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Many years ago, I learned an important lesson regarding volunteers from Anne Ortlund in her book Up with Worship. In a section about announcements, the author admonishes ministers never to appeal for volunteers. She goes on to say, "The Holy Spirit is committed to giving gifts to His church which will abundantly fill every need. (Obviously, if He doesn't supply a particular gift for your church, He must not consider this a need). Relying on his promise, those concerned can pray in private for the right ones to come forward and volunteer. Or they can pray for wisdom to discern gifts in their fellow believers and then ask qualified people. Even the smallest churches can believe in God!"1

This philosophy of volunteers greatly shaped my thinking, and I began to see the church not as a group of volunteers but as a group of people called out for specific purposes and responsibilities. In the churches I've served, I've found people willing to serve when they were asked to participate in what God is doing in a particular ministry. In many churches, ministers are overworked while lay members are under utilized.

When we are seeking people to work with us in music ministry, we must learn to successfully tap into their existing internal motivation. Search for people who share similar dreams and priorities. Find people who are already attracted to your goals and provide appropriate training for them. When you identify people who may be potential co-ministers:

1) Communicate a vision and establish a sense of purpose. They should understand the possibilities of this position and its longterm importance in ministry.

2) Model genuine enthusiasm. Why should this job be accomplished? To whom does this job matter? Model the enthusiasm that you expect from others.

3) Organize for success. Create an organizational model that assures success.

4) Provide continued encouragement, and utilize every opportunity for encouragement.

5) Serve as an available resource. Be available to assist with problem solving and equipping.

6) Evaluate and provide conclusions. Let people know how they are doing.