Kidmin Volunteer Applications: Long and Short, Pros and Cons

We are always looking for world class leaders to help us improve our ministry. Hopefully, each of them fill out a volunteer application that gets them started on the process. But there are generally two schools of thought on this issue.

1. We make our application pretty extensive. This helps us prune out the leaders that really could care less and discover the leaders that really want in.
2. We make our application pretty simple. This allows us to get them on the ground running quickly and gets more leaders in process.

I know that at Brookwood Church, we’ve been back and forth on what type of application we’ve presented. I can definitely see both sides of the table as well. Even though, the application isn’t your entire process for Volunteer Assimilation, it really sets the tone for how your process plays itself out.

Here are the pros/cons of both approaches.

VIP Process (hard to get in the door)

Pros

• Usually gather more information on a potential leader
• People who stick through the process, really want to volunteer
• Dramatically helps your interview process (more info = better questions)
• Generally helps you get an idea of placement for a volunteer

Cons

• Some people never complete the application
• May set a precedent with your leaders on how you handle processes (too hard, too long, etc.)
• Increases the lead time that you need if you are recruiting volunteers on a time sensitive basis

Here’s an example of what I would consider a GREAT VIP Process Application:

Saddleback Wildside (Jr High) Application pulled from the Wildside Website

Get em Started Process (Easy to get in the door)

Pros

• Get a lot more traffic into the process
• Prospective Volunteers move through the process faster
• Leaders are encouraged that you’ve helped make things easier for them (Think Apple)
• Forces you to have good questions for the interview process

Cons

• Less information to help place a volunteer
• Increases the chances of a “risky” potential volunteer getting involved
• Puts a bigger burden on your interviewer to discover more and dig more and discern more

Here’s an example of a GREAT Get Em Started Application.

North Point Community Church Upstreet Application

Currently, I’m on the make the Application a bit longer and more extensive. It helps me or whoever is interview direct questions and know going in things to ask about. But I’ve moved back and forth a few times on the process for sure.

So which side do you land on for your process?