Analysis of the principles and procedures for leaders of volunteer programs in non-profit organizations. Students will develop a Biblical framework of volunteerism and will assess methods and tools used in contemporary, faith-based programs. Students will have an opportunity to apply course assignments to ministry fields of personal interest.
Non-profit organizations rely heavily on volunteers. The challenges of finding, guiding, retaining, and protecting volunteers are complex and ever-changing. The very Biblical principles at the heart of volunteer service may also lead to burnout, conflict, legal problems, and other unexpected consequences. In this course, students will explore basic management principles and best practices needed for a variety of volunteer-intensive ministry organizations. Students will be able to examine and evaluate volunteer management in a ministry field of their choice. Biblical principles will be integrated into the course, allowing students to develop a theological framework for volunteer service and the role of leading volunteers.
Leaders who join or create non-profit organizations that rely heavily on volunteers need the skills and Biblical foundation that address the unique characteristics of volunteers. Pieces of volunteer management are often included in other courses. This course explores the topics together as they apply specifically to faith-based non-profit organizations.
Students will identify the Biblical principles for servant leadership and volunteerism. They will explore passages and concepts that speak to leadership, equipping, encouraging, Christ-likeness, conflict, stewardship, change, planning, and Spiritual gifts, among others.
Students will observe and discuss the role of volunteer development (recruitment, skills, retention, etc.) as it relates to joining God at work. They will investigate how God uses volunteers to reveal and accomplish His work.
Students will examine leadership skills from the perspective of non-profit organizations. Students may use an on-going relationship with a sociocultural community for the course projects or they may examine volunteer management from the perspective of a potential new ministry or a ministry in which they may wish to serve in the future. Students will interact with leaders of organizations that currently rely on volunteers.
Students will examine the cultural assumptions inherent in common volunteer management processes. Students will be encouraged to investigate how other cultures approach the management and utilization of volunteers. In some assignments, students will explore volunteer organizations that are outside of the student's previous interests.
Students will examine their own skills and Spiritual gifts related to leadership, as well as learn to identify the skills and gifts of volunteers. Students will learn specific skills needed for recruiting, screening, placing, training, supervising, recognizing, and retaining volunteers. They will also learn skills for communication, conflict management, record keeping, program evaluation, use of technological tools, and establishing policies and procedures.
Students will develop team-based projects and participate in on-line discussions to reflect on their ministry experiences in volunteer management. Students will conduct personal Spiritual gifts assessments. They will engage in assignments, including service in a volunteer organization, and reflect on the Biblical principles that were applied.
