Your youth ministry volunteers are superheroes. They show up week after week, listen to middle schoolers talk about Minecraft for 20 minutes straight, and somehow still have the patience to lead small group discussions. But even superheroes need a break—otherwise, they go from energized leaders to exhausted, over-caffeinated zombies just trying to survive another Wednesday night.

Burnout is real, and if you don’t intentionally recharge your leadership team, you’ll start to see signs of it—less enthusiasm, more last-minute cancellations, and a noticeable drop in energy. But don’t worry, you don’t need a massive retreat or an expensive gift to bring them back to life. Here are some simple, effective ways to refuel your leaders and bring fresh energy to your team.

1. Check In—For Real This Time

When was the last time you had an honest conversation with each of your leaders? Not just a quick, “Hey, how’s it going?” in the church hallway, but a real check-in. Ask them how they’re feeling, what they’re loving, and what’s been hard.

Sometimes, volunteers hesitate to say they’re overwhelmed because they don’t want to disappoint you. But if you create space for honesty, you’ll know who needs encouragement, who might need a break, and who’s ready to step up in new ways.

2. Give Them a Week Off

Let’s be real—sometimes the best way to recharge is to take a breather. Consider giving your leaders a week off from small group duties and bringing in guest speakers, student-led nights, or even a “big group” night where no small groups meet.

Not only does this allow your volunteers to rest, but it also helps students experience different voices and perspectives. And let’s be honest, your leaders will love you forever if they get a week where they don’t have to figure out how to break up an argument over who’s better at Fortnite.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins

Nothing drains energy like feeling unappreciated. If your volunteers only hear from you when something goes wrong, it’s time to change that. Celebrate the small wins—text them when a student they’ve been investing in takes a step of faith. Brag about them in front of parents. Give them random thank-you notes just because.

It doesn’t have to be a big production—just a little recognition goes a long way in reminding leaders that what they’re doing matters.

4. Bring the Fun Back

Ministry is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a grind. Sometimes, leaders get burned out simply because things have gotten stale. Inject some fresh energy into your meetings—host a leader-only game night, plan a ridiculous team challenge, or surprise them with their favorite snacks at the next leader meeting.

The more fun your team has together, the more they’ll want to stick around.

5. Remind Them Why They Serve

At the end of the day, the best way to keep your leaders energized is to help them remember their why. Share stories of life change. Let students express their appreciation. Remind your team that what they do isn’t just “volunteering”—it’s making an eternal impact.

Keep the Fire Burning

Recharging your leadership team isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional with the team you already have. When your leaders are cared for, refreshed, and reminded of their purpose, they’ll not only avoid burnout—they’ll thrive.

So take a deep breath, check in with your team, and make sure your superheroes are ready to keep changing lives… without turning into ministry zombies. 🧟‍♂️🔥