We are working on a two large church projects and started both with a bunch of volunteer labor. Years ago I was told that the days of using volunteers in construction were over. Since most people are so busy, they’d rather give money than time was the one sentiment. Everything is too complicated (especially building codes) to use volunteers was the other.

But we completed a project with this church a few years ago and volunteers helped with the select building demolition and with the daily and final clean-up. Not only did we save some costs, but the church developed some more committed folks and leaders emerged.

So we decided to try it again. Today we completed the 3rd of the 4 Demo Days we’ve scheduled and we love the results! We typically have about 80 volunteers working a Saturday from 7am till noon. We pay the Project Superintendent to direct and watch safety. We also pay an electrician to make the disconnections and do all the little electrical things that are unexpected but essential.  I wander the site trying to make sure everyone has all the tools, direction and encouragement to work a productive morning.

I’ve been on too many volunteer projects where the volunteers stand around and feel stupid for not knowing what to do or how to do it.  We want our volunteers to have a hard-working, productive day that makes them tired and happy. We want our folks exhilarated, not exasperated.

The results have been fantastic. We consistently get more work done than we expect. Folks smile through the dust, sweat and grime. When it’s done, they stand around and talk and talk. This week, a wonderful family volunteered to bring lunch for all the workers, which made the experience even nicer. We’re loving Church  Demo Days.