Volunteering Guidance for Ministry Leaders
General
The Bridge church recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution its members, and others, make in faithfully volunteering in our various ministries. Our Volunteers are appreciated, and we are passionate about having the right volunteers in the right roles.
We also aim to provide as much encouragement, guidance, and support, as possible to make the volunteering experience both enjoyable and beneficial.
- Volunteering presents opportunities
- Volunteering is an opportunity to put Jesus Christ at the heart of everything we do, to deepen our relationship with Him, to prayerfully follow where He leads us, and to passionately communicate why the Gospel is good news for everyone.
- It is an opportunity to share our lives in authentic relationships, to pray and care for each other as we endeavour to make a positive difference in the church, local communities and wider world.
- Who can volunteer
From the outset, preference for serving roles will be given to Church members, hence every effort should be made by the Elders and Ministry Leaders to identify and encourage suitably gifted Church members for roles.
When this is not possible, or if a particular need arises (for example in Children’s/youth ministry, Community Hub) non-members maybe be asked to assist in a supervised team setting where they will hold less-formal roles and responsibilities.
- The Ministry Elder in conjunction with the Ministry team leader will appoint volunteers to appropriate roles.
- Volunteers will be required, where possible, to be active members of one our Engage life groups.
- Volunteers from other churches will be required to consent to character references being requested from the leadership of their home church.
- We welcome young volunteers (those under the age of 18), with parental consent, and will adapt our approaches to ensure they are supported and safe guarded.
- If adult volunteers require additional support this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
The Bridge Church recognises that Volunteers will come from a variety of Church backgrounds and will hold different theological views on some issues and that is ok, provided they show a submissive teachable spirit. Every effort will be made to accommodate volunteers if they are willing to consent to the church’s ethos and Statement of faith.
- How we recruit volunteers
Volunteers will be treated individually regarding, spiritual maturity, ability, personality, time availability and level of responsibility.
The process
- An initial informal conversation with the ministry Elder/ leader to establish:
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- The reality of a personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
- Interests, abilities, character, spiritual maturity, experience and training etc.
- Volunteers will then be required to:
- Complete the volunteer application form and references (from previous Church unless exceptional circumstances make this unnecessary or impossible).
- Undertake an Access NI Check and an Advanced Check for those working with children, young people, pastoral care or vulnerable adults.
- Read and sign the volunteer policy agreeing to work within our Vision, Values, safeguarding and other related policies, i.e. (health & safety).
- Volunteers will go through an induction and training programme with their Ministry Team Leader.
- Conclusion
Whilst recognising the contribution that volunteers can make, not everyone will be suitable to undertake all volunteer roles. The leadership reserve the right to reject approaches from volunteers who are not suitable for a specific role.
Where volunteer approaches are declined, the ministry leader in conjunction with an Elder, will explain the reasoning behind the decision directly with the person involved.
Every effort should be made to apply this guidance in conjunction with the Potential Volunteer Policy booklet. Ministries such as the Community hub, Active Listening and Street Pastors may need to adapt this policy to suit their environment.