Quick Tip: Invest in a Label Maker

I know, I know. You probably read the title of this post and thought, “really, that’s the topic for today?” I get it, it may not seem like a post that should be on a site devoted to helping youth workers succeed in ministry. But trust me, it is a much needed post. Let’s think about this for a moment.

What do label makers do? They make labels. And why do we need labels? To help us and others know what different things are and where they are stored. Within each of our ministries, we probably know where everything is. I bet if I showed up at your ministry and asked for a specific item’s location you could tell me in a heartbeat. You also probably know how much of each item you have.

But do your volunteers know where everything is? Do they know what items you have and how many? What would happen if you got sick on a Sunday morning or youth group night? Would your team know where everything is and how to operate it?

Here is where the unassuming label maker comes into play. Your game supplies are labeled so they know what you have and if the supplies they need are present. The log in for the laptop or computer is labeled on the laptop. Instructions for the sound system are adhered to the sound board. Essentially a label maker removes ambiguity and allows everyone to be able to utilize the necessary aspects of your ministry even if they aren’t the normal lead person.

This is also a great way to care for your team and ministry, as well as setting up the next person in your position for success. You are helping your team and volunteers succeed by making things foolproof and helpful, and you are preparing your ministry for handoff when that time comes.

For those of us who have moved into new ministry positions, we know what it’s like to step into someone else’s world. You don’t know where everything is. Storage and organization isn’t how you would do it. You’re unsure of what items are in closets and what supplies you actually have. But when you label things you are setting up your ministry for a beneficial handoff and whoever comes after you for success. In essence you are being a good steward and caretaker of your ministry and setting it up for the long haul.

Never underestimate the humble label maker, and instead use it to enhance your ministry and to help your team succeed.