I get asked all the time “How do you all find such amazing volunteers and staff?” It’s true. God has given us a huge gift of killer staff and volunteers.

This mission and the people that are a part of this deal are a gift from God. It’s simply grace that is the fuel to this engine. The other thing is that people are absolutely critical. So the quality, mix, and amount of people serving are critical. We’ve left positions empty rather than just filling them with any warm body.

Here’s what I personally look for in people who want to be “on the bus”- and I pretty much look for the same thing in potential volunteers and staff:
1. Character- Does this person have a growing faith in Jesus? Are they living it out professionally and personally?
2. Chemistry- Is this person enjoyable to be around? Do they fit the culture and personality of the staff or team? Do they represent Access well publicly?
3. Commitment- Have they shown prior commitment to the organization? Do I trust them (trust > suspicion)?
4. Culture- Does this person buy into the mission, vision, and personality/ culture?
5. Competence- What sort of education, knowledge, skills, experience, abilities, and gifts do they have to be leveraged by God?

I know the five C’s are cheesy, but they’re easy to remember. These are not absolutes, but they are generally in order of importance to me. Some people are stronger in some areas than others. Some areas are non-negotiable (like #1).

I’ve also learned its easier to not hire or not invite someone to join a team, than it is to fire staff or ask a volunteer to step down later down the road. Invest the time up front and it pays dividends later.

For more, checkout Craig Groeschel’s recent post on staff.