Can people really be motivated to do something they are not prone to otherwise undertake? Can one person really motivate another – especially volunteers? The truth is only God can motivate a person to undertake something that person is not prone to willingly undertake. Yet, there are some key prompts for different people that will get the motivation juices flowing – and not one of them is money, though in some cases, money may motivate for a short time.

Here are seven motivation prompts to keep in mind.

1. Motivation is prompted when a personal connection is made with the task to be undertaken. If you are asked to contribute to the purchase of new seats in your church, you may not be quickly prompted to comply. However, when it is shared with you of the plush comfort of the new seats in contrast to the existing seats you sit on, your motivation factor is prompted to join in.
2. Motivation is prompted from inside an individual. External motivators are fleeting, while internal motivation brings action. The scenario in number one above is an example of an internal motivator.
3. Motivation comes from past successes. Jane did not want to make personal visits for our church, but agreed to help with childcare so others could go. Within a few months, after hearing testimonies from friends Jane asked to serve on the card writing team. A few months after this Jane asked to accompany others on some in-home visits. The testimonies and successes advanced Jane’s motivations to serve.
4. Motivation is prompted from a culture of love, acceptance, and concern for others. This one is self-explanatory, build a culture of love and you build a culture of acceptance and care. It is within everyone’s nature to be a part of this type culture and to do likewise.
5. Motivation is prompted through caring relationships. When you first learned to ride a bicycle, there was likely someone right there with you, holding the bike up while you learned your needed balance. Even when you failed the first few attempts, that person was there encouraging you. One of our greatest motivating prompts comes through caring relationships.
6. Motivation is prompted through acknowledgement of appreciation. Heart-felt expressions of appreciation are high currency (big money) for motivation.
7. Motivation is prompted at the point of realization that people spiritually separated from God are truly condemned to a horrible Hell for eternity. I saved this one for last because it is likely the most forgotten, and underrealized factor of our existence. We have pushed this so far back in our mind that the thought of our neighbors and loved ones being condemned to this horrific eternity, is non-existent. When a believer comes to this realization you can see the motivation factor kick into gear.

Everyone has motivation prompts. The key for leadership is understanding the various prompts and with whom to apply the differing prompts. Strive for accomplishing number seven, then the first six will no longer be needed. Until then, use all seven at appropriate circumstances.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.