On January 31, 2016, I took part in the first official service for Restore Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. Attending church my entire life set me up to expect certain things to just “work out” as they did in most churches I attended. I quickly learned, however, that without direction or vision, any team will flounder as everyone does what he or she thinks most important.
In our first few services, we would set everything up and bring all the team members together for a huddle. We would share the day’s events, give announcements, and pray together. When we finished prayer, we instructed everyone to head to their service locations (junior church, nursery, audio video, etc.) and challenged others to find a place to welcome guests. This was when it became apparent that team members need direction and clarification. Without the right training, the moments following the huddle looked like an explosion of kindergartners released onto a school playground!
If we were going to be successful, we had to train our team members, communicating not only where to be but how long to be there and how to interact. So, whether you are part of a church a hundred years old, or a church a hundred days from launching, it is vital to have training in place for your teams.
Training your church team is like preparing a winning athletic team, with each member bringing an A-game to strengthen the entire crew.
Need a playbook?
Get everyone on the same page. Start with clear vision and mission. Make sure your team knows the game plan and is all in.
Communication is key. Communication is more than talking; it’s about connecting on a spiritual level. Keep the conversation open and remember prayer and reflection deepen team connections.
Build team bonds. Team building is essential. Whether a community project or a relaxed retreat, the goal is to make your team tight knit.
Define roles clearly. Ambiguity or lack of clarity is a killer. Clearly define “who does what” to keep the team running smoothly.
Invest in learning. Keep the learning curve going. Workshops and training sessions aren’t just skill boosters; they add buy-in within the team, equip them for service, and grow their faith.
Support each other. Beyond the work of ministry, support is about having each other’s backs. Celebrate wins and be there when things get tough emotionally and spiritually.
Keep first things first. Don’t neglect prayer, Bible study, and reflection in your team routine.
Handle conflicts like a pro. Conflicts happen. Equip your team with solid resolution skills, addressing issues with love, understanding, and forgiveness.
Spot and nurture leaders. Identify potential leaders on your team and give them the boost they need. Mentoring goes a long way.
Embrace diversity. Your team should reflect a mix of talents and backgrounds. Celebrate these differences; they make your team unique and effective.
Establish regular check-ins. Observe and gauge your team’s performance. Listen to their thoughts and adjust as needed.
Offer spiritual gift testing. Help your team discover spiritual strengths. A spiritual gifts test can help identify and develop each member’s God-given callings
Take personality tests. Uncover “unique wiring” through personality tests. This can help you figure out what teams are a good fit for certain team members.
Connect the dots. Carefully form your team based on the results of the tests above. Align spiritual gifts, personalities, and roles for a well-balanced and effective team.
Tailor training. Customize training based on what you know about each member. Give every team member the tools needed to shine.
In the end, training your church team is about bringing out the best in each member. It’s not primarily about individual growth; it’s about cultivating a passionate team who works to see people come to know God. Take time to pinpoint the greatest team needs and implement a starting point to create an effective team.
About the writer: Kevin Bass grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he fell in love with church and ministry. He and his wife Beth are passionate about helping couples and families grow stronger in their walk with God. Kevin oversees serve teams at Restore Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, and helps people get connected to their calling.
