Volunteer Training with Wings: Here’s a Fresh Idea!

Last year I wrote a brief post one of my favorite short films, The Butterfly Circus. A reader responded with an amazing story of how she used the video to develop a training event for her volunteers. In her words, “It was the best event we’ve ever done.” God is so awesome! I love it when He puts the pieces together and creates something special for His followers—especially those who spend their lives serving others. I thought this would be a great time to share it again, and maybe it will spark something for you as you start thinking about Fall kick-offs and volunteer training.

Here is a quick recap from Melanie’s event. I hope it will inspire you to try something creative with your volunteers! 

As I was preparing for our last event, God gave me a unique idea as I watched the short film, The Butterfly Circus.  I realized if the story had impacted me, it would do the same for my volunteers. I decided to plan my event around this film.

First, I found some butterfly-themed napkins, small plastic dishes and other decorations in the summer clearance section of the party store. I also found some discussion questions online that I could modify to use with the film.

Following an ice breaker, we watched the film, then followed-up with discussion and prayer.  I played the song The Hero You Can Be and asked them to reflect on what God might be telling them that night.

To close, I gave each volunteer a wind-up butterfly (leftover from High Seas VBS) and asked them to write one thing on it. Maybe one way God might be able to use them this year, or one thing they wanted God to help them do this year…whatever they felt led to write.

For closing prayer, we wound up the butterflies and held onto to them.  Then, we released the butterflies all at once.

All in all this was a very personal and uplifting event for my volunteers! I am so thankful for the idea and God’s provisions.

Submitted by Melanie Kost. Published in inspired newsletter.