How to support lay people who are active in leadership
Churches are more likely to be growing where volunteers are involved in a variety of roles in church life
THE ‘FROM ANECDOTE TO EVIDENCE research shows that good quality lay leadership and active involvement from lay people are linked to growth. It is important that roles (including PCC membership) are shared among a wide range of people, including newcomers and younger people, and that there is some rotation.
Key facts from the research
In the survey of growing churches, the following question was asked:
‘Do the same people tend to serve in volunteer leadership roles year after year or does your church rotate volunteer service among a larger number of people?’
- Of those who answered that the same people tend to serve, 8% reported growth.
- Of those who said that there was some rotation, tending to be among a limited number of people, 19% reported growth.
- Of those who said there was a lot of rotation among people in volunteer leadership roles, 47% reported growth.
- The majority of churches in the sample fall into the middle category and only 7% in the last.
- The research into fresh expressions of church, which have shown significant growth highlighted that over half (52%) of these new worshipping and witnessing communities are lay led.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28
The above facts give a better understanding of how churches that have a wide variety of lay people supporting the community are more likely to grow. How might your church enable and encourage lay people who are active in leadership? The resources below will help support this process.
Resources for active leadership
Bible study
This Bible study from Revd Charlie Peer focuses on 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 and asks the reader to think about the way in which our gifts are a reflection of who we are, together in Christ. Download file.
Score card
This score card can be used alongside the worksheet for this factor to help group members to reach an overall score for the factor or to help identify areas for further development. Download file.
Interactive exercise
This interactive exercise can be used alongside or in place of the discussion questions on the worksheet card in order to help group members explore this particular factor that is related to growth. Download file.
Growing Leaders
Growing Leaders is a course from The Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) which helps identify and grow lay leaders in a church. Visit website.
Related resources
Bubble Church: Grow your families ministry
15 October 2025 12:00 – 13:00
Running successful children and youth ministry
Doubling the number of young active disciples by 2030
Leading your congregation through change
