5 Ways to Empower Your Staff and Volunteers
One of my kids is extra curious. Most kids go through a "why" phase, but Sam's lasted longer than most. From the moment he could talk, he asked "why?" and "how?" about everything.
Why does the car need gas in it?
How do I know that you're really my mom?
Why did God make broccoli green?
Sometimes he was just being inquisitive. Other times, he was straight-up challenging what he was being told.
Why do I need to brush my teeth again?
Why do I need to wear shoes to church?
Why do I need to go to bed now?
Some days, his endless curiosity was adorable. Other days, it about drove me to tears. My "question everything" kid was strong-willed, opinionated, and ready to battle over the tiniest things. As his mom, it took me a while to figure out that I didn't have to fight him on every little issue. I thought being a good parent meant enforcing my way all the time. I called it "consistency," but honestly, I was just being stubborn in my own adult way.
After a lot of prayer, trial and error, and reading every parenting book I could find, I started to realize that much of our conflict came from me trying to control how Sam did things rather than focusing on what I wanted to accomplish. I had to learn to adjust my approach so I could guide him instead of just battling him. The rules of our house didn't change, but how we got there had to become more flexible.
Turns out, this is also a pretty important lesson for leadership in the church.
Sometimes, as leaders, we get stuck on how we want things to be done instead of focusing on what really matters. We want things done "our way," and that can make people feel stifled or frustrated. If we want to empower our teams—whether staff or volunteers—we need to shift our focus to the bigger picture. Being a good leader isn't about controlling every detail; it's about equipping people to do their best work for the Kingdom.
1. Give Your Team Authority—Not Just Responsibility
It's easy to hand out tasks but harder to let go of control. True empowerment means trusting your team to make decisions within their roles. If we just assign jobs without giving real authority, people end up feeling like babysitters instead of team members.
When people are entrusted with authority, they feel more confident and invested in their work. They start thinking strategically, taking ownership, and making good decisions without waiting for constant approval. A church team that feels empowered is more engaged, motivated, and effective.
2. Give Your Team Ownership.
Micromanaging doesn't help anyone. Instead of hovering over every little thing, let your team know what success looks like and then give them space to figure out how to get there. Encourage them to set their own goals, try new things, and take responsibility for the results.
When people have true ownership over their work, they start caring about more than just checking off tasks—they want to do things well. When church volunteers or staff feel like their contributions truly matter, they'll go above and beyond to serve with excellence.
3. Give Your Team Your Trust
Trust is the glue that holds everything together. If people feel like their leader doesn’t trust them, they’ll hesitate, second-guess themselves, and avoid taking initiative.
Building trust starts with listening, communicating openly, and giving honest feedback. Resist the urge to interfere in the things that don’t matter. Let your team members work independently while still offering support when they need it. When people feel trusted, they thrive—and so does the Church.
4. Give Your Team Resources
Even the most talented people can't do their jobs well without the right tools. Whether it's training, technology, budget, or mentorship, make sure your team has what they need to succeed.
Investing in professional and spiritual growth is just as important as practical resources. Encourage your team to attend workshops, find mentors, or learn new skills. And don’t forget that emotional and spiritual support is just as vital as physical resources. Make sure your team knows they are valued, supported, and encouraged.
5. Give Your Team Clear Vision
A strong team needs a clear vision, and your team shouldn’t have to define their own targets. People are more motivated when they understand the bigger purpose behind what they’re doing. Leaders should regularly communicate the church’s mission, goals, and values so that everyone is working toward the same thing.
Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and open conversations help ensure everyone is on the same page. And don't just talk—listen. Be open to feedback and adjust where needed to keep things moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Just like I had to learn how to parent my strong-willed, inquisitive child in a way that worked, church leaders need to be willing to adapt their leadership style to bring out the best in their staff members and volunteers. When we give team members authority, ownership, trust, and the right resources, we create a culture where people feel valued and ready to serve wholeheartedly. At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about control—it’s about equipping and empowering people to do the work God has called them to do.
Alicia Osgood
Support & Implementation Specialist, Threefold Solutions
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