Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack what it means to pursue biblical productivity at the start of a new year. They explore essential productivity for 2026, offering a God-centered vision of work, diligence, and stewardship for ministry leaders.
If you've ever felt torn between “doing more” and staying faithful to your family, soul, and calling, this episode will equip and inspire you with a framework for fruitful, sustainable productivity that glorifies God.
Key Topics Covered
Redefining productivity – moving from secular hustle to biblical stewardship
Processes and people – why ministry leaders must build systems and develop volunteers
Eternal reward – how diligence today shapes the “well done” you will hear tomorrow
Key Quote
“God doesn’t expect maintenance; He expects a return on what He’s entrusted to you.”
Scripture References
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Ephesians 5:15–16 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.”
Matthew 25:14–30 – The parable of the talents, where the Master commends faithful servants who multiply what they were given.
Takeaway
Biblical productivity is not about burning the candle at both ends. It is about honoring God with focused, diligent work that builds processes, develops people, and serves the local church. When you treat this year as your “one and only life” and labor with eternity in view, you position yourself to experience the joy of fruitfulness now and the reward of “well done” later.
Call to Action
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack surprising leadership lessons from the winter sport of curling. They explore the roles of the skip, thrower, and sweepers—and translate them into a practical framework for leading interns and teams without micromanaging.
If you've ever struggled to “let go” after delegating—or been tempted to check out once you hand something off—this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple, sticky picture: stop grabbing the stone and start sweeping a clear path.
Key Topics Covered
The Skip – Vision, strategy, and owning the “60,000-foot view.”
The Thrower – Releasing people with clarity (who/what/when/where/why/how).
The Sweepers – Influencing outcomes without controlling; the “invisible hand.”
Key Quote
“Let this person go—but you still have an opportunity for influence. Be the invisible hand.”
Scripture References
2 Timothy 2:2 – “And what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Takeaway
Great leaders don’t hover and they don’t disappear. They cast direction, release with clarity, then “sweep” ahead—removing friction, shaping environment, and quietly steering toward the target. It’s the difference between stunting growth and building confident servants who can be sent.
Call to Action
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk tackle a surprisingly emotional topic: cleaning the ministry closet—and why it should never be a one-person job or the default assignment for your intern. They explore a practical, discipleship-oriented process that uses three complementary roles and positions your intern as the fourth person for maximum learning.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at “just have the intern do it,” this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple team model that honors people, protects history, and stewards resources.
Key Topics Covered
• The 3 roles you need: cut-throat pragmatist, sentimental hoarder, budget-minded realist—and why tension between them is healthy.
• Why your intern is the fourth person, not the lone cleaner—and how to make it a formative leadership lab.
• A semi-annual rhythm, clear criteria, and a negotiation table that prevents waste and regret.
Key Quote
“Don’t let your intern be the closet cleaner. Make them an intelligent observer of the strategy.”
Scripture References
Proverbs 22:28 – “Do not move the ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.”
Luke 16:10 – “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…”
Takeaway
A clean closet isn’t the goal; wise stewardship and team discipleship are. Build a small cross-functional team, define what stays or goes, protect meaningful artifacts, and train your intern by letting them watch the process, ask questions, and document decisions.
Call to Action
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pisode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart is joined by Vance Martin to talk about what it really means to develop interns—and future leaders—with legacy in mind. Vance reflects on lessons he learned from his father, who modeled mentorship that believed in him, let him fail, and gave him real responsibility. Together, Josh and Vance outline a practical framework for raising leaders who don’t just serve your ministry—they extend it.
They share stories of failure, faith, and gradual handoffs that shaped their leadership, revealing that the best leaders aren’t the ones who hold on tightly, but those who give their platform away.
If you’ve ever hesitated to release control or struggled to balance excellence with equipping others, this episode will stretch and encourage you.
Key Topics Covered
Four stages of intern development: Call it out, let them fail, give them platform, hand it off
How to help young leaders discover who they are
Why releasing control multiplies your legacy
Key Quote
“Your failure to share the spotlight is what keeps you from sharing the load.”
Scripture References
Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
2 Timothy 2:2 – “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Takeaway
True leadership isn’t about control—it’s about multiplication. When you call out potential, let people fail safely, and hand off real responsibility, you create leaders who last long after you’re gone. Legacy happens when you give away what God has given you.
