How to Build a Volunteer Culture That Lasts

Do you want more volunteers—or better ones? In this episode, Stephanie Prince is joined by Todd Bishop and Adam Dye to explore what it takes to build, equip, and care for a healthy volunteer team. They dive into the practical side of recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteers across different ministries—from tech to guest services to parking—and what it really looks like to foster a culture of ownership and growth. You’ll learn how to spot the right people, develop a flexible onboarding process, and create moments for care and discipleship in the middle of a fast-paced ministry calendar. Whether you’re leading in a small church or a multi-campus context, this episode will help you shift from filling roles to forming leaders. Episode Guests: Stephanie Prince: Connection Minister, The Church at Station Hill Todd Bishop: Executive Pastor, North Region, Brentwood Baptist Adam Dye: Production Director, Brentwood Baptist Timestamps: 00:00 – Why volunteers matter in every ministry 02:30 – What to look for in a great volunteer 06:00 – How to spot leaders through the membership process 08:30 – Why you should always be recruiting 10:00 – The problem with high skill, low character 11:30 – Onboarding tips that actually work 14:00 – Training volunteers through shadowing 17:00 – Giving volunteers ownership and feedback 20:00 – Learning to delegate and let go 22:00 – Equipping the saints vs. doing it all yourself 23:30 – Helping volunteers grow spiritually 26:00 – How to care for your team 32:00 – Final thoughts: Presence over performance Resources Mentioned: Ephesians 4:11–13 – Equipping the saints for the work of ministry 1 Peter 4:10–11 – Using our gifts to serve one another Elevate Church Conference Join us at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN for a one-day event designed to equip your entire ministry team. You’ll hear from seasoned leaders, attend practical workshops, and leave with real tools for your church’s next season. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com