How to Recruit Care Ministry Leaders
A practical framework to clarify vision, define roles, and develop leaders who can steward a sustainable care ministry.
1. Clarify Your Vision
- Define what care looks like in your church and what needs leaders will address.
- Set a five-year picture for the ministry — recruiting requires a destination.
2. Create a Position Description
Include title, responsibilities, accountability structure, term length, and a clear off-ramp for volunteers who need to step down.
3. Define Ideal Leader Qualities
- Others-oriented servant: motivated by compassion, not position.
- Shepherd: trustworthy, approachable, able to point people to Christ.
- Comforter: has walked through trials and offers empathy without rescuing.
- Healed and healthy: not leading from active pain or unresolved wounds.
- Morally sound and accountable: upholds church values and confidentiality.
- Spiritually mature: prays for others, knows personal limits, seeks guidance.
4. Share the Vision Broadly
- Communicate from the pulpit, newsletters, and small-group networks.
- Use stories, testimonies, and statistics to show the real need and the joy of serving.
5. Hold an Information Meeting
- Present your care ministry’s goals, current needs, and leadership opportunities.
- Use interest forms or “potential leader questionnaires” to discern fit.
6. Offer Training and Apprenticeships
- Pair emerging leaders with experienced caregivers.
- Arrange visits to churches with established care teams.
- Provide access to online courses, books, or Hope Made Strong’s Caregiver Toolbox.
- Pray persistently — for workers, wisdom, and discernment.
Next Steps
- Use CareNote to create a Care Team Group.
- Assign initial Care Requests for observation and practice.
- Schedule a monthly debrief meeting with your team.
- Develop a training plan for ongoing growth.
“The goal isn’t to find perfect people — it’s to cultivate a community of listeners who reflect the compassion of Christ.”