Call to Action
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with Brittany Nelson, founder of Deeper KidMin, to explore how to raise up interns without burning yourself—or them—out. They unpack what it means to die to perfectionism and empower emerging leaders through intentional coaching, not just busywork.
If you’ve ever felt torn between excellence and delegation, this episode will equip and inspire you to release control, train well, and invest in the next generation of ministry leaders.
Key Topics Covered
• The true purpose of an internship program
• Why leaders must let go of perfectionism to multiply impact
• How to connect every task to Kingdom purpose
Key Quote
“Somebody took a risk and put my sorry self in the game. We need to do the same for someone else.”
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:11–12 – “...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Philippians 2:3–4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Takeaway
Great leadership isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about giving others the chance to lead, fail, and grow under your guidance. An internship done right shapes both the intern and the leader into more patient, people-focused servants of Christ.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a fellow leader and start praying about who you can invest in this year.
Stay Connected for More Resources
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About Brittany Nelson
Brittany Nelson is a speaker, author, former children’s pastor, and the creator of DeeperKidMin.com, an online hub of downloadable resources made for children’s ministry leaders by children’s ministry leaders. She equips leaders around the world by sharing practical tools and encouragement that help kids grow deeper in their faith. When she’s not serving ministry leaders, Brittany loves being a mom to three girls, reading, volunteering in children’s and youth ministry, and drinking herbal tea.
Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack why every church can and should run a ministry internship—without drowning in complexity. They explore a define–develop–do framework and practical ways to reduce friction so you can prepare now and multiply impact this summer.
If you've ever wished for more leaders or felt stuck doing it all yourself, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear path to launch an intern who grows spiritually and moves real ministry forward.
Key Topics Covered
Benefits to interns – Spiritual growth, hands-on experience, discernment of calling, mentoring, and networking.
Benefits to churches – Increased productivity, fresh perspectives, pipeline of future leaders, and community impact.
Friction reducers – A simple framework and ready-made resources to make internships “print and implement.”
Key Quote
“Serving in ministry is a spiritual life hack to help you go deeper and mature in your faith.”
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:12 – “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:2 – “what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
Takeaway
Internships aren’t about cheap labor. They’re about intentional discipleship, meaningful responsibility, and multiplying leaders. Start now—clarify the win, assign one significant project, and pair your intern with consistent mentoring. The impact will outlast the summer.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with David Reneau, Lead Pastor of Encounter Church in Toccoa, Georgia.
With more than 17 years of ministry experience—most in children’s and family ministry—David brings deep, field-tested wisdom and a passion for helping leaders build ministries that last.
He is the author of Next Level Kidmin and shares resources at https://davidreneau.org.
Together, Josh and David unpack five essentials of high-impact lead-team meetings, exploring practical rhythms that turn volunteers into owners and meetings into predictable engines for ministry progress.
If you’ve ever dreaded another meandering meeting, this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple framework you can implement this month.
Key Topics Covered
Meet Regularly – Build a dependable rhythm your team can plan around.
Have an Agenda – Send it early so every voice (including introverts) can contribute.
Start and End on Time – Honor people; protect momentum and trust.
Key Quote
“Success in ministry isn’t what you do—it’s what happens if you never came back.”
Scripture References
Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
Takeaway
Meetings shape culture. When you meet consistently with a clear agenda, start with wins, and end on time, you build ownership, surface better ideas, and multiply leaders. Don’t cancel—adjust the format, but keep the rhythm.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin unpack the VIP Huddle—an intentional 5–10 minute pre-service gathering designed to align volunteers around Vision, essential Information, and Prayer. They share practical rhythms that make huddles unmissable and show how these moments become a training ground for future leaders.
If you’ve ever felt like pre-service meetings are stale or poorly attended, this episode will equip and inspire you to design huddles people value—and won’t want to miss.
Key Topics Covered
VIP Defined (Vision • Information • Prayer) – A simple framework that scales across ministries.
Make It Worth Showing Up – Why attendance is feedback, and how to add real value.
God-Stories as Vision Fuel – Capture, curate, and share weekly stories of transformation.
Information that Sticks – One timely reminder beats a five-item list.
Prayer that Fits the Moment – Use “one-word needs” to keep prayer focused and inclusive.
Start and End on Time – Honor volunteers, build culture, and train leaders by modeling brevity.
Key Quote
“Be brief, brother, be brief… one vision thing, one piece of information, and heartfelt prayer.”
