Blog | Raising Up Voices: Tips for Training Volunteer Leaders to Preach and Teach

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As pastors and leaders, one of our most vital callings is not just to teach, but to equip others to teach also (2 Timothy 2:2). In many Protestant churches, there’s a growing need—and opportunity—to empower faithful, gifted members of the church to step into preaching and teaching roles. Whether it’s in small groups, adult education, youth ministry, or even Sunday mornings, raising up new voices is both biblical and practical.

But how do we do it wisely and effectively? Here are some tips for training church members to faithfully and confidently teach and preach the Word.

1. Discern Calling and Character Before Competency

Before handing someone a mic or curriculum, take time to observe their spiritual maturity, humility, and love for people. Are they known for their faithfulness? Do they serve with a teachable spirit? Preaching and teaching are not just skills—they are ministries that require deep integrity and a heart for Christ.

Tip: Ask potential leaders to start by leading small devotionals, discussions, or Bible readings to help you discern readiness.

2. Start With Solid Theological Foundations

Many volunteer leaders feel unprepared simply because they lack formal training. You don’t need to enroll them in seminary, but you can provide accessible theological grounding.

Suggestions:

• Offer a book club or study group on Bible interpretation (hermeneutics).
• Recommend resources like Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul or How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee & Stuart.
• Walk through the basics of biblical theology and sound doctrine together.

3. Model and Then Mentor

People learn to preach and teach not just by studying but by seeing and doing. Let your volunteer leaders shadow your preparation process—watch how you move from Scripture to sermon or from text to lesson plan.

Then, mentor them through the same process:

• Help them exegete the text.
• Ask good theological and pastoral questions.
• Work on structure, clarity, and application.

Mentorship multiplies impact far beyond any one training event.

4. Create Safe and Intentional Practice Opportunities

Don’t wait until a volunteer is “perfect.” Give them real, meaningful chances to teach and preach in settings that match their level of experience.

Examples:

• Sunday school or midweek Bible studies
• Small groups or home fellowships
• Devotional moments in team meetings
• Youth or children’s ministry lessons

Before putting someone in front of the whole congregation, create a safe space for feedback, encouragement, and refinement.

5. Teach Faithfulness Over Flashiness

Especially for those who haven’t preached before, there can be pressure to be dynamic or entertaining. Remind your leaders: the power is in the Word, not the performance.

Faithful preaching means:

• Staying rooted in Scripture.
• Pointing to Christ.
• Applying truth with pastoral care and humility.

Encourage your teachers to focus on clarity, conviction, and compassion rather than charisma.

6. Debrief, Encourage, and Sharpen

After someone preaches or teaches, take time to reflect with them:

• What went well?
• Where could they grow?
• Did the message honor the text and serve the people?

Be generous with encouragement and honest with coaching. Growth takes time, and constructive feedback is a gift when given in love.

7. Celebrate and Commission

Let your congregation know that this isn’t just a fill-in—it’s a ministry. Publicly affirm the calling and growth of your volunteer leaders who step into preaching and teaching roles. When the church sees their leaders investing in others, it builds a culture of equipping and empowerment.

Final Word: Steward the Pulpit Carefully

As a pastor, you are the theological gatekeeper of your church. Training others to preach and teach doesn’t mean handing off your responsibility—it means multiplying your reach. Done prayerfully and carefully, empowering volunteer leaders strengthens the church and builds the Body of Christ for every good work.