Every leader is responsible for building teams. In local churches, these volunteer groups are often called “dream teams” because they help churches fulfill the vision of reaching and discipling people.

No matter what you call them, finding, equipping and empowering volunteers is a continual challenge for leaders. This installment of Make It Count examines 10 keys to finding, equipping and empowering healthy volunteer teams. The lessons (in English and Spanish) include the following:

1. Building. Team building begins with clarity concerning roles, qualifications and responsibilities. Without these details, you won’t know what you need or whom to recruit.

2. Recruiting. Most church leaders share a common need for more volunteers. The question is, how do you find them? Recruitment requires a commitment to prayer, casting vision, creating a system, and communicating next steps quickly.

3. Aligning. Sometimes a volunteer wants to serve but isn’t sure which role is a good fit. Aligning volunteers with the right roles begins with assessing their personalities, gifts and passions.

4. Onboarding. A well-designed onboarding process is crucial for volunteer development. This includes communicating vision and team values, imparting knowledge specific to each role, providing training, and offering opportunities for shadowing.

5. Equipping. For volunteers to succeed, we need to equip them with the appropriate resources. These resources generally involve tools for doing the job and a budget for fulfilling the mission.

6. Training. Even seasoned volunteers need ongoing training. Team huddles, gatherings, and training opportunities are ways to invest in their long-term success.

7. Coaching. Training is team-based, but coaching is usually one-on-one. Follow the biblical pattern of modeling, motivating, mentoring and multiplying.

8. Promoting. As volunteers become proficient in their ministry roles, they may show capacity for greater responsibility. Good leaders promote faithful team members with greater levels of responsibility and opportunity.

9. Appreciating. Volunteers don’t have to contribute what they do. Leaders should honor and appreciate those who are volunteering their time and talent in ministry. Appreciation happens best when it’s personal, public and practical.

10. Engaging. It’s one thing to recruit volunteers but another to keep them fully engaged. Therefore, leaders must identify and implement strategies for improving the overall health and engagement of the team.

While reading and discussing each lesson, you’ll discover the keys to building a healthy volunteer team united around a vision for the future.

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Adapted from the Winter 2024 issue of Influence magazine.