Internal development vs. External hires

In today’s fast-paced church scene, many senior and executive leaders find themselves wrestling with the challenge of supercharging their Kids and Student Ministries. The pressure to snag top talent often pushes leaders toward pricey staffing firms and external hires. But here’s a game-changing secret that often gets overlooked: you should invest in coaching and developing your current volunteers and staff members.

We totally get it—this idea might seem like a stretch. Senior leaders are juggling a million things, from capital campaigns to crafting the perfect sermon, leaving little room to focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders. But here’s the kicker: hiring external candidates can really dent your budget. Between recruitment fees and relocation costs, the bills can pile up fast.

Although Next Wave offers more affordable staffing solutions, investing in the professional development of your existing team members proves to be not only more economical, but also instrumental for your culture. (By the way, we can help! See more below.) In reallocating funds from external recruitment to internal growth, you make a smart investment that promotes long-term success without stretching your budget.

Our top 3 reasons for internal coaching > external hires:

1. Existing Culture Fit
   Current volunteers and staff already understand your church’s culture, values, and mission. They are familiar with the unique dynamics of your ministry and have established relationships within the congregation. Internal candidates are more likely to seamlessly integrate into new or expanded roles, reducing the onboarding time and potential disruptions that come with new hires.

2. Enhanced Morale and Retention
   Investing in the growth of your existing team members signals that your church values and believes in their potential. This kind of investment not only boosts morale but also enhances retention rates. Employees who feel valued and see a clear path for advancement are more likely to stay committed and motivated.

3. Customized Development
   Coaching allows for personalized development plans tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of each individual. Unlike external hires who may need extensive training and acclimation, your existing team members can benefit from targeted coaching that builds on their existing skills and aligns with their career goals within your ministry.

Okay, so you’re bought in. You’re all in for internal over external, and saving the big bucks. But, now you are faced with new challenges. 1) How will I margin the time to intentionally coach and develop when my plate is already overflowing with senior leader chaos? 2) How do I coach and develop this leader in an area that is not my expertise?

How Next Wave partners with churches for internal coaching:

1. Identify potential leaders
   Start by evaluating your current volunteers and staff members. Look for individuals who show passion, initiative, and a commitment to your ministry’s mission. Consider their strengths, areas for growth, and their potential to step into new roles and pass these candidates onto Next Wave.

2. Next Wave interviews
   Next Wave will chat with each individual to identify strengths, skills, and potential and ultimately determine who is the best fit for the unique needs of this role.

3. Next Wave creates a development plan
   Our team will create a customized development plan. This plan should outline specific goals, needed skills, and the resources required to achieve these objectives. Include opportunities for mentorship, training, and hands-on experience.

4. Provide Ongoing Support
   Coaching is not a one-time event but a continuous process. That’s why Next Wave will provide regular check-ins and feedback to support your new internal hire as they work towards their goals. We will continue to provide coaching plans and celebrate their milestones and achievements.

5. Evaluate and Adjust
   Our team will regularly assess the effectiveness of our coaching strategy by having check-ins with executive/senior leadership. Is your new internal hire meeting their development goals? Are they thriving in their new role? Our team will use this feedback to refine our approach and ensure that the coaching we are providing is yielding the desired results.

Investing in the growth of your current volunteers and staff is like discovering a hidden gem in your own backyard. It’s a smart move to level up your Kids and Student Ministries while sparking enthusiasm and commitment throughout your church. By shining the spotlight on internal coaching, you’re not just enhancing your ministry—you’re fueling a blaze of confidence and leadership in your team.

As you look ahead, keep in mind that the real magic might already be in your existing crew. If you don’t nurture their potential, someone else will—and they might just leave for greener pastures. By developing your homegrown talent, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant and impactful ministry that energizes both your congregation and the wider community. It’s all about turning your in-house stars into your church’s next big thing!