Recruiting and Maintaining Volunteers

Many of you may be preparing to recruit team members for ministry with young people. Whether you are beginning something new or strengthening an existing ministry, inviting people to serve can feel both exciting and challenging. Before reaching out to potential volunteers, it may be helpful to pause and reflect on a foundational question: Why does this ministry exist?

Have you taken time to ask God what He desires for the young people in your parish or community? Often, we can become focused on activities, attendance, or filling volunteer positions without first discerning the deeper purpose of ministry. Chances are, God desires much more than simply seeing young people actively involved in parish life.

As Christus Vivit reminds us: “Filled with the love of Christ, young people are called to be witnesses of the Gospel wherever they find themselves, by the way they live” (175). God desires so much for our young Church—the Church of now. Ministry with young people is not only about creating programs or events; it is about forming disciples who know Jesus and are equipped to witness to Him in everyday life.

In a world that constantly moves at a fast pace, it is easy to rush into planning and logistics. We are often tempted to jump straight into calendars, schedules, and volunteer recruitment. Yet if Jesus has called us to go and make disciples, then we must ask an important question: Are the experiences and opportunities we offer our young people helping them become disciples who live and share the Good News?

As you begin discerning who to invite into ministry, here are several important steps to consider.

1. Begin with a shared vision

As a ministry coordinator or leader, think carefully about who should be part of the larger conversation around vision and purpose. This group may include your pastor, associate pastor, school principal, parents, adult ministry leaders, or others invested in the lives of young people.

At this stage, resist the temptation to focus immediately on how the ministry will function. Instead, focus first on why the ministry exists and what God may be inviting your community to become.

Consider reflecting on questions such as:

• What does Jesus desire for the young people in our parish or community?
• What kind of disciples are we hoping to form?
• How are we reaching not only those preparing for sacraments, but all young people in our community?

When leaders take time to discern together, they create a stronger and more unified foundation for ministry.

2. Clarify the roles needed to support the vision

Once the purpose and goals of the ministry become clearer, the next step is identifying the roles needed to bring that vision to life. Naming roles and expectations helps people understand how they can meaningfully contribute according to their gifts.

Every ministry context is different, but some possible roles may include:

• A coordinator or point person who oversees communication, organization, and the overall direction of the ministry.
• Adults committed to intentional outreach, not simply inviting young people to events, but building authentic relationships and accompanying them in their faith journey.
• Individuals gifted in listening, who create spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and understood.
• A prayer team, supporting the ministry through intentional prayer for leaders, families, and young people.
• Community builders, who foster hospitality, belonging, and connection among participants.

This list is only a starting point. The needs of your ministry will depend on the unique vision and realities of your community.

3. Invite disciples, not simply volunteers

Once the purpose is clear and roles have been identified, you are ready to begin inviting people into ministry. But perhaps we should reconsider the language we use. Rather than simply looking for volunteers, what if we sought disciples?

Disciples serve because they recognize that God is inviting them to share their gifts, time, and presence in a meaningful way. General announcements and blanket invitations often produce limited results. Instead, take time to notice individuals in your parish community who demonstrate a relationship with Jesus, generosity, compassion, or a heart for young people.

Before inviting someone to serve, invest in relationships. Spend time getting to know them and hearing their story.

Questions that can help begin meaningful conversations include:

• How would you describe your relationship with God at this point in your life?
• What recent experience has impacted your relationship with Jesus?
• What gifts do you feel God has given you to care for young people?
• What affirmations or feedback have others offered you about those gifts?

Intentional invitations rooted in relationships often lead to deeper commitment and greater fruitfulness.

4. Sustain the mission through formation and community

Recruitment is not the finish line. Once a team has been formed, it is important to ask what will help sustain both the ministry and the people serving in it.

• What formation will leaders need? Consider training in accompaniment, listening skills, small-group facilitation, or adolescent faith development.
• How often will the team gather not only to plan, but to pray together? Healthy ministry teams need spiritual nourishment and community.
• How will new leaders be invited and formed over time? A sustainable ministry always creates pathways for future leadership.
• Finally, how will you celebrate the spiritual fruit emerging in the community? Sharing stories of transformation reminds leaders that their efforts matter and keeps the mission centered on God’s work.

Ministry with young people is about far more than programs and events. It is about accompanying young people toward a life-changing encounter with Jesus. When we begin with prayerful discernment, clear purpose, and intentional relationships, we create space for ministry that forms disciples and transforms communities.