Your team takes their cues from you before you say a single word. Show up ready.
Work through this before your team arrives. A prepared leader leads a confident team.
Rally starts before service. Your team should arrive 10 minutes before rally — that's their real arrival time.
No normal serve. Someone's first time is today. Lead like it.
Their first Sunday with your team is one of the most important moments they'll have. You get to make it great.
Your coach will let you know ahead of time when a new dreamer is joining your team. From that moment on — this is your plan.
Your coach will give you a heads up when a new dreamer is joining. When you get that message, start thinking through steps 2 and 3. Don't wait until Sunday morning.
Before Sunday, decide who on your team will be next to the new dreamer during the serve. Pick someone warm, experienced, and unhurried. This is one of the most important decisions you'll make — don't leave it to chance or last minute.
They will arrive with a Support Team member who has been with them since they walked in. When you see them, receive them with the same energy — they should feel like they've been expected and are genuinely wanted here.
Do it before they introduce themselves. "Hey everyone — this is [Name], and we are so glad they're joining us today." Short, warm, and deliberate. They should walk away from Rally already feeling like they belong.
Walk them over to the teammate you chose. Make the introduction personally — don't just point them in the right direction. "This is [Teammate] — they're going to be with you today." Then let them go serve together.
Find them once mid-serve. Not to hover — just to check in. "How's it going? Any questions?" That moment matters more than you think. It says: I see you, and I'm paying attention.
Find them before they leave. Look them in the eye. Thank them specifically for something you saw them do. Tell them you're glad they were there. Let them know their next serve date. This closing moment is what they'll carry with them — make it feel real.
The difference between a new dreamer who comes back and one who doesn't is almost always what happened on their first Sunday — and most of that comes down to you.
They said yes. Now show them it was the right call.
A little communication mid-week goes a long way. Your team feels it when you're thinking about them between Sundays.
You don't need a system — just consistency and genuine care.
You don't have to send anything official — but a simple text to your team mid-week can change the whole vibe on Sunday. Something that says: I'm thinking about you, and I can't wait to serve with you.
"Hey team — so grateful for you all. Can't wait to see you Sunday. It's going to be a great one."
If you saw someone do something great on Sunday, don't wait until next week to tell them. A specific, genuine message during the week lands differently — and it's one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader.
"Hey [Name] — I just wanted to say what you did Sunday with [specific moment] was exactly what this team is about. Thank you. It matters more than you know."
If a team member lets you know they can't make it, acknowledge it warmly. Your coach is also watching attendance — you're not carrying this alone.
"Got it — we'll miss you! Thanks for letting me know. See you next week!"
Catherine is your person for scheduling support. Reach out to her whenever something comes up — the earlier the better, so she has time to help you well.
Encouragement mid-week is leadership. Don't save it all for Sunday.
Your coach is your closest support. Here's everyone else in your corner.
Your coach is investing in your team all week long — praying for people, following up on absences, and developing the people on your roster. You and your coach are a team. Keep them in the loop, and lean on them when you need to.
Go to your coach when: someone was absent · someone seems to be pulling back · you saw something on Sunday that needs a follow-up conversation · anything relational you're not sure how to handle.
It's a privilege to lead this team. It all matters.