Volunteer Australia defines informal volunteering as ‘time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’.   What could be more beneficial than ministering to children?  Everyone agrees Children’s Ministry is important.  Jesus clearly valued children.  Yet, it can be so difficult to find enough volunteers, especially if your church holds multiple services.  In the interest of full disclosure this is an area I have struggled with.  So I’ve had a look at volunteering and found information that will help me, too.  The focus is what we can do as Leaders and Pastors.  We’ll look at what the Church can do later.

 

Catch and Release

 

Catch and release is a recreational fishing practice intended as a technique of conservation.  It’s the same with Kid’s Ministry volunteers. After they’ve volunteered for a year, release them back into Big Church!  I read this amazing advice in Tammy Tolman’s book ‘Piece by Piece.  A Complete Children’s Ministry Resource.’  Well, not the catch and release bit, but Tammy ‘fires’ all volunteers at the end of the year.  This step of faith means volunteers return to Kid’s Ministry the next year because they are happy to, not because they were cajoled or intimidated into it. Volunteers sign up knowing they only need to commit for the year.  After that they are free to serve in another area of the Church if they wish.  This approach prevents volunteers from burning out, which can cause people to leave the Church.

 

‘It Was This Big’

 

Show off your Kid’s Ministry every chance you get.  Testify about how God is moving in the lives of the children.  Talk it up and don’t grumble about behaviour problems or lack of finances or support from the Pastor.  Don’t scare your potential volunteers away!  You want them to see God is on the move in the Kid’s department.  Use photographs, Facebook and Instagram to display what you and the kids have been up to. Show off Kid’s Ministry with songs and skits in Big Church.  Get the congregations notice!  Ask your Pastor to pray over volunteers and to personally thank them.

 

Reel Them In

 

Tell people about the benefits of volunteering in Kid’s Ministry.  Volunteer Australia’s report shows 93% of volunteers saw positive changes as a result of their volunteering efforts and 60%of volunteers improved their patience skills.  (That’s probably a given when working with kids.)   Volunteers developed personal traits, built relations and networks and further developed professional skills.  And that’s just in the natural.  Spiritually, volunteers have a tremendous impact.  There will be eternal consequences because over 85% of people come to Jesus before the age of 18!

 

Your Tackle box

 

• Be organized and prepare for your volunteers.
• Keep your craft and food cupboards stocked with supplies. Don’t expect them finance craft or morning tea unless they offer.
• Use the best resources you can afford (curriculum that is easy to use).
• Put volunteers in the appropriate age group. Consider their skills and the age group they like to work with.  Put newer volunteers with seasoned ones so they can learn.

 

 Protected Area

It’s vital to protect our kids.  In Queensland, every volunteer must have a Working with Children Check with the Queensland Government, and hold a Blue Card.  Make sure you have policies and procedures in place and your volunteers receive training.

 

Volunteering is how I began in Kid’s Ministry when I was fourteen years old.  God has given me so many amazing opportunities and experiences over the years. I know He can do the same for others.   So, let’s get out there and attract those volunteers.  Don’t let them get away!