Volunteer Screening

Book Reviews:

How to Mobilize Church Volunteers
by Marlene Wilson
Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House 1983

As a parish minister with human resources experience, I liked Marlene Wilson’s book, “How to Mobilize Church Volunteers.” Much of Wilson’s book was detailed, practical common sense. In order to implement her format, one needs a parish significantly dedicated to “ministering to ministers.” This is a goal worthy of our aspirations. Where does it stand as a priority in the mist of the many demands of parish life?

A significant contribution of Wilson’s is her chapter, “Why be involved? The Theology of Volunteering.” In it, she stresses the importance of our unique call as the people of God and what we do as Church. This “why” distinguishes church ministry from secular volunteer work and is frequently overlooked. Wilson’s scripture-based theology refers to gifts (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 4:10) and the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). Her suggestions for mobilizing church volunteers are firmly rooted in theology.

Defining and nurturing the spirituality of ministry is a facet of our diocesan screening process that is gradually being articulated and developed. From the start, our own parish’s approach to Volunteer Screening emphasized Ministry Enhancement, i.e. getting to know and develop relationships with our people in ministry. Phase II will support not only the well being of our parish volunteers, but also their relationship with Christ. Wilson’s theology encouraged us further to articulate our parish’s attitude, approach and applications to ministry.

The remainder of Wilson’s book outlines tools, plans, and the need for delegation, accountability and awareness. It also discusses preventive measures for volunteer burnout. All are valuable considerations in managing parish volunteers.

I encourage other parishes to review Wilson’s book for it many practical suggestions and for inspiration in articulating their own approach to the spirituality of ministry and caring for their people who serve.

Bernadette Furman-Arnott, Parish Minister
Chair, Volunteer Screening/Ministry Enhancement Committee
St. Anthony Daniel Parish, Kitchener

Care and Feeding of Volunteers
by Barbara Bolton, Mike Bright , Cressy Byron
Ohio Standard Publishing, 2001

This book deals with the many aspects of recruiting and training volunteers. Although it has a broad Christian focus, it is quite appropriate for us within Catholic Church volunteer organizations. It is easy to understand, well organized, clear and thorough in its treatment of the topic. Each chapter begins with a brief story, which highlights and puts into perspective a particular issue in dealing with volunteers. The authors then discuss solutions and include practical strategies, hands-on activities and creative ideas to help leaders manage the issue. There is and especially excellent section devoted to volunteers who teach children with helpful tips on learning styles and curriculum planning. Most impressive is the focus on prayer and scripture.

“Care and Feeding of Volunteers” is an informative, step-by step manual, which offers a variety of effective strategies and reproducible ministries.

Catherine Giovinazzo
Chair, Volunteer Screening Committee,
Cathedral of Christ the King Parish, Hamilton