Leaders want to succeed. They want to do a good job and be a valuable asset to your ministry. Success starts with training and equipping people with what they need to lead effectively. But since every job is different and everyone learns differently, you can and should make sure that your training program sets everyone up for success.
Written materials: Certain parts of leadership training will need to be written down. Put together a short handbook that describes the role and expectations. Include important names and contact information and leave blank pages for leaders to make their own notes.
If you are conducting a formal training and are including vital information in a PowerPoint presentation, print off a copy of the presentation for the leaders to keep in their records.
On-the-job training: Depending on the role, learning by doing may be the most effective training method. Take the time to walk the new leader through the tasks and show him or her what has worked or not worked in the past. No one will do it perfectly the first time, but mistakes are learning opportunities.
If you yourself don’t have the time or expertise to walk with people as they tackle a new role, recruit another ministry leader or seasoned volunteer to work with the new leaders while they are training.
Job shadowing: Some people and roles are best suited for job shadowing. During the transition from one leader to another, the new leader watches what the current leader is doing. This is a helpful way to learn because, despite our best efforts, we sometimes take certain job details for granted and leave those details out of written material.
For example, you may remember to write down the contact information for ordering Sunday school materials, but did you include the account number? You might have cleared out some space in the filing cabinet so that the new music leader can store sheet music, but did you give him or her a key to the cabinet?
You may want to adopt a hybrid approach to leadership training. If you have a new group of leaders, schedule a classroom-style session where you present the basics of what it means to lead in the ministry God has given you. After a group session, pair incoming leaders with outgoing leaders to walk and talk through the specifics of each role.
After training, check back in with the leaders. See how they’re doing and if they have everything they need to do what’s been asked of them. It’s easier to catch and address small problems or concerns early, before they turn into large, insurmountable issues. Pray for them and offer to pray with them. Make sure they know that if they need additional training, you will provide it or find the best person to help them.
Volunteer leaders are gifts from God, each with a unique set of gifts they have been called to use to expand the Kingdom. Praise God for the talents of those who serve with us.
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