Recruiting volunteers 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 what he can do for you.
2. Keep the children before the congregation. Children who are never seen will be forgotten. Find ways to keep children’s ministry in front of the congregation. Give testimonies. Give children a part to play in the adult service. Have children’s choirs and dramas. Find creative ways to remind your congregation how important children’s ministry is.
3. Give regular updates about the good things going on in children’s ministry. People are more willing to volunteer for a ministry if there are exciting things going on.
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. Give them the option of making a commitment for a certain period of time so they don’t feel like they will be trapped forever in kidmin.
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 a list of requirements, and do screening. Let your volunteers 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.