Ep. 032 | Building Volunteer Teams That Stick

The Five-Step Church Volunteer Recruitment Framework That Actually Works

Why Traditional Church Volunteer Recruitment Methods Fail

Most churches rely on ineffective methods like stage announcements, program inserts, and mass emails. These approaches typically result in low commitment rates, with many volunteers saying yes but never following through. Nick's framework addresses this by creating a systematic process that treats volunteer recruitment like a well-designed pathway rather than random requests.

Step 1: Prospects - Building Your Church Volunteer Contact List

Do you have enough prospects in your pool? Think of names on a list to talk to in order to get the number of volunteers you need. This is the foundation - having specific people identified rather than making general appeals.

Step 2: Conversation - Initiating Meaningful Volunteer Discussions

If someone is a name on your list and you don't know them well, you need to get into a conversation with them. This might start over email, text, or in the lobby, but the goal is moving from prospect to actual dialogue about serving.

Step 3: Orientation - Helping Prospects Understand the Ministry Vision

Getting them into orientation, which Nick approaches differently than most churches. This is where prospects learn about the ministry's purpose and impact.

Step 4: Onboarding - The Critical Process Where Churches Lose People

This is where many churches lose volunteers even after they say yes. The onboarding process includes several sub-phases:

• Observation Phase: Letting prospects see the ministry in action

• Thorough Vetting: Applications, background checks, interviews

• Intentional Apprenticeship: Serving alongside experienced volunteers with checklists

• Follow-up and Placement: Six-week check-ins to ensure success

Step 5: Placed - Successfully Serving in Their Ministry Role

The volunteer is now actively serving in their assigned role with proper support and ongoing development.

Six-Week Follow-Up Strategy for Church Volunteer Retention

Retention depends heavily on early follow-up. At the six-week mark, ministry leaders should meet with new volunteers to discuss:

• What aspects of the role energize them

• What drains or frustrates them

• Process improvements from a fresh perspective

• Potential role adjustments if needed

FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Up to $200,000 for Church Security

What Churches Can Purchase with FEMA Security Grant Money

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides up to $200,000 per physical address for facility hardening, including:

• Security cameras and monitoring systems

• Door access control and key card entry

• Alarms and emergency alert systems

• Fencing and bollards for vehicle barriers

• Blast-resistant glass and window coverings

• Security training (up to 5% of total grant)

Church Security Grant Application Success Rates and Timeline

Approximately 50% of organizations that apply receive funding, but success rates are much higher for properly prepared applications. Churches working with experienced consultants see success rates around 95% when applying consistently over 2-3 years.

The grant typically opens in May-June annually, with state-specific deadlines varying based on federal budget timing.

How Small Churches Can Benefit from Federal Security Grants

Even churches with limited budgets can effectively utilize the full $200,000 grant amount. Security upgrades often cost more than expected, and the improvements provide both enhanced safety and aesthetic benefits (such as upgraded doors and access systems).

Key Takeaways for Church Leaders Building Volunteer Teams

1. Systematic Approach Works: Moving from random recruitment to a structured 5-step process dramatically improves volunteer acquisition and retention.

2. Onboarding Determines Success: Most volunteer dropout happens during the first few months due to poor onboarding rather than recruitment issues.

3. Be Bold in Recruitment: Frame volunteer opportunities as beneficial for the person's spiritual growth, not just church needs.

4. Follow-Up is Critical: Six-week check-ins prevent early departure and provide valuable feedback for ministry improvement.

5. Small Churches Need Structure Too: Even with existing relationships, formal processes set important precedents and improve outcomes.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: "The Volunteer Playbook" by Nick Blevins (available on Amazon)

• FEMA Grant Information: ministryboost.org/resources (automated webinar every 2 hours)

• Podcast: Family Ministry Podcast (kids, students, and next-gen ministry focus)

About Nick Blevins

Nick Blevins serves at Community Christian Church north of Baltimore, Maryland, where he leads children's and student ministries as well as operations. The church, planted in 2006, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in March 2026. Nick transitioned from working at Northrop Grumman to full-time ministry, eventually marrying the pastor's daughter and dedicating his career to church leadership.

In addition to his local church role, Nick co-founded Ministry Boost in 2018, providing online coaching, courses, and consulting specifically for children's, student, and next-generation pastors.

Connect with Nick Blevins

• Ministry Boost: ministryboost.org

• Personal Website: nickblevins.com

• Church: Community Christian Church (north of Baltimore, Maryland)

This episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast provides actionable strategies for church leaders struggling with volunteer recruitment and retention, plus valuable information about federal security grants available to churches and nonprofits.