There is never not a good time to talk about volunteers; how to recruit them, train them and lead them so allow me introduce a six part series that will help you take those wall hugging volunteers and turn them into active ministry partners.
Every youth pastor has them — those faithful adults who show up, keep an eye on the kids, make sure no one breaks anything, and maybe hand out snacks. They’re dependable, kind, and a huge help. But sometimes, they stay stuck in chaperone mode — making sure nothing bad happens instead of stepping into the deeper ministry God’s called them to.
If we want our students to grow spiritually, we need to help our adults grow too. That means moving them from supervisors to shepherds, from crowd control to kingdom impact. Here’s how you can make that shift in your youth ministry.
Change the Language and Expectations
Words shape culture. If you keep calling them “chaperones,” they’ll keep acting like chaperones.
Instead, use language that casts vision: youth leader, mentor, ministry partner.
Take time to paint a picture of what their presence means — not just keeping order, but shaping lives.
Explain the why: Students are learning faith not only from what’s taught on stage but from how adults interact, listen, and respond. Every hallway conversation, van ride, and small group moment is an opportunity to reflect Jesus.
Keep an ear out for anyone who uses the phrase, “Just a volunteer”. This phrase is the antithesis of shepherding. Don’t let others use terms for your team that would hint at a “less than” and do your best to counter the “just a volunteer” when your leaders say it about themselves. Remind them that they are more than just Pizza Servers and Shush Czars.