I’m sure your church has never had to deal with negative volunteers, right? Unfortunately, many other church leaders are familiar with the challenge of dealing with a small-group leader who has a negative spirit. It can mean death to a small group, so it’s an issue that needs attention before it gets out of hand.

Here are three simple steps to transform negative behavior in a small-group leader:

Step 1: Identify the source of the negativity. Negativity comes in many forms. In addition to complaining, some negative people will display an attitude of pessimism, doubt, mistrust, or sarcasm. Often it will be acted out as critical behavior towards people or programs. At this stage you’ll need to figure out what may be the cause, or source, of the negative attitude.

Negativity may be caused by some legitimate concerns or issues that you’ll want to address. Reasons for negative behavior may include being overextended in responsibilities, doubt about a staff leader’s ability, feelings of being unchallenged, or even insufficient recognition.

Set aside time to connect with your small-group leader, in private, and listen for clues that might identify a reason. Use reflective listening and feedback to see if you can identify the source, and then work on some action steps toward a solution.

Step 2: Contain the negativity. It’s important to contain your leader’s negative attitude so it doesn’t spread to the rest of the group. I was once part of a small group where a leader’s attitude was so damaging that the only solution was to disband and start over!

Don’t allow negative leaders to control a group. This may even require removing someone from their leadership in order to change the group’s tone. This is where a team covenant, or agreement, can come in handy. A covenant spells out the ground rules of how your small group will work together. A small-group pastor recently showed me his group’s covenant which states their purpose: To maintain a positive attitude of joy and to enjoy the opportunity to serve together. If you don’t have a covenant, now’s the time to write one!

Step 3: Establish a positive vision. Here’s where your leadership is vital. They say a smile is contagious—so is a positive vision. Set the tone with your own positive behavior and affirm the positive attitude of your small-group leaders.

In his book Managing Workplace Negativity, Gary S. Topchik reports that 90% of employees want leaders to notice their efforts and recognize them. Likewise, small-group leaders want the positive reinforcement that they matter to you, the church, and God. Recast your small-group vision, and communicate to your leaders the blessings that result from their efforts. Be the cheerleader to keep everyone on the right track as you face the challenges. Celebrate your successes and rejoice in the positive changes this ministry is making in the lives of others.

Our attitude is the one thing we can change about ourselves. Help your small-group leaders improve their outlook and you’ll retain their service longer and grow a stronger ministry!

Bob D'Ambrosio has 25 years' experience with volunteer leadership in small group ministry, discipleship, and education. He now serves as a consultant and trainer with Church Volunteer Central, and is a frequent contributor to Children’s Ministry Magazine.