Episode Summary:
In episode 234 of the Lead Ministry podcast, host Josh Denhart brings on special guest Josh Zello to discuss an impactful ministry strategy called "Switching, Not Ditching." Josh Zello, a theologian and preschool ministry expert, joins the show to share his success story. By applying the techniques and tools from the Lead Volunteers program, Zello transformed the volunteer system at his church, minimizing last-minute chaos and enhancing overall organization. The host and guest delve into the details of why "Switching, Not Ditching" works, share personal anecdotes, and offer actionable advice for ministry leaders looking to adopt this system.
Key Takeaways:
- Switching, Not Ditching: A strategy to replace last-minute cancellations with proactive volunteer swapping, reducing stress and improving reliability.
- Implementation: How Josh Zello utilized the Lead Volunteers resources to streamline volunteer management and saw significant improvements.
- Two Versions: The evolution from "Switch, Not Ditch 1.0," which failed, to "Switch, Not Ditch 2.0," which succeeded by enhancing communication and understanding.
- Practical Tips: Importance of planning ahead and organizing volunteers to prevent burnouts and ensure ministry continuity.
- Leadership Insights: Leadership involves maintaining constant vigilance and creating a structure where volunteer efforts are continually appreciated and acknowledged.
Notable Quotes:
- "Switching, not ditching, changed my whole life. Being in this role is such a joy now because Saturday nights aren't chaotic anymore."
- "It's an organized system that is relationally heavy, helping volunteers avoid the revolving door and keeping leaders from burning out."
- "We just have to make sure that we're applauding the things that we want to be repeated."
End Notes:
