As leaders, we know the importance of equipping volunteers. But in addition to equipping our volunteers, it’s equally important that we invest in their leadership development.
Leadership development isn’t an instant investment. Many times, it requires months or years. However long it takes, its impact is transformational for the leader and for our ministries.
Two things typically cause us to delay investing in volunteer leadership development: time and resources. Many times, we just don’t know where or how to begin. Here are 5 ways to get started.
However long it takes, its impact is transformational for the leader and for our ministries.
5 Ways to Begin Volunteer Leadership Development
1. Intentional Conversations
To put it simply, this is coaching 1:1 with your volunteers. Being intentional with someone about what we talk about and steering that conversation within leadership can go a long way!
In this time, encourage them to ask questions and prompt them with questions that make them think. Let your volunteers formulate their own ideas instead of telling them what to think. And take time to help them process their thoughts as you share your own experiences.
As you carve out specific time for coaching, make sure to be intentional about shaping the conversation.
Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families
Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families
Growing Volunteers: Building the Body of Christ in Ministry to Kids and Families
2. Resources and Studies
Studies or resources are great tools that can help someone with leadership development. You might do this in groups, as a whole team, or in smaller cohorts.
You might go through a book with someone, talk through an article, attend a webinar, or listen to a podcast to discuss together. There are many great resources available, so be sure to take advantage of them.
3. Conferences for Volunteer Leadership Development
Attend a conference together! This gives you space as a team to discuss what’s being learned, and it creates opportunities to build deeper relationships. Feel free to choose from a national conference, a local conference, a network meeting, or even a workshop offered in your own church.
And remember, it doesn’t have to be related to children’s ministry, but it’s always great if it is!
Here are a few conferences we recommend:
4. Project Assignments
The best way to develop leaders is to not only talk about leadership but put it into practice. So, as you continue to have conversations, give project assignments to your up-and-coming leader, and let them practice leadership under your direction.
It can be something small, but after you’ve given the instructions, let them own it. That means that you let them do it the way they would do it, let them bring their own ideas to the project, let them fail, etc.
Always begin and end with prayer.
5. Apprenticeships and Internships
Everything listed above (and more) can be part of an apprenticeship or internship. An apprenticeship is probably the ideal form of leadership development. An apprentice is someone committed to someone else for the purpose of observing and learning something specific from that person.
In this case, a ministry apprentice would not only be equipped for ministry, but also developed as a leader. Allow this person to walk with you on your leadership journey. Let them observe and experience how you make decisions, communicate, handle issues, solve problems, and more.
However you begin leadership development with your volunteers, we encourage you to always begin and end with prayer. Allow the Lord to guide you as you guide others in ministry.
More for Your Volunteers
- Is Your Volunteer Team Checked Out? Here’s How to Check Back In
- Honoring Volunteers: It’s More Than Appreciation
- Why Caring Makes a Difference with the Volunteers We Serve
- Inspire Your Volunteers and Create a Healthy Culture
