
You understand the importance of recruiting help in ministry. And the way you ask for volunteers can make or break the church’s enthusiasm.
By Zac Workun
“Teamwork makes the dream work!”
But how do I get more people on my team?
Ministry work is important work, a noble calling, and volunteer teams are the backbone of a healthy church. As a church leader, you understand the importance of rallying the troops and recruiting help to carry out the Lord’s work effectively. However, the way you ask for volunteer assistance can make or break your congregation’s enthusiasm. In this post, we’ll take a lighthearted approach to explore seven things you should avoid saying when seeking volunteer help.
Remember, it’s not just about the task at hand but the ask itself.
So, what are you communicating with your ask? Is it the right kind of invitation into the work, the joy, the struggle, the sweat, and the goodness that is ministry?
If you don’t lead with these seven phrases, you are probably off to a pretty good start.
1. “Hey, you’re not busy … right?”
Wow, please don’t. It is never advisable to make sarcasm your opening line. Imagine being caught off guard, minding your own business, and suddenly being roped into a volunteer position. I tried this approach once because I thought the dad sitting in the atrium every Wednesday night was just fiddling with his phone. Little did I know, he was finishing his doctorate and just enjoyed being in the company of believers while his children worshiped.
It’s essential to approach potential volunteers with respect and appreciation for their current commitments. Everyone has their own schedules and responsibilities, so acknowledge their time and value their input. That dad later went on to host a small group for our high school students when he finished his coursework.
2. “You owe me one.”
While building a sense of obligation might seem like a clever tactic, it’s hardly a Christian approach. Shame-based invitations only work as long as you keep folks feeling bad. If you convince them with shame, then you will have to keep making them feel that way until they can no longer do it.
“Instead of a personal favor, volunteering should be about the joy of being close to what God is doing in and through the ministry.” — @zacworkun Share on XVolunteering should stem from a genuine desire to serve, not from a feeling of indebtedness (think excited volunteers, not an army of volun-tolds). Instead of demanding help, focus on sharing the impact their help will have on the church and the community. Utilize stories to inspire them to serve cheerfully. Instead of a personal favor, volunteering should be about the joy of being close to what God is doing in and through the ministry.
3. “Well, if you loved Jesus…”
Using guilt as a motivator rarely produces positive outcomes. Faith should never be used as a bargaining chip or a means to manipulate someone into volunteering. I know you would probably never say it exactly that way, but there are 100 ways we use guilt tactics.
Instead, emphasize the blessings that come from serving the Lord and others. Show how volunteering aligns with their spiritual growth and journey. This is why I can’t encourage you enough to lead with stories that celebrate what volunteering in your ministry can look like.
“Faith should never be used as a bargaining chip or a means to manipulate someone into volunteering.” — @zacworkun Share on X4. “Don’t worry; it won’t take much of your time.”
Come on, friend. You know that’s not fair. You may mean well in your undersell, but let’s be honest: Most ministry tasks require time and effort (i.e. relationships) that cannot be expedited or fabricated. The worst picture you can paint to a busy parent of three is that serving as a small group leader will be “no big deal” and “not too much extra time.” Don’t re-craft your ask to undersell the task when you want people who want to give the time to it.
If you lead with an underestimation of the commitment involved, you will lead your volunteers toward frustration and disappointment. Give reasonable expectations upfront and stay transparent about the time ministry takes. It’s a commitment. Keep your volunteers aware of what they’re signing up for, and make it worthwhile.
5. “You’re the only one who can do it.”
Yes, some volunteers just shine (and don’t we love it when they do). But, singling out individuals or pressure-asking people can unintentionally create an unhealthy reliance on a few key volunteers.
Utilize structure to outline specific roles and build toward a team-based approach for major tasks. This will empower others to step up and contribute their skills. When you distribute responsibilities, you not only alleviate the burden on individuals but also foster a sense of community.
6. “It’s a thankless job, but someone’s got to do it.”
If you lead the ask with a negative or by highlighting how unappreciated a role is, you’re already setting the stage for discouragement. You must consistently be the first to recognize the effort and express gratitude for your volunteers’ work and commitment. Make sure they know they are making a difference and their contributions are vital to the church’s mission. Encourage a culture of appreciation.
Countering negativity or sarcasm is probably one of the most important and difficult things for you, ministry leader, because you probably feel this statement in your bones. And yet, this is not the attitude you want to fester in your leadership. Find ways to flourish by modeling gratitude and fun. Ministry is Jesus, life-change, worship, and fellowship. If it’s not fun, what is?
7. “Volunteering will be good for you, your spiritual growth, etc.”
Don’t make it a lesson, make it a next step. Serving in your ministry area should be an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. Infuse enthusiasm into your request by highlighting the fulfilling aspects of serving others. Foster a positive and fun environment within your ministry and let the joy of serving radiate through every task.
As church leaders, it’s essential to remember that asking for volunteer help is not just about getting a task done; it’s about building a community of believers who are eager to serve. Remember, it is not just the need to complete a task, but the ask.
“Asking for volunteer help is not just about getting a task done; it's about building a community of believers who are eager to serve.” — @zacworkun Share on XYou’ve probably identified your needs, but have you correctly identified what you are asking volunteers to do?
By avoiding these seven faulty phrases in your asks, you can inspire and engage people in meaningful ways. Approach your next volunteers with joy, clear expectations, and appreciation. Word spreads, so even in the asks you make, foster a culture of joyful service within your ministry. Remember, a cheerful ask can make all the difference.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.

Zac Workun
Zac is the student ministry specialist for Lifeway and co-founder of Youth Ministry Booster. He has served the local church in various youth ministry roles.
If you want to learn more about building a healthy culture of asking, tasking, training, and retaining volunteers, visit YouthMinistryBooster.com. There are free downloads for how you can lead your next meeting and a community-driven course that will help you build a healthier culture of volunteer-empowered ministry.