Most parish activities are led and participated in by fewer parish people than the rector and parish lay leaders generally like or hope for. Much of the work in any parish is usually done by the “faithful few”. Let us thank and praise God for those few.

However, in addition to the fact that more people are often desperately needed in groups such as the Choir and Altar Guild, it is good for parishioners to be involved in some activity. So, whether some groups or activities need people or not, periodic recruitment campaigns and continuing invitations to participate should be made. We suggest strongly that special attention be given to involving every parishioner in some activity for their own spiritual growth. We must point out though that people will not remain in organizations or groups that are not effective, i.e. not accomplishing something. Active and alive groups make it much easier to recruit new people. Actually, unless this latter situation does exist, it is questionable whether we should even try to involve people in them.

There are two general approaches to enlisting participants:

A. Recruitment Campaigns

B. Continuing Invitations

In either approach, we must remember that general appeals are usually not very effective. It is the one-to-one personal contact that brings results. It is suggested also that it might even be helpful to give one person in the parish the job of overall coordinating of this task. You could even give him (her) a title such as “Activities Recruiter”. The task could also be added to the responsibilities of an existing parish Committee, such as Membership. If some specific person is not asked to make this their job or part of it, it probably wilt not get done, or at least be done in a hit-or-miss fashion only

Let’s say that someone does have a responsibility for this task, or is assuming it, at least temporarily. Let’s then start with a one time or annual (early Fall or Summer is a good time) review of the parish list by a small group, including the rector. Consider each parish family to ascertain if they are attending church and are active in some group. If they are not attending church they probably are not active in anything so the first priority is to visit them and encourage them to attend. For suggestions on this activity see “HOW TO” Project LAPSED OR NON-ATTENDING MEMBERS: Lapsed or non-attending Members. For people who are attending church but are not active in something, one or more possible activities could be suggested for them. The next step is to divide up the list of prospects and have one or more “outgoing” people contact them. A home visit is best, but contact at church or a phone call is permissible. Each of the suggested activities could be mentioned with the idea being held out that a trial period would determine whether or not the prospective participant is really “sold” on this activity. An alternative to this contact method, and possibly a better one, is to have members of the suggested groups contact and invite each prospective participant to go with him/her to the next meeting of the group. Whichever method of contact is used, the “Activities Recruiter” needs to follow-up to see that all suggested activities are explored with potential participants.

In order to prepare prospective participants to be more receptive to invitations, it is suggested that the rector preach on this subject prior to contacts and/or he send a letter to everyone in the parish concerning this.

B. Continuing Invitations

Periodic notices in Sunday Bulletins, Newsletters and invitation from the pulpit should be made to let everyone know that they are wanted and invited to participate in various activities. Present participants in all groups should be reminded to invite and bring prospective people to their meetings. When they are brought, other members of the group should be friendly and helpful. This usually happens but it does not hurt to call this need to the attention of present members. One easy activity to get men started in is ushering. This takes some work on the part of the Head Usher but it really pays off.

As in most things, getting started is the hardest part. The key to success is someone really interested in this who has some talent and who is willing to work at it. The Brotherhood Chapter could very well provide the impetus and spark to do something, but if this is undertaken by the Chapter, a good job must be done in order to gain the confidence of the rector and the parish about their willingness and ability to be helpful in such activities.

NOTE: Pray about it at your next meeting! The Lord will provide all you need if you do.