The Minister of Education and Staff Development

Written by Jeff Young

One of the challenges we discuss frequently is the equipping and development of volunteers. It’s our “walking orders” according to Ephesians 4:11-13. And for Ministers of Education in a multi-staff church, we also have the challenge/opportunity to develop other ministers spiritually, professionally, and relationally. I frequently find that the pace of ministry squeezes out this vital responsibility. I’ve often thought, “They can figure this out on their own time;” “They need to own this responsibility;” “We have to discuss this issue or get ready for this event…we don’t have time for this;” etc. Obviously this kind of thinking will make it hard for you to lead your church to reach its redemptive potential.

Webcourse: National Sunday School Director

Here are a few ideas for developing leaders on your team:

1. Presentation Skills. Once a month, on a rotating basis, one of our staff members is responsible for leading a 15-minute seminar/conference. They choose their subject from one of two general areas: the spiritual development of a leader or one of the key tasks of Sunday School ministry. The goal is that each of the other staff members leaves the meeting that day with a few great ideas he can use in his life or that he can use at his next volunteer leadership meeting. Everyone wins! Another benefit of this idea is that it gives me a natural opportunity to coach or encourage the development of each person’s presentation skills in a less formal setting.
2. Books and Reading. It’s been said that the most inexpensive way to develop leaders is by putting a book in their hands…and I agree. Think about the investment of a book compared to the cost of attending a conference. A book costs the same as parking your car at the airport!  Each of our staff is required to read eight books a year (I adapted this idea from Allan Taylor), two in each of the following areas: spiritual development, leadership, their field (students, children, etc.) and a general book of choice. Frequently I will buy a book for every member on our team to read together. Presently we are slowly going through Spiritual Leadership, by Sanders. Some of the others we have read include: The Cross of Christ, Simple Church, Just Walk Across the Room and Winning with People. I’ll take ten minutes at the beginning of our meeting every other week to let the staff share. They enjoy this and it fulfills one of their eight requirements I mentioned. I try to be strategic in selecting a book: Is there an area we need to grow/develop in? Is there a skill we need to “put a bright light on?”
3. Monthly Planning Aid. The planning tool is simply an Excel worksheet that our staff completes each month. While it intentionally builds accountability, the ultimate goal is to assist staff members in focusing on the main tasks that build the church and build the Sunday School. Monthly staff members are asked to share about seven different areas: connections with key and/or potential volunteers; conversations with lost people; the biggest impact God made on them; spiritual habits they are developing; the focus/goal of their volunteer huddle; other volunteer development actions; and what book they are reading.

These are three things I consistently use to develop the people around me. These aids make our staff more effective and therefore our Church is more effective. Blessings to you as you develop those around you and implement the tools to track your staff development.

Jeff Young is the Associate Pastor and Campus Coordinator at First Baptist Church in, Springdale, Arkansas. Jeff has a passion for the education ministry of the local church.