Scripture References
Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.”
1 Peter 1:12–13 (cf. 2 Peter 1:12–13 principle) – “I intend always to remind you… to stir you up by way of reminder.”
Colossians 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Takeaway
Treat the huddle as the most strategic 10 minutes of your Sunday. Share one clear vision, one crucial detail, and pray with intention. Capture God-stories, schedule topics ahead, and invite others to lead parts of the huddle. The result: volunteers feel seen, aligned, and ready to serve.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, host Josh Denhart welcomes ministry coach Vance Martin to map out one-on-one meetings that actually develop people. Together they explore the GRACE Framework—Growth, Resources, Awareness, Care, Encouragement—offering a practical path for meetings that form disciples and move ministry forward.
If you’ve ever felt like one-on-ones drift, run long, or stay shallow, this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple structure that leads to clarity, care, and real growth.
Key Topics Covered
Growth – Invest in strengths and coach course-corrections
Resources – Time, money, and people: the three essentials to execute
Awareness – What they need to know and what you need to know
Care – Genuine interest vs. box-checking
Encouragement – “Run toward the applause” with specific, seen praise
Key Quote
“People don’t do what you tell them—they do what you ask about.”
Scripture References
1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”
Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Takeaway
Great one-on-ones are more about posture than agenda. Lead with GRACE to grow people, resource their work, keep awareness flowing, show genuine care, and reinforce what you want repeated. When you ask better questions, people rise to meet them.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack the power of one simple question that can completely reframe your team meetings. They explore how great meetings balance important long-term growth with urgent real-time needs—and how to open every meeting with intentional care that builds trust and ownership.
If you’ve ever dreaded another calendar-clogging meeting, this episode will equip you to make them purposeful, people-focused, and genuinely productive.
Key Topics Covered
The one question that transforms every meeting
How to balance important vs. urgent issues
Why “teaching before trouble” prevents future crises
Key Quote
“Teaching important things at non-urgent times is exceptional leadership.” — Josh Denhart
Scripture References
Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Philippians 2:4 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Takeaway
Healthy meetings begin with genuine care. When leaders ask what would make the time a “win” for others, they create space for shared goals and stronger teams. Combine that empathy with intentional teaching, and you’ll lead with both clarity and compassion.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
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In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart talks with Christen Clark, a seasoned children’s ministry leader and host of The Collide Kids Podcast, about transforming “crowd-control” volunteers into front-line disciple-makers. Together they unpack practical ways to train, position, and encourage these often-overlooked team members so that every large-group experience thrives.
If you’ve ever felt your program unravel during transitions or wished adults in the room would engage before things go sideways, this episode gives you a simple framework to elevate the whole experience.
Key Topics Covered
• Define the role: presence + engagement, not “warm bodies.”
• Why engagement is contagious — adults model the room’s posture.
• The A-C-E framework: Affirm, Coach, Equip your volunteers every time.
Key Quote
“They’re not the backup. They are the front line.” — Christen Clark
Scripture References
2 Peter 1 : 12-13 – “Stir them up by way of reminder.”
Philippians 2 : 3-4 – Serving others with humble, attentive presence.
Takeaway
Recast “crowd control” as discipleship. Assign zones, learn names, close the distance, and model engagement. Then, weekly A-C-E your team: affirm their purpose, coach for the plan, equip with simple behaviors (proximity, participation, gentle prompts). The result is a calmer room, a clearer message, and better retention.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Christen Clark is a Christian speaker, worship leader, and children’s ministry veteran with over 17 years of experience serving in the local church. She is the creator and host of The Collide Kids Podcast — a fun, faith-filled weekly show for kids and families launched in 2020 that helps parents and leaders spark spiritual conversations at home.
Christen has served as a children’s ministry leader, worship leader, and now works as a ministry consultant helping churches engage the next generation in faith. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (2024), she lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her husband Richard and their two children.
Her warm, creative style and gospel-centered approach make her a trusted voice for parents, pastors, and volunteers alike.
Connect with Christen Clark
🔗 Podcast: collidekidspodcast.buzzsprout.com
🌐 Website: christenclark.org
🎧 Apple Podcasts: The Collide Kids Podcast
📸 Instagram: @christenclark | @collidekidspod
About Christen Clark
Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin get practical about training that lives beyond you. They unpack a simple, reproducible path—Model, Mentor, Multiply—so your team grows without burning you out.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of doing it all yourself, this episode will equip and inspire you to build people, not just programs—and to see legacy while you’re still there.
