How do you identify & recruit leaders? (final)

We’ve been talking about how to identify and involve new leaders into the life of the church to further the church’s mission and lead those who serve into a growing relationship with Jesus. Check out the prior posts below to get the whole scoop).

So now that you have the roles you need to fill and names of potential leaders, what do you do?
1. Personal contact is best. We do a vision casting message each year to recruit leaders, but one-on-one discussions tend to reap better results. Sometimes I email someone first and then follow up with a phone call. But the more personal the contact the better.
2. Know what position you want to invite a person to consider, what it entails, and why before making contact.
3. When you call be prepared to have someone say no. Better they don’t commit at all than commit and let you down.
4. Give people space to pray and consider if this is a good fit. You are not “selling via a cold call”.
5. Have a follow up plan for those that say yes. Let them know what the next step and time frame is. Let them know who will be calling them next.
6. Keep records. If you have a place to keep centralized records or conversations, involvement, etc. this can really help in the future.

Don’t forget that it is ultimately Jesus by the power of his Holy Spirit that calls people to faith, indwells them with a desire to be involved, equips them to lead, and brings them to the point of commitment. Therefore, bathe this process in faith, trust, and praying.

Now go have fun involving as many people as possible in the greatest adventure of all time… following Jesus!