Recruiting for Relationships, Not Just Roles
Recruiting for Relationships, Not Just Roles: Building a Christ-Centered Church Production Team
In the world of church production, the demand for skilled volunteers can sometimes feel overwhelming. The pressure to fill positions—whether it's the sound booth, the lighting board, or the media team—can lead us to focus more on the "need" rather than the "why" behind the need. However, as leaders in ministry, we are called to a higher standard: one that prioritizes relationships and discipleship over merely filling roles.
The Pitfall of Need-Based Recruiting
When we approach recruiting from a place of need, it can inadvertently convey that volunteers are just a means to an end. This perspective can make people feel like they are only valued for the task they perform, rather than for who they are in Christ. It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of filling a spot, but this approach can lead to burnout, disengagement, and a lack of true community within your team.
As leaders, we must remember that every volunteer is a person with a unique story, gifts, and a calling from God. Our role is not just to find someone to push buttons or set up equipment, but to invite them into a journey of spiritual growth, service, and community.
Recruiting to a Relationship, Not a Role
Jesus didn’t call His disciples by advertising a list of needs He had. Instead, He invited them into a relationship with Him, promising to make them “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Similarly, our recruiting efforts should reflect a call to relationship and discipleship, rather than simply filling a position. When we invite someone to join our team, we are inviting them to be part of something bigger than themselves—God’s work in and through the church.
By valuing the person over the position, we create an environment where volunteers feel seen, known, and loved. This doesn’t just build a team; it builds a family of believers united by their shared faith and commitment to God’s mission.
What You Value Is What You’ll Recruit To
The values that drive your recruiting process will shape the culture of your production team. If your main concern is filling spots, your team may become transactional and task-oriented. However, if you prioritize relationships, spiritual growth, and discipleship, you’ll attract volunteers who are not only willing to serve but who are eager to grow in their faith and connect with others.
Consider the following questions as you evaluate your recruiting process:
Are you more focused on what volunteers can do, or who they are becoming?
Do you emphasize the importance of community and discipleship when inviting someone to join your team?
How can you better communicate the vision and values of your production team in a way that aligns with the broader mission of the church?
By intentionally recruiting to relationships rather than roles, you’ll cultivate a team that is spiritually vibrant, deeply connected, and aligned with the heart of the church’s mission.
