Pastor as Talent Scout: Discovering the Gifts in Your Congregation
by Pastor Travis Norton
You’ve seen the scene in sports movies—a quiet scout in the stands, watching intently, taking notes, searching for the next hidden gem. Their mission? To find the right talent to build a winning team.
As pastors, we’re called to do something remarkably similar. We are spiritual talent scouts, discerning the gifts God has placed within our congregations. The Holy Spirit has already distributed these gifts—we’re simply called to recognize, nurture, and deploy them for Kingdom work.
So how do we do this well?
1. Expect to Be Surprised.
The talent your church needs is already present. The Holy Spirit has done the work of distribution. Our job is to stay open and attentive. Often, it’s the quiet person in the back pew who steps forward with exactly the gift needed at just the right time. Don’t fall into the habit of asking the same people again and again. Keep your eyes open—you might be missing a diamond in the rough.
2. Create Opportunities to Reveal Gifts.
Leadership potential often emerges in action. Short-term teams with specific tasks—like organizing a yard sale, serving on an internship committee, or managing benevolence funds—can be fertile ground for discovering gifts. These low-risk environments allow people to try, grow, and shine. Once you see their strengths, invite them into deeper leadership roles.
3. Name the Gifts You See.
Many people don’t realize their professional skills are spiritual gifts, too. Whether it’s organizing, budgeting, writing, or leading teams—these talents can be used to serve the church. Pastors have the unique opportunity to help people connect the dots between their everyday abilities and God’s work. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10
4. Trust Your People.
Once you’ve identified gifted individuals, give them room to lead. Micromanaging can stifle creativity and discourage engagement. Yes, church culture may differ from corporate or nonprofit settings, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them. Empower your volunteers. Let them innovate. Trust them to steward their gifts faithfully.
Need Help Identifying and Coaching Volunteers?
At Pinnacle Leadership Associates, we specialize in helping pastors like you discover and develop the gifts within your congregation. If you're launching a new initiative or simply want to build a stronger leadership pipeline, we’d love to come alongside you.
Reach out today—and let’s build the team God is calling you to lead.
