So, the big question remains: How do we enlist, train, and keep awesome volunteers?
When families are checking in on Sunday mornings, there simply isn’t enough time to enlist new volunteers. Instead, try creating opportunities where your main goal is not to recruit, but to build relationships. Plan events where you can walk around, make connections, and talk with potential volunteers in a relaxed setting.
One great example is “Chalk the Lot.” This event can take place on the Saturday morning before church, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. Families bring sidewalk chalk (or you can provide it—I’m willing to bet your resource room already has plenty!). Encourage families to draw pictures and write Easter messages throughout the parking lot for Sunday morning. Make Chalk the Lot a church-wide event, not just a kids’ ministry activity.
You can also set up a few prayer stations with simple prayer prompts for those who may not want to chalk but still want to participate and be part of the body of Christ. Events like this allow you to meet and observe potential volunteers you don’t normally see on Sundays, while also putting your preschool and kids’ ministry front and center for your church family.
Another idea is to host a “Desserts and Discover” event. Provide desserts and take time to share what it looks like to be part of your kids’ ministry team. Invite a current volunteer—and even a child from the ministry—to share what they enjoy about being involved.
Volunteer training is vital to building a strong team.
Your volunteers need to feel supported and clearly understand what is expected of them. When planning a training, be sure to include a fun component. Share a meal, either provide it yourself or enlist a Sunday School class to help with a potluck.
Come prepared to share celebrations, such as kids being baptized, to remind volunteers that their investment in discipling children is meaningful kingdom work. Model for your teachers how you want their classes structured and play a Bible skills game during the training. This not only makes the training enjoyable but also gives volunteers practical ideas they can use in their own classrooms.
Giving volunteers opportunities to share ideas and help carry the load lets them know they are valued and needed. God has given each of us unique spiritual gifts to help build His kingdom, and your ministry will be stronger when those gifts are welcomed and used.
Invite volunteers to have buy-in by allowing them to help shape the ministry they are serving in. Let them help plan, create, and lead where appropriate. Consider creating a group chat for your team to share praises, prayer requests, and encouragement. A lot of bonding can happen through simple, fun communication, and those connections help turn a group of volunteers into a ministry family.
