Building a Strong Parish Team: The Keys to Effective Onboarding

On my first day at the parish, I didn’t know what time to arrive, so I showed up early—so early that no one else appeared for another hour. When I finally found my office, I realized I didn’t have a computer, and my supervisor was out of town. The only instructions I had were scribbled on a piece of paper: “Chris, while I’m out, call these people to see if they’ll serve in middle school ministry.”

With no other choice and no experience in youth ministry, I picked up the phone and started cold-calling people, inviting them into something I didn’t fully understand. It wasn’t the ideal start.

Fast forward 12 years, and I found myself starting over in ministry again. This time, with years of experience under my belt, I knew how to navigate the challenges better. Over my years with Marathon Youth Ministry, I’ve discovered that my initial experience isn’t unique—many in ministry face similar situations.

To set our teams—both paid and volunteer—up for success, creating a solid onboarding process is essential. Unfortunately, many parishes skip this step, overwhelmed by the demands of daily tasks. But onboarding is something we can’t afford to ignore. Here’s how you can ensure your team starts on the right foot:

Equip Them with the Right Tools

Ensure your new team members have everything they need from day one: keys, a laptop, a phone, a desk, and office space. Arrange for someone to walk them through their benefits, show them how to use the parish database, and explain the process for taking paid time off (PTO). If they lack the proper tools or guidance, they’ll struggle to complete their tasks efficiently, leading to frustration and lost time.

Facilitate Connections with the Team

Introduce the new team member to their coworkers and volunteers. Encourage these introductions to be more than just a quick hello—ask your team to share what they do and how their roles intersect with the new hire’s responsibilities. Starting a new job can be isolating, but strong connections can help the newcomer feel like part of the team from the start.

Share Your Ministry’s Story and Vision

Use the first few days to orient your new team member to the history and vision of the parish. Make sure they understand the goals you’re working toward and how their role fits into the bigger picture. Even if you covered this during the interview, it’s worth revisiting. This gives them a chance to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the parish’s mission.

Outline a Clear Plan for the First Few Weeks

New team members often aren’t sure how to spend their time during their first weeks on the job. As their supervisor, provide a clear plan with specific tasks and goals. This might include meeting key people, conducting research, or observing the parish culture. By setting clear expectations and checking in regularly, you ensure they stay aligned with your vision and objectives.

Proper onboarding is more than just an introduction—it’s an investment in your team’s success. By giving your new members the tools, connections, knowledge, and guidance they need, you help them build confidence in their roles. The time you spend onboarding will pay off in the long run, as your team members feel supported, understand your ministry’s flow, and contribute to its growth.