What’s Your Plan?
How do you create a dynamic ministry experience for attendees?
What’s your approach? Your strategy?
Early in my ministry career, I would have given you an answer filled with vision, planning, and intentional strategy. And yes, those things matter. But there’s a hidden ingredient that too many ministry leaders overlook.
I saw this firsthand recently.
Stepping Back In at Woodstock City Church
Some of you know that I was the lead pastor of Woodstock City Church for 13 years. It was an incredible honor to serve there.
After preaching the importance of serving for over a decade, sitting on the sidelines just didn’t feel right. So, I reached out to the elementary ministry director and signed up to be a Bible storyteller for the large group experience.
Behind the Curtain: The Volunteer Experience
I arrived at 8:00 a.m. for rehearsal and mic check before the 9:00 a.m. service. The staff team was already in place—prepared and ready. As volunteers arrived, the energy in the hallways was palpable. People were genuinely excited to be there.
The large group green room had the same feeling. The host, worship leaders, and production team were fired up and ready to go. There was a shared sense of anticipation.
Then the services started—and everything clicked. The first service was great. The second service? Just as strong. I’ve worked with many churches, and I’ve seen firsthand that not every elementary ministry has this kind of experience.
Why not?
The Hidden Key to a Thriving Ministry
It’s easy to look at a church like Woodstock City and assume:
- “Well, if we had their resources…”
- “If we had a staff team like they do…”
But here’s the truth: Resources aren’t the difference-maker. You can have all the staff and funding in the world and still get ministry completely wrong.
The secret is culture.
What happens behind the curtain matters more than what’s on stage.
That Sunday morning, I saw firsthand how Daniel, the large group coordinator, had built an intentional volunteer culture. Sitting in the green room, I could feel it—the camaraderie, the support, the shared mission.
4 Cultural Ingredients That Elevate Ministry
Daniel’s leadership has shaped a culture that drives excellence. Here’s what I experienced:
1. Planning and Detail Orientation
Everything was prepared in advance.
✅ We received the large group service flow two weeks before the morning via Planning Center Online (PCO).
✅ The volunteer café was stocked with food and coffee.
✅ The rooms were clean and ready.
✅ We started our rehearsal exactly on time.
✅ The pre-service huddle was full of vision and encouragement.
When you plan well, you send a message to volunteers that details—and their time—matter.
2. Clear and Consistent Communication
From the start, we were looped in.
✅ We were added to PCO well in advance.
✅ Emails and texts ensured no one felt unprepared.
✅ Daniel personally helped a volunteer reword a hosting segment the night before the service—offering guidance and encouragement.
Great communication eliminates uncertainty and builds confidence.
3. Relational Connection
The volunteer café felt like a family reunion.
✅ People knew each other.
✅ New volunteers (like me!) felt instantly included.
✅ The team gathered for prayer and shared requests.
Volunteers don’t just serve a ministry—they want to be part of a community.
4. A Clear Mission & Vision
This wasn’t childcare. This was ministry.
✅ In our huddle, Daniel reminded us: “Some kids are attending for the very first time. We want them to love UpStreet—and more importantly, Jesus.”
✅ Everyone knew why their role mattered.
When volunteers see their purpose, they stay engaged and committed.
Want a Stronger Ministry? Start Here.
Creating a great ministry experience isn’t just about execution. It’s about culture. And culture is something you build—intentionally.
Here are six practical ways to get behind the curtain:
1️⃣ Plan well to set volunteers up for success.
2️⃣ Pay attention to details so they can focus on execution.
3️⃣ Communicate, communicate, communicate.
4️⃣ See your volunteer teams as your ministry, too.
5️⃣ Foster relational connections.
6️⃣ Keep the mission and vision in front of them.
Final Thought
If you want to create a better ministry experience for kids, students, adults—or anyone in between—start by examining what’s happening behind the curtain.
Call to Action:
Want to build a thriving ministry culture in your church? Let’s talk. Church Accelerator can help you develop strategies, engage volunteers, and elevate your impact.
Quotes for Inspiration:
🗣 “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” – Peter Drucker
🗣 “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” – Simon Sinek
🗣 “Ministry isn’t about programs—it’s about people.”
Resources for Further Learning:
📖 The Volunteer Revolution – Bill Hybels
🎧 Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: Creating a High-Performance Culture
📄 E-Book: The Secret of Healthy Cultures (Available to all Resource Partners)
📄 Article: 20 Signs You’re Working in a Toxic Culture
📄 Article: How to Execute a Strategic Plan at Your Church – Values and Culture
📄 Article: Three Simple Steps to Improve Your Organizational Culture
One More Thing…
At Church Accelerator, we offer consulting, workshops, content, and community to help churches break through barriers and grow their church.
Work with us in the way that best works for you:
✅ RESOURCES: Save 49 hours every month for only $49.
✅ WORKSHOPS & WORKING SESSIONS: Experience our Church Accelerator Workshop, a 2-day process with your core team where we clarify your vision, dream about your future, discover your current reality, and design an actionable plan.
✅ CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS: Great churches don’t happen by accident. We coach and consult with churches with fewer than 100 attendees to churches with over 10,000 to improve discipleship pathways, communication and preaching, church engagement, and church leadership.
✅ ON-DEMAND EXECUTIVE: Add me to your executive team conversations and get a fresh perspective through a personal partnership.
Starting at just $49 – 🚀 Don’t wait—become a partner today.
Leading WITH You,
Dr. Gavin Adams
