Most churches rely on ineffective methods like stage announcements, program inserts, and mass emails. These approaches typically result in low commitment rates, with many volunteers saying yes but never following through. Nick's framework addresses this by creating a systematic process that treats volunteer recruitment like a well-designed pathway rather than random requests.
Do you have enough prospects in your pool? Think of names on a list to talk to in order to get the number of volunteers you need. This is the foundation - having specific people identified rather than making general appeals.
If someone is a name on your list and you don't know them well, you need to get into a conversation with them. This might start over email, text, or in the lobby, but the goal is moving from prospect to actual dialogue about serving.
Getting them into orientation, which Nick approaches differently than most churches. This is where prospects learn about the ministry's purpose and impact.
This is where many churches lose volunteers even after they say yes. The onboarding process includes several sub-phases:
Observation Phase: Letting prospects see the ministry in action
Thorough Vetting: Applications, background checks, interviews
Intentional Apprenticeship: Serving alongside experienced volunteers with checklists
Follow-up and Placement: Six-week check-ins to ensure success
The volunteer is now actively serving in their assigned role with proper support and ongoing development.
Retention depends heavily on early follow-up. At the six-week mark, ministry leaders should meet with new volunteers to discuss:
What aspects of the role energize them
What drains or frustrates them
Process improvements from a fresh perspective
Potential role adjustments if needed
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides up to $200,000 per physical address for facility hardening, including:
Security cameras and monitoring systems
Door access control and key card entry
Alarms and emergency alert systems
Fencing and bollards for vehicle barriers
Blast-resistant glass and window coverings
Security training (up to 5% of total grant)
Approximately 50% of organizations that apply receive funding, but success rates are much higher for properly prepared applications. Churches working with experienced consultants see success rates around 95% when applying consistently over 2-3 years.
The grant typically opens in May-June annually, with state-specific deadlines varying based on federal budget timing.
Even churches with limited budgets can effectively utilize the full $200,000 grant amount. Security upgrades often cost more than expected, and the improvements provide both enhanced sa...
