Episode #16: From Volunteer to Leader
Do your volunteers know they are leaders?
That may sound like a small question, but it’s one that can shape the entire culture of your children’s ministry. The truth is, the words we use matter—deeply. They influence how people see themselves, how they approach their role, and ultimately, how they serve.
When we call someone a volunteer, we often communicate (whether we mean to or not) that they are simply filling a spot on the schedule, helping when it’s convenient, or plugging a temporary hole. The word “volunteer” can sound transactional—like you’re just showing up to help meet a need.
But when we call someone a leader? That’s an entirely different conversation. A leader takes ownership. A leader understands they have a role to play in the mission. A leader steps into a calling, not just a time slot.
And that shift in language can change everything.
The Difference Words Make
Think about the difference in posture between these two identities:
Volunteer → “I help when I can.”
Leader → “I’m responsible for making this happen.”
When I served in kids ministry, I had a teacher who showed tremendous potential. She taught faithfully every other Sunday and had been doing so for years. I saw in her the ability to step into a role with greater ownership, so I asked her to become a coordinator—a person who could run an entire service if I wasn’t there.
She learned emergency procedures, how to fill last-minute classroom gaps, how to support other leaders on the spot, and how to keep things running smoothly no matter what came up. That’s leadership. And she thrived in it.
Around that same time, I intentionally began calling every person on our team a leader—check-in teams, greeters, snack coordinators, teachers—because they were all leading in different ways.
By shifting the language I was using, it shaped the culture of the ministry I was leading. And, as I continue to say over and over, this is discipleship at its core! Teaching and training these leaders to truly lead!
Why This Matters for Your Ministry
This isn’t about semantics—it’s about setting a tone and building a culture where people own their role. When someone sees themselves as a leader, they show up differently. They invest differently.
But this shift doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional steps:
Rewrite Your Language
Change every printed piece, email, training document, and announcement from “volunteer” to “leader.” You don’t have to make a big announcement—just start using the language consistently.Communicate Clear Expectations
Clarity is kindness. Let people know exactly what’s expected of them in their role. Paint a clear picture so they know what they’re saying “yes” to.Equip Your Leaders
Train them for the role they’re stepping into. Give them the tools, skills, and support they need to succeed.Hold Leaders Accountable
Accountability paired with encouragement empowers people to grow in their leadership.
The Hard Truth (and Why It’s Worth It)
Calling people to something higher may cost you. You might lose some volunteers who don’t want that level of commitment. And that’s okay.
A healthy ministry isn’t built on filling empty spots—it’s built on raising up committed leaders who see the vision, love the mission, and are willing to take ownership. Sometimes, this shift “weeds out” people who aren’t a good fit, leaving you with a stronger, healthier team.
Your Challenge This Week
Call someone a leader—out loud.
Look for that person who’s faithfully teaching, greeting, or running check-in, and tell them:
“I see you. I see what you’re doing. You’re serving the mission of this ministry, and you’re fulfilling a leadership role.”
It might be the encouragement they need to step into their calling in a new way.
Let’s create a culture where every person in children’s ministry knows they are leading with purpose. When leaders own their role, ministries thrive—and so do the kids we serve.
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