I recently posed the question of the week to some of my team leaders—volunteer and part-time staff—at the bookstore at Granger Community Church in Granger, Ind. Here is what they had to say:

Abby: "Take advantage of any time the team is able to get together—keep lists of things to go over, successes you've noticed. If getting together is just not an option, I would first ask why—are the meetings too long? Is there a time or day that would be better for more people? Could meetings be just as effective if you had two a year versus one a month?"

"Finally, if a meeting in person is just impossible, it's time to embrace technology. Maybe create a Facebook group or Yahoo group or have an online chat. Create a monthly newsletter. The most important thing is to always communicate, and use whatever avenue is going to be best for your audience.

"And don't forget to ask your team what's the best way to communicate with them. Sometimes we assume things to be true that really aren't. If you're afraid the team won't be honest, maybe have them complete an anonymous survey to get the answers you need."

Dian: "You have to be creative. Keep e-mails interesting to hold interest. Hold necessary meetings at a couple different times, so as many folks as possible can participate. Use training DVDs, if available. Post things in bookstore/cafe for product info and direction. Treat everyone well and respectfully. Encourage a caring attitude toward volunteers. Have game nights just for fun."

Amanda: "(One thing) I strive really hard to do is send out weekly e-mails to the teams that I lead. This includes the weekend updates or any other interesting information. I try to keep in constant communication with the team. I've been toying with trying to get the teams to come in a little earlier before we set up the bookstore so we can have a mini powwow before we serve."

Susan Chipman
Director of Retail Services
Granger Community Church
Granger, Ind.