We call our adult volunteer staff the DOT (DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION).  Their goal is to develop quality relationships with students and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are always looking for adults who love students and are willing to learn how to become excellent volunteers with them.

ALL ADULT VOLUNTEERS MUST:

• Profess belief in Jesus Christ
• Support the Pastor and the CSM Director
• Agree with the mission and vision established for CSM  
• Be an active member of the church 
• Attend worship regularly
• Follow the CSM Guidelines
• Get to know the students by being present at programs and events
• Regularly attend planning and training events
• Be an advocate for student ministry in the church and community
• Maintain confidentiality when required

How Do I Become A CSM Adult Volunteer?

1. Pray that God will call you to this work.

2. Pray that God will increase your love for students.

3. Be active in personal spiritual development.

4. Fill out a Department of Transformation/DOT (Adults in Ministry) application.

5. Give permission to have an official background check completed.  This includes your driving record.

6. Read the Edgewater Church Youth & Child Protection Policy. 

7. Read the printed material in the Why We Do What We Do booklet.

8. Schedule an interview with the CSM Director.

9. Read and sign the CSM Adult Ministry Covenant to support the vision, mission and guidelines of the ministry.

10.   Be interviewed by the CSM EXEC.

 
If approved by the CSM EXEC:

1. New volunteers will work in consultation with and under the guidance of the CSM Director and a team leader. 

2. New volunteers will meet with the CSM Director each month.  Areas of growth will be identified.

3. The first three months of service are considered an exploratory period that can be ended by the volunteer or the CSM Director at any time.  

4. The next three month period will be considered a probationary period. 

5. At the end of six month the volunteer and CSM Director will meet to explore future opportunities.

 
After Six Months, as a full DOT member:

1. Support the CSM Director and the vision for CSM.  Be known as being 100% for student ministry.

2. Pray for our students, their families, our staff and volunteers.

3. Attend DOT meetings.

4. Keep up to date with the CSM schedule.  Remember that events are for students.  This ministry will sound, feel and be different from every other ministry.

5. Encourage and expect full student participation.

6. Don’t “clump” with other adults.

7. Develop and practice effective listening skills.

8. Respect confidentiality.  Remember you are no longert a student!

9. Be aware of counseling limitations.  Alert the CSM Director if you have specific concerns about a student.

10.   Have fun!  Be first to participate!  Be excited and exciting!

WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES

Before Middle School TRAFFIC JAM & High School RUSH HOUR Begin:

• Arrive at 5:30 PM for leader meeting.
• Put on your nametag.
• Remind students to sign in and wear their nametags.
• Greet students on the sidewalk.
• Greet and monitor students in the lobby and hallway.
• Look for first-time guests and help them connect with other students.
• Help monitor activities in the game room.

During Middle School TRAFFIC JAM & High School RUSH HOUR:

• Spread out across the room.
• Be first to clap and sing.
• Without causing a scene, do your best to encourage students to participate fully.  You may remove a disruptive student.
• Adults should not talk to each other during worship or teaching time.
• Help lead a small group or team.

After Middle School TRAFFIC JAM & High School RUSH HOUR:

• Collect nametags.
• Say goodbye to as many students as possible.
• Help clean up.
• During the week, call students who were absent from your small group or team.

Oh, To Be An Excellent Volunteer

Pray!  Always pray for specific students, for the Director and for the total student ministry.  Ask God to give you the needed abilities to reach out to specific students.          

Events and programs are for students!  Each setting and situation will be different and contain unique challenges.  Some events have an aspect of chaos built in.  Sometimes its really loud. 

Make sure you get to know as many students as possible.  Sit with students during programs.  Dont miss the fun events!!!  Students must see you having fun!!!   

Be excited and exciting!  It is a sin tobore anyone (much less a student) with the Gospel.  SMILE!  Know that not all students will be attracted to your personality type.  This is perfectly fine.  Some will and some won't, so just be yourself.       

Accept them all!  All students are welcome here.  They do not have to be members of the church to participate in our programs or events.  Please, do not judge by appearance.  Remember, their faith is under construction. 

Avoid being part of any conversation with or in front of students that sounds like gossip or complaining. (This may be grounds for removal from the DOT!)          

Rules for events apply to all participants (that includes adults)!  Do all you can to support event rules.  Adults who do not support the CSM Guidelines will be removed from the DOT.        

Flexibility and humor are key to your success in relating to and ministering with students.  Be ready for the unexpected.  Try not to "lose it" in front of the group.  This may be tough at times.       

Be a Leader!  Be first to participate...stand, sing, clap, laugh...!  Give all you have to make the program or event a success.  Your participation will have eternal consequences. 

There are several things to accomplish before/during/and after each program and event.  Be ready to offer help. Be prepared to stay until all students have been picked up.       

Don't clump!  Adults in a group are not accessible.  Look for students sitting on the edges.  Talk with as many students as possible.  Try to learn some new names each week.      

Encourage and expect full student participation! 

Be an advocate for students and student ministry!  Be known as being 100% for students and their ministry.  Study and learn all you can.  Always stand up for the good things!

Watch the veterans!  

HAVE FUN!

OUR MISSION:
To creatively engage students so they become passionate followers of Jesus Christ!