Ask any seasoned Thrive volunteer and she will tell you that volunteer training for the retreat is a cut above. 

“I’ve never experienced anything like it,” says one veteran. “In all the volunteering I’ve done for other organizations, nothing approaches the level of intentionality and preparedness I’ve seen here.”

Volunteer training typically begins at least two days before the attendees arrive. It involves a combination of worship, meetings, and hands-on practice. “I feel that every detail is thought of and talked about,” Mary says. “So that by the time the attendees arrive, I feel very confident, well-equipped, and supported in what I’m supposed to do.” 

“I appreciate how Thrive tries to anticipate all of our needs,” Pat adds, “and gives us what we need to do our jobs.” 

Another aspect that sets Thrive training apart is its recognition of each volunteer’s unique, God-given wiring. Particular attention is paid to whether she is a morning person or a night owl; an introvert or extrovert; an internal processor or an external one. Then she is assigned tasks that align with her particular giftedness. 

“It makes me feel not only seen and respected,” says another volunteer, “but valued for what I have to offer.” 

Kathie, who is serving on the prayer team, points out how the training’s worship-centeredness establishes why we’re here—not just to accomplish a task but to build up the body of Christ. Karen, a veteran member of the counseling team, appreciates the focus on the group dynamics that connect us as a team, while Lonnie—new this year—is glad that training happens incrementally. “It’s not everything at once but delivered in manageable, bite-sized pieces,” she says. 

All of this amounts to a difference that’s immediately evident to even the newest on the team. “The training is like a mini-retreat for the volunteers,” says Sarah, our retreat photographer. “It helps to get our hearts and minds aligned. We’re being filled, so that we now can go pour into others.”