  But what I got out of them was their best. They had concentrated on what God wanted from them, set up boundaries, and were able to more impactful as a result.
Is there a volunteer or staff member that you know of that could use a rest? What do you think would change about them if they rested?