Word Count: 366 – Est Read Time: <2 Minutes
What’s Up?
You think your volunteers are uncommitted because they’re inconsistent. What if the real problem is that they’re stretched too thin and running on empty?
So What?
Too many churches, especially small ones, try to do too much with too few people. Overworked leaders and volunteers don’t produce excellence; they produce mediocrity. And mediocrity won’t grow a church.
The Point Is:
Cut the Clutter.
If your church is small, focus on worship designed for the unchurched, a life-transformational small group system, and no more than four outreach events a year. Easter and Christmas Eve should be two of them. Everything else? Maybe it’s time to let it go.
Reduce Unnecessary Positions and Meetings.
Smaller churches don’t need layers of leadership or monthly meetings that accomplish little. Even if your board micromanages down to the last pencil purchase, quarterly meetings are plenty. Fewer positions, fewer meetings, less burnout.
One Person, One Passion, One Position.
Every leader in your church should serve in only one key role that aligns with their passion. The person overseeing building maintenance shouldn’t also be the stewardship chair. If no one has the passion to run a program—cancel it. If God hasn’t raised up a leader for it, God probably hasn’t called your church to do it.
And …?
Churches that operate on volunteer overload guarantee one thing: exhaustion. People love the church, and they love you. That’s why they say yes to too many roles. But when someone’s juggling multiple responsibilities outside their passion, they’re just going through the motions. And that’s a surefire way to guarantee mediocrity.
Instead, imagine a church where every person serves in their sweet spot. Where people bring their best because they’re not drowning in commitments. Where volunteers are energized, not drained. That’s a church poised for real impact. Because here’s the truth: excellence attracts. When your church is committed to doing fewer things, but doing them with excellence, you create an environment that people want to be part of. And that’s a core growth principle.
Action!
Audit your church’s leadership structure this week. What positions, committees, and programs need to be trimmed? Start making the necessary cuts now.
