Empowering Your Team with the 1:3:1 Rule™ - A Guide for Church Leaders

Last Updated October 2025

As leaders, our mission extends beyond resolving immediate problems, it’s about equipping our teams with the skills to tackle challenges independently and innovatively. This is where the 1:3:1 Rule™ comes into play, a strategy I believe can fundamentally change how your team approaches problem-solving.

The 1:3:1 Rule™ is simple yet powerful. Whenever a team member encounters an issue or sees an opportunity for improvement, they should not stop at merely pointing it out. Instead, they're encouraged to think critically and propose three viable solutions, and then recommend one specific course of action. This method cultivates a culture of ownership, creativity, and proactive problem-solving.

Why the 1:3:1 Rule™ Works

This rule works because it does more than solve problems, it develops problem solvers. By requiring team members to suggest multiple solutions before making a recommendation, you foster a mindset of thorough analysis and thoughtful consideration. It’s about transforming passive participants into active, engaged leaders.

Practical Applications in Church Leadership

1. Scenario: Updating Technology

Imagine your church's sound system is outdated and frequently malfunctions during services. Instead of simply highlighting the problem, a staff member could suggest:

Option 1: Upgrade the current system with the latest technology.
Option 2: Repair existing equipment and train additional volunteers on troubleshooting basics.
Option 3: Outsource sound management to a professional company.
Recommendation: After considering cost, long-term benefits, and team capacity, the recommendation might be to upgrade the current system, ensuring reliability and enhancing worship experiences.

2. Scenario: Community Outreach Expansion

Suppose your team wants to expand its outreach initiatives. A team member might identify the need for greater community engagement and propose:

Option 1: Launch a new food pantry service.
Option 2: Start a weekly community clean-up event.
Option 3: Partner with local businesses for community development projects.
Recommendation: Assessing community needs and resource availability, they might recommend partnering with businesses to maximize impact through combined efforts.

3. Scenario: Enhancing Volunteer Recruitment

When facing challenges in volunteer recruitment, a team member could approach the problem with:

Option 1: Implement a digital sign-up and scheduling system.
Option 2: Host volunteer appreciation and recruitment socials.
Option 3: Offer training sessions for volunteers to develop their skills.
Recommendation: To build a more engaged volunteer base, they might recommend the digital sign-up system to make the process more accessible and organized.

Implementing the 1:3:1 Rule™ in Your Church

Start by introducing the 1:3:1 Rule™ during your next staff meeting. Explain the benefits and provide examples to illustrate how it works. Encourage your team to adopt this mindset in their daily responsibilities and decision-making processes.

To facilitate this, you might:

Set clear expectations: Ensure everyone understands the rule and how to apply it.
Provide training: Offer workshops to help staff members develop problem-solving and analytical skills.
Celebrate successes: Recognize and reward team members who effectively use the 1:3:1 Rule™, reinforcing its value.

My Take on the 1:3:1 Rule™

In this short video, I’m just sharing from the heart about why the 1:3:1 Rule™ matters so much for building a healthy, empowered team.

▶ Watch: My Thoughts on the 1:3:1 Rule™

It’s not a polished training, just me explaining how this simple practice has changed the way we solve problems at Text In Church, and why I think it can do the same for your team.

Take Your Leadership to the Next Level

The 1:3:1 Rule™ is just the beginning of building a culture of ownership and empowerment in your church. If you’re ready to keep growing as a leader and guide your team toward greater impact, I’d love to help you take the next step.

I created a free 30-Day Leadership Plan to help church leaders like you gain clarity, strengthen your systems, and lead with confidence. Each day, you’ll receive a short, actionable step you can implement right away to build momentum with your team and ministry.

✅ Ready to empower your team and lead with confidence?
👉 Get Your Free 30-Day Leadership Plan Here

Conclusion

As leaders, our role isn't just to provide a fish, but to empower them to fish on their own. By embracing the 1:3:1 Rule™, you encourage your team to not only identify problems but also to be part of the solution. This empowers individuals, enhances team dynamics, and ultimately strengthens our church’s mission. Let's lead by example and cultivate an environment where challenges are met with creativity and initiative.

Together, we can build more resilient and proactive church communities.

About Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.

👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.