Key Topics Covered
Model – Be the trail guide and invest in a person, not just a task.
Mentor – Pull back the curtain and teach them to guide others.
Multiply – Train multipliers and become a development “grandparent.”
Key Quote
“Your legacy doesn’t have to wait—train for fruit that remains.”
Scripture References
2 Timothy 2:2 – “Pass it on to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
Ephesians 4:11–12 – Equip the saints for the work of ministry.
Takeaway
Don’t lower the goal; build the steps. Start with one person. Keep meeting. Keep modeling. Then mentor them to invest in someone else. Over months—not days—you’ll see a self-sustaining team and a living legacy.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
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In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin unpack how to train volunteers with simple, repeatable ministry checklists. They move from “Iron Chef” leadership to boxed-cake repeatability, offering a step-by-step way to build clarity, confidence, and consistency across your teams.
If you’ve ever felt stuck carrying Sundays on your back, this episode will equip and inspire you with lightweight systems that anyone can follow.
Key Topics Covered
Defining a Ministry Checklist – Turning complex tasks into clear steps
Why Checklists Work – Confidence, accountability, and multiplication
How to Build Them – Record steps, test, condense, and “dummy-proof before you laminate”
Key Quote
“Think once. Autopilot forever.”
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But all things should be done decently and in order.”
Exodus 18:17–23 – Jethro helps Moses create repeatable systems for sustainable leadership.
Luke 16:10 – Faithful in little, faithful in much.
Takeaway
Volunteers thrive when the win is clear. A concise checklist turns anxiety into action, builds trust, and makes excellence repeatable. Train with steps anyone can follow, then let the system—not your presence—carry Sunday forward.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
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In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk kick off October’s focus on Training Volunteers. They unpack what real training is, why it matters, and how any leader can begin immediately. They explore the culture you carry, the power of qualifying people, and why training is the bridge between enlistment and retention for healthy teams.
If you’ve ever felt stuck running a “Swiss cheese” ministry where volunteers slip through the cracks, this episode will equip and inspire you with practical next steps to train with purpose and retain with joy.
Key Topics Covered
Definition of training – Forming habits, thoughts, and behaviors through instruction
Train vs. drain – Why skipping training leaves people exhausted
Qualifying people – A pathway to confidence, clarity, and care
Key Quote
“Train is putting in; drain is leaking out. Be the leader who puts in.”
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:11–13 – “to equip the saints for the work of ministry…”
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Takeaway
Don’t hand a mic to an untrained volunteer and hope for the best. Identify your weakest area, gather the faithful few, meet right after a service, ask good questions, and co-build a simple plan. Training is discipleship in motion—and it keeps good people for the long haul.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with Mark, a children’s pastor 66 days into a new role. They unpack how “front-loading with relationships” can compress the storming phase and accelerate health, trust, and momentum. They explore a practical, people-first playbook that any ministry can adopt to move from chaos to clarity.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the first 18 months of a role, this episode will equip and inspire you with a concrete path to build trust quickly and lead with pastoral presence.
Key Topics Covered
Storming → Norming → Performing—why most leaders get stuck and how to move through it fast
A 50-minute one-on-one template that builds trust and surfaces “hidden gold” in your team
From bathroom duty to stage leadership—redeploying gifts through pastoral listening
Key Quote
“Take off the recruiting hat and put on the pastor’s hat.”
Scripture References
Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love.”
Takeaway
You can’t shortcut time, but you can accelerate trust. Schedule focused one-on-ones, pray specifically, cast a clear ‘Egypt → Wilderness → Promise’ vision, and invite people into meaningful roles aligned with their gifts. Ministry speeds up when relationships go deep.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin return for Part 2 of their two-part series on the 10 essentials every team needs from its leader.
In Part 1, they explored communication, community, change, coaching, and care. Now they complete the framework with the final five essentials that build trust, stability, and long-term retention in volunteer teams.
If you’ve ever wanted a clear blueprint for what keeps people engaged and motivated in ministry, this episode finishes the picture.
