Volunteers are the life of our ministry. More than any other area in the church, volunteers are critical to the success of children’s ministry. Too often they are “recruited” and simply thrown in to the area they are needed. But if you truly want them to succeed, here are a few things that they need to know:
1. They are not babysitters.
Of course, most would agree with you about this. Unfortunately, many times they don’t act like it’s true. Volunteers need to truly understand that they are here to make an eternal impact in the lives of the kids they are serving.
2. Their ministry needs to flow from their relationship with God.
Following on from #1, it’s important for our team to understand the importance of their own relationship with God. And it’s important for us, as leaders, to understand that children’s ministry is not just about discipling children, but also about discipling our volunteers. Are you checking on the spiritual health of your individual team members?
3. The Gospel must be central to everything.
Fun and games is good and great (a must in children’s ministry), but it’s not what we’re all about. Everything we do needs to lead to the central truth of scripture – the Gospel.
4. Connecting with parents is critical.
Volunteers need to know that, while what they do is critically important, it’s not what will make the biggest difference in the spiritual lives of kids. What the parents do will make the biggest difference. But parents often need (and usually want) to connect with what’s happening at church in order to make the spiritual investment at home.
5. They are important.
It’s you and I – their leaders – that have the responsibility to help them understand their importance. We do this when we:
» thank them
» praise them
» resource them
» listen to them
» invest in them
» share vision with them
» equip them
» challenge them
» love them
