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Building and mobilising a thriving team

Insights from Archie Coates
17 June 2026 by
Building and mobilising a thriving team
CPAS


How many people can I get involved in this mission?


Building a team within a church context is often cited as a top challenge for leaders. In a recent CPAS webinar with Archie Coates, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, shared practical wisdom on how to move from a "maintenance mindset" to a "mission mindset" to build sustainable, thriving volunteer teams.


The Core Mindset: It’s a Partnership with the Holy Spirit
Archie emphasizes that church leadership is a partnership with the Holy Spirit. Rather than viewing recruitment as a burden to bear alone, leaders should pray, asking the "Lord of the harvest" to send workers (Luke 10) (06:33-07:47).

Three Pillars of Building a Team

Archie outlines three essential strategies for effectively building and mobilizing your volunteer force:

1. Prioritise Personally (08:31-14:26) 

Shift from a maintenance mindset, trying to run things with as few people as possible, to a mission mindset. Ask yourself, "How many people can I get involved in this mission?" Use "selective consciousness" to keep your eyes open for potential in everyone you meet.


2. Recruit Rapidly (14:31-21:28)

Don't rely on "begging notices" from the front. Instead, cast a clear, exciting vision of what God is doing. When you see a potential volunteer, use the power of the personal ask: be clear about the opportunity, set expectations for a specific timeframe (don't make it a "life sentence"), and follow up quickly. Help people be known and needed. 


3. Risk Responsibility (21:38-25:35)

Avoid simply delegating tasks; delegate responsibility. Give people meaningful roles where they have the agency to lead. Trusting people with ownership often empowers them to step up and perform at a higher level.


Sustaining Your Team: Community, Clarity, and Culture


Once you have a team, keeping them mobilised is about how you treat and lead them:

Community (26:38-29:19)

Teams need a relational heart. Create margin for fun and genuine connection. Archie suggests a "three P's" habit, connecting with three people on your team each morning (praying for them, checking in on their life) to build relational capital.


Clarity (29:22-30:42)

People want to know what success looks like. Be clear about roles, training requirements, and time commitments.


Culture (30:44-32:27)

Cultivate a culture that is positive, grateful, and encouraging. Specific praise is significantly more effective than general thanks.


By focusing on these principles, leaders can create an environment where volunteers feel known, valued, and empowered to join in the mission God is already moving through their church.