Jul 26th, 2007
To “Recruit” or “Mobilize”
So which is it? Recruiting or mobilizing? These terms are very often used interchangeably and so perhaps it might be useful that my first post on this blog discusses what I see as the difference between these two terms. I believe the term “recruiter” implies that one is recruiting for a specific organization, company, or mission.It is limited to what the recruiter is recruiting “for”.It implies that there is a specific organization or mission for which the recruiter is trying to fill spaces.
I personally prefer the term “mobilizer”. When the term “mobilizer” is used, it implies that the mobilizer is moving someone in a general direction, not towards a specific position. For my personal philosphy, mobilizer is a more appropriate term because my passion is to move people towards conscious involvement in the Missio Dei, something that is very general in terms of the opportunities available. When someone says they are a recruiter, the most obvious question is, “Who do you recruit for?” When someone is a mobilizer, I see the question as, “What do you mobilize towards?” A person who is recruited fills a position. A person who is mobilized moves in a given direction.
I am called to move people into a conscious involvement in the missio Dei. I honestly don’t care so much where they end up serving, as long as they know they are serving where God has called them, that they are using the gifts God has given them, and that they are being salt and light.
Hi Peter,
I steadfastly resist the word “recruiter” because it brings up a couple of nasty connotations in my mind.
One is that big tall guy who did his very dead-level best to get me to join the Army — whether I wanted to join the Army or not!! — when I was in high school. I want to run as far from that image as possible in my work for the sake of the Great Commission.
The second image is the related. In the task of mobilizing, I don’t want to ever try to get people what *I* want them to do. My only tool for leverage is what GOD is seeking to lead them into. I am very free in challenging young people to take seriously their call to be involved in Great Commission work, but I don’t want them to ever get the idea that I want them to do something in “Country X” or with “my” agency because it is what *I* want for them.
Mobilization is not about “rights and wrongs” nearly as much as it is about “match” and “fit”. Our task is to try to help young people (and old…grin) find their fit IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST. It is about following HIM more than following me.
So for me….it is definitely “Mobiliser” and not “Recruiter”.
This is a really great website that has a good layout. I like how everything is shown very clearly and concisely. I agree with the distinction between recruiting and mobilizing. That’s an important distinction that is wise to point out. Nice page.
We need to take a cue from universities. They use the term “admissions counselors.” The word “counselor” communicates that the person is coming along side to help process a difficult choice and guide through the process while maintaining a level of neutrality. The trick is coming up with a good descriptor to come before “counselor.” “Admissions” and “Career” are out. “Missions Career Counselor” is too long… how about “Mission Counselor”, “Go Counselor”, “Assignment Counselor”, “Candidate Counselor”, or “Field Counselor?”