Recruiting teachers and workers for children’s ministry is always a daunting task. Here’s 10 tips to make it easier.
1. Develop friendships. It’s easier to recruit somebody who believes you care about him or her more than you care about recruiting. This method takes more time, but it is the most effective way of recruiting.
2. Keep the children before the congregation. Children who are never in front of the congregation and who are never seen will be forgotten. Have the children in the adult service from time to time. Have a children’s drama team or choir that performs during adult services. Have children’s days where children are the ushers and greeters and open the service in prayer. Have special children’s anointing services. Anything to keep the children visible.
3. Give regular updates through the bulletin and announcements about the good things going on in children’s ministry. People are more willing to volunteer for a ministry that’s on fire.
4. Have your pastor talk about the children’s ministry. If people know children’s ministry is on the pastor’s heart, they will be more likely to volunteer.
5. Have a recruiting drive one month a year. Let the congregation know this is the time to sign up.
6. Ask for temporary workers. Let the volunteer get his feet wet without having to commit to anything.
7. Ask. Some people will never take the initiative. They’re waiting to be asked.
8. Have job descriptions in writing. Let them know what their responsibilities will be.
9. Have teacher training in place. Don’t use the method of throwing a worker in a room with a teacher manual. Only a few will last past the first month.
10. Have volunteers sign a year-long commitment, have a list of requirements, and do screening. Let them know you don’t accept just anyone. Those being recruited want to make a difference. They don’t want to feel like you’ll take any warm body.