If there’s one topic that keeps rising to the surface in leadership conversations, it’s teams—how to build them, energize them, and keep them moving in the right direction. A few weeks ago, I found myself watching a show set in outer space. Over and over again, the characters referenced Newton’s Laws of Motion. It struck me: those same laws that govern stars and spacecraft also offer insight into something closer to home—how we lead people.
Because here’s the truth: volunteers aren’t just static names on a spreadsheet. They’re people in motion. They carry momentum, direction, and potential. And as leaders, we’re called to guide that motion, to nurture it, and sometimes to help it start in the first place. That’s where Newton’s Laws come in. They’re not just about physics. They’re a metaphor for leadership—and a surprisingly useful one at that.
Let’s explore what they can teach us.
1st Law: The Law of Inertia – Leadership Starts with Initiative
“An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.”
In other words, things (and people) tend to keep doing what they’re already doing. A disengaged person won’t suddenly volunteer. A thriving team won’t automatically stay healthy. Inertia is real—and leadership is the force that disrupts it.
If someone isn’t serving, it’s not always because they’re uninterested. It might be that no one has helped them imagine themselves in motion. A well-placed compliment, a meaningful invitation, or a gentle nudge can be the very thing that gets them moving.
Here’s a practical approach that helps activate new volunteers:
- Make a specific observation about what they’re already good at.
- Connect that strength to a need in your ministry.
- Frame it as a personal invitation that affirms their value and paints a clear picture of how they could contribute.
Examples:
- “You are really great at making people feel welcome. You’d be awesome on our hospitality team.”
- “I’ve noticed you connect really well with new families—that could really help with our guest follow-up.”
Leadership at its best isn’t about filling roles—it’s about calling people into motion with intention, affirmation, and clarity.
2nd Law: The Law of Acceleration – Focus Fuels Growth
“The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied and inversely proportional to its mass.” (F = ma)
In leadership language? The growth of your team is tied to the clarity and energy you invest—and the obstacles you remove.
The “force” we apply as leaders comes through vision, encouragement, training, and celebration. When we lead with intention, we empower volunteers to grow. But too often, that force is dampened by unnecessary weight—confusion, red tape, unclear roles, or even overcommitment.
If you want your volunteers to thrive, think like an engineer: reduce the drag. Eliminate clutter. Simplify systems. Focus your team’s energy on what matters most.
Here’s a practical way to apply this:
- Identify 2–3 focused priorities that would make the biggest impact.
- Ask your team how they could help bring clarity or movement to those goals.
Example:
“How could we create a faster follow-up process for first-time guests at Van Dorn?”
A team with clear purpose and room to move will always accelerate faster than a bloated one with no direction.
3rd Law: Action and Reaction – Culture Is Created by Every Interaction
“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
Every interaction you have as a leader sends a ripple. Encouragement leads to ownership. Clarity leads to confidence. But the opposite is also true. Criticism, disorganization, or silence? Those lead to hesitation, burnout, or drift.
Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when leaders consistently show up in a way that invites others to do the same. When volunteers know they’re appreciated, when they’re reminded why their contribution matters, and when they feel supported—they reflect that energy back. They smile more, serve longer, and give their best.
Want a culture of energy and joy? Be joyful.
Want a culture of reliability? Be reliable.
Want volunteers who take initiative? Let them see you take it first.
Leadership is not about controlling people—it’s about setting things in motion, creating an environment where positive reactions become the norm.
Final Thought: You’re Leading More Than a Team—You’re Building a Movement
What makes working with volunteers so incredible is that it’s never just about getting a job done. It’s about forming people, building community, and watching ordinary individuals become part of something extraordinary. Volunteers don’t just show up to fill a role. They show up to grow, to belong, and to make a difference.
And as a leader, you get to guide that process.
The universe of influence around you is wide open—but it doesn’t move on its own. It moves when you take action. It accelerates when you focus your energy. It reacts when you invest in others.
So the next time you think about your team, don’t just ask “who do I need?” Ask, “what kind of motion do I want to create?”
Because the universe of influence is waiting—and your leadership is the force that sets it in motion.
Read Part 2 of this series, where we explore the three “black holes” of leadership—the hidden forces that drain your influence and stall momentum.