Almost always, when volunteer-based ministries are formed, we say to the Lord, “We’ll take anyone you bring us.” Then whoever shows up is automatically a part of the team. At that point, we stop searching for new team members and start using whoever we’ve got to try to make our plan work.
There is a different process, which is substantially different than the one above. It’s more intentional and more selective. There may be times when someone shows up or expresses an interest in your ministry team and you need to say, essentially, thanks but no thanks.
This may be a bit startling, but it is the process that Jesus used to select the twelve disciples. Out of the crowds, he selected only a few. And those he invited he also invested in and developed. Even though he chose only twelve, the fruit was much greater than had he tried to lead the masses.