Key Topics Covered
Credibility – authenticity that earns trust
Conclusions – decisive leadership that builds confidence
Conflict Management – why healthy teams deal with dirt
Celebration – what you celebrate, you cultivate
Character – being the model you want mirrored
Key Quote
“People move toward the applause. What you celebrate, you cultivate.” – Josh Denhart
Scripture References
Matthew 5:37 – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Takeaway
The final 5 essentials—credibility, conclusions, conflict management, celebration, and character—complete the leadership framework for retention. When leaders embody these qualities, volunteers don’t just stay; they flourish.
Call to Action
We hope this two-part series equips you with a roadmap for healthy, lasting teams. Share it with a fellow leader who needs encouragement today.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart is joined by Vance Martin from Slingshot Group for Part 1 of a two-part series on the 10 essentials every team needs from its leader.
They lay the foundation with the relationship vs. results quadrant—helping leaders assess whether their teams are functioning like small groups, independent contractors, mercenaries, or thriving cultures. From there, Josh and Vance unpack the first 5 essentials that create healthy, long-lasting teams.
If you’ve ever struggled with retention or wondered why volunteers quietly slip away, this episode gives you the first half of the roadmap.
Key Topics Covered
Communication – Why two-way connection is the gift of leadership
Community – How belonging fuels resilience
Change – Leading teams toward a better future
Coaching – Moving beyond cheerleading to growth
Care – Knowing their world to lead their work
Key Quote
“People don’t quit ministries. People quit leaders.” – Josh Denhart
Scripture References
Proverbs 27:23 – “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Takeaway
The first 5 essentials—communication, community, change, coaching, and care—are what transform volunteers from short-term helpers into long-term partners. Miss these, and people leave. Live them, and your team thrives.
Call to Action
We hope this episode equips you to build healthier teams. Don’t miss Part 2, where Josh and Vance share the remaining 5 essentials.
Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk break down a simple, powerful retention lever: align volunteers with their giftedness. They explore how “ability + willingness” fuels longevity and how a SHAPE conversation helps leaders seat the right people in the right roles for healthy teams.
If you’ve ever felt stuck replacing the same volunteers month after month, this episode will equip and inspire you with a practical path to keep the “good ones” God has already provided.
Key Topics Covered
Defining giftedness vs. general ability – why the difference matters for retention
Jim Collins’ “right people, right seats” applied to church teams
The SHAPE conversation: Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences—how to run it this month
Key Quote
“Wrong seat doesn’t mean wrong person—shift the seat, not the bus.”
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Romans 12:6 – “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”
Takeaway
Retention starts with alignment. When leaders intentionally discover gifts and place people accordingly, willingness rises, joy increases, and ministries stabilize. Use SHAPE to learn a volunteer’s design, then move them to a role where they’ll thrive—and stay.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack the vital topic of volunteer retention. They explore why keeping volunteers isn’t just about filling slots, but about discipleship, stewardship, and honoring the people God has already entrusted to your ministry.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted by constant turnover or afraid of burning out your team, this episode will equip you with a fresh vision and practical tools for retention.
Key Topics Covered
Retention defined: what it really means to “keep” volunteers
Why serving is a spiritual life hack for discipleship
Practical use of the Five Love Languages for volunteer care
Key Quote
“Don’t let your ministry become the meat grinder for volunteers.”
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:11–12 – “...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”
Takeaway
Volunteer retention isn’t just a staffing strategy, it’s a discipleship pathway. When leaders steward their volunteers well—through encouragement, service, and personal care—they not only strengthen their ministry but also honor God.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk announce a new monthly, laser-focused content plan for ministry leaders. They outline a year-long scope and sequence—starting with volunteer retention—that aligns the podcast, newsletter, webinars, free resources, and courses into one cohesive system.
If you’ve ever felt scattered by competing priorities or stuck on the recruitment hamster wheel, this episode will equip and inspire you with a focused plan to build a ministry that keeps working—even when you’re not in the room.
Key Topics Covered
Retain First – Why closing the back door beats frantic recruitment
Content Saturation – One theme per month across podcast, guides, webinar, and course
Year at a Glance – From Retain and Train to Lead Meetings, Digital, and Multiply
Key Quote
“Success in ministry is not what you do. Success in ministry is what happens if you never came back.”
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:12 – “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”
2 Timothy 2:2 – “what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also”
Takeaway
Stop spreading your effort thin. Commit to one strategic focus each month and align every channel to reinforce it. Start with retention, then build systems for training, meetings, digital communication, and multiplication. Progress compounds when your inputs are coordinated.
Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.
Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers