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.
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