If Jesus was a Young Life leader, what would be his volunteer-making strategy? An unstoppable movement came from his three-and-a-half-year ministry; his volunteer team had almost nothing, but shook the world with the gospel. Today it’s difficult to find committed and called volunteers, but the strength of Young Life ministry is not the number of our full-time staff. It’s our committed volunteers.
Last year our vision was to recruit 400 volunteers from 12 areas in Bangladesh. At the end of the year, we celebrated a list of 406 names. We praise and thank God for these miraculous partners!
Here are three key strategies to recruit, equip, and empower volunteers.
1. Helping Volunteers Own the Ministry Vision
In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as expansive as the stars in the sky. He provided a future vision for Abraham’s faith, so he could look up at night and be reminded when he was upset or unsure. Similarly, when we create a clear vision for our ministries our staff and leaders can look to it for direction, reassurance, and unity. Leaders paint pictures of the future.
Over the last few years, we found many volunteers because they wanted to be part of our big vision for Young Life Bangladesh. It’s important that every Young Life leader clearly and passionately explain their ministry’s vision and mission. It should be compelling and exciting. Helping them own the ministry vision and incorporate it into the vision they have for their lives is essential. When people feel welcomed, loved, and valued for contributing to a big vision, that’s the moment when they make the commitment to be available for our ministry. Every volunteer loves to be a part of something bigger than themselves!
2. Providing an Environment to “Get and Give”
A vital component of fostering a successful volunteer network is creating an environment where volunteers both receive and give. This culture of generosity ensures that ministry flows out of the volunteers’ own experiences and relationship with Jesus. As the Bible illustrates through the lives of figures such as the Samaritan woman, the blind man, and the man possessed by demons, the key to effective ministry is the transformation that occurs within individuals first. Once these individuals experience the power of Jesus’ love, mercy, and healing, they’re motivated to give back by serving others.
Young Life Bangladesh recognizes that volunteers must first feel loved, valued, and equipped to serve. This means creating opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development. Volunteers are not just asked to give of their time and talents; they’re nurtured and cared for so they can continue to grow in their faith. This gives them the strength and motivation to pour into others.
Furthermore, a strategic approach is taken to ensure volunteers are matched with the appropriate roles within the ministry. Whether it’s a volunteer with a gift for music, leadership, communication, or outdoor activities, the ministry’s needs are assessed and matched to the right individuals. For example, in a recent initiative, 80 volunteers with a passion for music came together for a music camp, where they were provided with instruments and training to better serve the youth in their communities. This not only empowered the volunteers, but also gave them practical tools to contribute meaningfully to the mission.
When volunteers feel they’re valued for who they are and that their unique gifts are needed, they’re more likely to engage fully in the mission. In this environment, they don’t just serve because they have to — they serve because they have received the grace of God, and want to share it with others.
3. Sharpening Each Other Through Accountability
Another critical aspect of growing and maintaining a thriving volunteer team is accountability. In Young Life Bangladesh, accountability is not about oversight or judgment, but about creating a culture of growth and improvement. It’s reminding everyone they’re always growing, always learning, and always striving to improve, just as Jesus emphasized during his ministry.
In Luke 9:10, the disciples return to Jesus to report on the work they had done, demonstrating an openness to feedback and growth. Jesus didn’t send them out without a plan for follow-up and improvement. Similarly, Young Life leaders in Bangladesh follow up with volunteers, assessing their progress, reviewing action plans, and identifying areas for improvement. This feedback loop creates an environment where volunteers feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to do their best work.
Furthermore, the culture of accountability in Young Life Bangladesh isn’t just about performance; it’s about personal growth and spiritual development. Volunteers are encouraged to check in with each other, pray together, and hold one another accountable, not only for their work but also for their spiritual health. The result is a community where volunteers are motivated to grow in their faith and service, fostering a team that is continually refining and sharpening itself.
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS THE ULTIMATE HELPER
As Jesus prepared to leave his disciples, he promised them the greatest helper they could ever receive: the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16, Jesus says, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” This promise of the Holy Spirit was the key to empowering the disciples to carry on the mission after Jesus’ ascension.
Similarly, Young Life Bangladesh recognizes that while volunteers are essential to the mission, they cannot accomplish the work on their own. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate “Helper,” providing guidance, strength, and power. Jesus knew that his disciples would face many challenges, and he gave them the Holy Spirit to equip them for the mission. The same is true for volunteers today.
Before leaders in Young Life Bangladesh focus on recruiting new volunteers or expanding their ministry, they first ensure they’re aligned with the Holy Spirit and open to his guidance. This supernatural empowerment is what ultimately sustains the movement. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the efforts of human volunteers would fall short. But when the Holy Spirit is invited into the work, amazing things happen.
A HOLY SPIRIT-LED KINGDOM MOVEMENT
Ultimately, the success of any ministry, especially one driven by volunteers, is not dependent on the number of staff, the size of the budget, or the programs offered. Rather, it depends on the strength of the volunteers and their connection to the Holy Spirit. As Young Life Bangladesh continues to recruit, equip, and empower volunteers, the key strategies outlined above — helping volunteers own the vision, providing an environment to get and give, and sharpening each other through accountability — serve as the foundation for creating a lasting, impactful ministry.
At its core, Young Life is not just a volunteer organization — it’s a Holy Spirit-led Kingdom movement. By continuing to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and creating an environment where volunteers can thrive, Young Life Bangladesh is poised to continue expanding its reach and impact for years to come. Through vision, care, and accountability, this movement will continue to grow, touching the lives of countless young people across the nation and beyond.
To learn more about Young Life Asia Pacific, click here: https://asiapacific.younglife.org/find-us/
