I recently had the privilege of training 12 children’s ministry leaders who serve needy kids in the heart of our cities. The proof of their passion for children was affirmed with every smile, nod or comment. As much as they loved children, I knew that taking the time to invest in an effective volunteer ministry would be no easy feat. Yet, I also knew that if I could inspire one or two to multiply themselves through effective volunteer development that their ministries would never be the same.

I challenged them. “Do you love children? How much do you love children? Do you love children enough to discipline yourself to multiply yourself through volunteers?”

I encouraged them to build a foundation for a strong volunteer ministry that would not disappear when they moved on to a new job. I think they were “getting it.”

Prior to 9/11, I must admit I never thought much about the selection of baggage screeners at airports. However, now that the importance of these positions has been revealed, the screening, training and effectiveness of baggage screeners has reached a much higher level.

The value of volunteers for pregnancy resource centers should not be understated. It doesn’t hurt to have someone remind leaders of how treasured volunteers should be regarded. The time invested in careful selection, volunteer training and in equipping leaders to lay a solid foundation of volunteers for their centers will always be worth every cent and every ounce of discipline.