"Churches don’t have a people problem—they have a training problem."
I’m called to strengthen local churches by championing the biblical Ministry of Helps equipping pastors, leaders, and volunteers with clear, practical, Bible-anchored training that turns willingness into fruitful service.
Who I Am
I’m Dr. Buddy Bell often introduced as “A Pastor’s Friend.” Since 1977, I’ve served pastors and local churches around the world by teaching the value and function of the Ministry of Helps. I founded Ministry of Helps International in 1986 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I continue to equip churches with simple, Scripture-rooted systems for building healthy volunteer teams. In 2006, I received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Faith Theological Seminary and Christian College.
What I Do
I travel to churches globally and train pastors, leaders, and volunteers in helps ministry, servant leadership, and team development. Over the years, I’ve ministered in more than 3,000 churches, bringing practical, KJV-grounded teaching that makes ministry roles clear and service joyful. My resources, workshops, and messages focus on empowering volunteers, clarifying expectations, and aligning teams to Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12:28.
I author and publish books and e‑resources—including “How to Train Church Volunteers Without Feeling Overwhelmed,” “7 Simple Principles of Servant Leadership,” “10 Digital Trends Shaping Ministry Today,” and other materials on volunteer training and servant leadership. You can find resources through mohi.org (store and ministry hub), localchurchdepot.com (quotes and tools), and related leadership content shared at @BuddyBellLeadership.
How I Work
My teaching is warm, practical, and laser‑clear: define roles, train consistently, and celebrate faithful service. I keep it simple and biblical so churches can apply it immediately no complexity for complexity’s sake. I emphasize systems that make pastors’ lives easier and volunteers more confident, because most churches don’t lack willing people; they lack a training pathway.
I’m drawn to servant leadership that elevates unseen service and fosters unity. What matters to me is building dependable teams where everyone knows their place in the body, does it with excellence, and enjoys the work.
What Drives Me
I believe the Ministry of Helps is essential, honorable, and thoroughly biblical. When pastors equip the saints and volunteers are trained to serve, the whole church grows stronger. My mission is to put simple, reproducible training in the hands of leaders everywhere so Sunday doesn’t depend on a few, but is owned by a faithful many.
Where to Find My Work
Explore resources and training at mohi.org and localchurchdepot.com, ChurchactionNetwork.com and follow leadership content at @BuddyBellLeadership. I also collaborate on character and leadership development through related platforms such as Success With Character (SWC 2.0) successwithKathy.org.