Q: How can I remove a volunteer from a present position? Can a volunteer be "fired"?

A: It's not unusual for volunteers to be serving in positions that aren't the best match for them. But you don't need to fire these volunteers; instead, redirect them to other positions.

Meeting face to face with a volunteer is an important part of the process in determining how and where someone should serve.

If a volunteer isn't succeeding, you might not have the right person for the job. You may need to help that volunteer find a position better suited to his gifts, abilities and passions. This process needs to be done with loving and open communication — face to face.

Meet with your volunteers and ask how they feel about where they're serving. If a volunteer says, "Right now I feel like what I'm doing doesn't matter," follow up by asking, "What volunteer experiences in the past have made you feel needed and wanted?" Then suggest other positions that may be a better match and may give your volunteer more personal satisfaction. Or if your volunteer has been serving in the same role or ministry area for a long time, perhaps that person needs to step down for some rest so she doesn't burn out completely.

Do you have a written job description for this position? Job descriptions are necessary tools that can help prevent this situation from happening. As you review the duties and expectations of positions with the volunteers, the job description helps make sure they understand what's involved before they make a decision about serving.

A job description—one that specifies both a starting date and an ending date—can also help you move someone out of a position. If someone isn't thriving or you see that changes are in order, you have a natural ending point to intervene. Volunteers should know when they've completed their term of service.

If a volunteer has a positive experience, you can simply ask that person to re-enlist for another term or suggest other service options. Make sure that even your best volunteers don't feel obligated to continue in ministries where they no longer feel satisfied or productive.

The key to volunteer effectiveness is matching the right person to the right ministry!