Q: Can you share with me what are the most effective days and times for church leadership training, and some of the tools available to train my people? My gifts are pastor/evangelist so I feel limited in my abilities to train and equip the saints.
—Syracuse, New York

A: I don’t think there’s a standard time or day for training that works for everyone. The key seems to be in finding what works for you—and your people. An overpacked schedule is the new norm in our culture. Many adults just don’t have the time to get the kind of training they really need to do effective ministry. The solution is to get creative with scheduling.

Traditional meeting formats—evenings and Saturdays—no longer fit busy families. You’ll likely have better success if you plan breakfast or lunch training sessions, or identify times when people are already at church. Sunday morning is still prime time, so target leadership training along with Bible study during your education hour.

Consider posting training documents for review on your church’s Web site or through email. Your people can visit the site and post their comments or reply to the email group to generate discussion.

CVC offers online training classes that your people can take at home at their convenience. You could also present the material yourself if you think they would enjoy a live presentation better. Leading Ideas: To-The-Point Training for Christian Leaders, available at our 20% member discount from Group Publishing, is an excellent resource with 50 ready-to-use training topics including reproducible handouts.

Your guidance, direction, and training will determine your volunteers’ effectiveness. Former President Ronald Reagan once said, “A great leader doesn’t do great things; he inspires others to do great things.” Train your staff around your mission and give them the tools they need to accomplish great things for God.

You show that you value your volunteers when you invest your time to equip them. Eric Reese, pastor of ministry at Saddleback Church in California, tells his church staff, “No matter where someone serves, there should be some sense of training proactively accomplished by the staff member or ministry leaders so people feel they are able to succeed within the ministry opportunity.

By the way, you don’t have to be the only—or even the primary—trainer. Recruit church members who are experts in specific areas to equip your volunteers. Having others assist you with the training opens up new ministry opportunities for volunteers!

Bob D’Ambrosio has 25 years’ experience with volunteer administration at churches in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas. He now serves as a consultant and trainer with Church Volunteer Central. For help with your volunteer questions, contact Bob by clicking here.

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