In any of your church’s programs, volunteers are essential to fulfilling the roles that make your ministry possible. Securing this support involves more than just attracting volunteers, though. As a children’s ministry leader, you must cultivate relationships with volunteers, offer a positive experience, and ultimately retain their support for the long haul.

Before you choose a children’s Bible curriculum or plan your program’s themes, building a strong team of loyal volunteers is one of the first steps you should take toward all your ministry’s goals. Let’s look at the four R’s of recruiting and retaining volunteers for your children’s ministry.

1. Raise awareness of volunteer opportunities

Have you ever heard the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know?” It means that someone is unaware of certain opportunities because they aren’t aware that such opportunities exist in the first place, and it applies to potential volunteers for your ministry!

It’s up to you to spread the word about open volunteer roles and how those who are interested can get involved. Otherwise, how will people know that your children’s ministry needs a few helping hands?

To reach people who are likely to volunteer, share opportunities via:

  • Personal invitations. According to Fundraising Letters, donation appeals are an effective way to share your church’s story and garner support. They can also include personalized invitations to engage with the church in additional ways—like volunteering. Use this strategy to recruit volunteers by sending personal invitations to church members who have expressed interest in serving but haven’t committed to a role yet.
  • Church newsletters and announcements. Share an announcement in your church’s newsletters or Sunday service bulletin to reach the whole congregation. Be sure to include clear instructions for how to learn more, such as talking to one of your ministry’s leaders after the church service or signing up online.
  • Your website. Websites offer more opportunities to reach your congregation with upcoming events, open roles, and more for which you might need volunteers. Get the word out as much as you can.

No matter which channels you use, clearly lay out your ministry’s needs so potential volunteers know exactly what they’re signing up for. Also, explain how the opportunity can support their faith and encourage them to pray about volunteering so they can explore how the role might fulfill their personal needs, as well.

2. Render ongoing training and support

Volunteer retention isn’t just a one-and-done activity—it’s an ongoing process. From the moment they agree to volunteer and every time they participate afterward, volunteers should feel fully supported by your children’s ministry.

By providing ongoing shepherding, training, and support, your ministry can demonstrate its commitment to its volunteers. In return, volunteers might reciprocate by staying deeply involved in your ministry for the long term.

Offer ongoing support through the following:

  1. Orientation program. Welcome new volunteers to your ministry with a detailed orientation experience that covers the ministry’s mission and the goals of the volunteer role. This is a great time to cover anything in your handbook as well. Incorporate hands-on training activities for new volunteers to practice the tasks they’ll be responsible for.
  2. Continuous learning opportunities. Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to help volunteers continually strengthen their skills. Give them space to develop their skills and weaknesses so that they can become stronger in owning their role in your church’s ministry.
  3. Mentorship programs. Pair experienced volunteers with newcomers to provide guidance and support. Encourage regular check-ins during which mentors can answer questions and discuss their mentees’ progress.

When volunteers have participated in your children’s ministry once or twice, they may be ready to deepen their involvement. Offering long-term opportunities can encourage them to stick around and commit to larger roles within your ministry. For example, if a volunteer enjoyed helping out at your summer Bible school, they might want to volunteer year-round or even lead a study class.

3. Recognize your volunteers

You know that a volunteer’s generous donation of their time and efforts is indispensable to your children’s ministry—but do your volunteers know?

Volunteers don’t expect any compensation for their efforts, but expressing your gratitude can show them just how valuable they are to your ministry’s mission. It also helps to build a supportive culture within your ministry, which may entice volunteers to stay involved over time. Not to mention, it’s just the right thing to do.

A few ways to show your appreciation include:

  • Sending handwritten letters or digital eCards. Have the kids in your ministry write out a thank-you message on a physical or digital card. Personalize each message to its recipient by calling out the volunteer’s unique contribution to show they’re individually recognized and appreciated.
  • Hosting an appreciation event. Invite volunteers to a luncheon or dinner to thank them for their efforts. This also serves as an opportunity for volunteers to mingle and build stronger relationships with one another.
  • Giving tangible gifts. Send gifts to your volunteers as a tangible reminder of the impact of their involvement. For example, give them crafts created by the kids in your ministry or Bibles with each kid’s favorite Bible verse highlighted.

Another way to show that you value volunteers’ efforts is by helping to make their roles as easy as possible. For example, Wonder Ink’s guide to children’s church curriculum recommends leveraging user-friendly resources that offer volunteer development tools. Whether they need extra training to know how to approach a specific lesson or the ability to remove slides from a presentation, volunteers will have everything they need to be successful when your ministry uses the right tools.

4. Request volunteer feedback

The best way to recruit new volunteers and keep them coming back is to give them a memorable and fulfilling experience. For instance, a volunteer who wanted to set a positive example of serving others might feel the role was fulfilling when they see the kids in your ministry supporting a nonprofit with a service project. To do this, you must understand and cater to your volunteers’ needs and interests.

How can your ministry find out what’s important to its volunteers? By asking them! Their feedback can provide valuable insights into the volunteer experience, including what’s going well and what can be improved.

Consider setting up one-on-one meetings between volunteers and your ministry’s leaders. You can also send surveys or questionnaires with the option to submit responses anonymously so volunteers feel comfortable speaking honestly. Ask questions like:

  • What motivated you to volunteer with our ministry?
  • What aspects of your volunteer role do you find most fulfilling?
  • What do you hope to gain from the volunteer experience?
  • How would you like to see the volunteer experience evolve over time?
  • Do you feel you’re able to use your skills and talents in your current role?
  • What are your thoughts on the curriculum and materials provided for the children in our ministry?
  • Do you feel the kids in our ministry are engaged in and benefitting from the program?

Implement the changes mentioned in the feedback to show volunteers that you take their opinions seriously and their voices are heard. As a result, volunteers will be equipped to not just make a difference to the kids in your ministry, but also be positively impacted by your ministry themselves.

Whether you’re trying to expand your volunteer team, retain your existing volunteers, or both, your efforts will be unique to your ministry. Numerous factors, such as the size of your children’s ministry, the age of your volunteers, and the curriculum you use, will affect the recruitment and retention strategies that make the most sense for your ministry. If you keep volunteers’ needs at the center of your efforts and pray about how you can best serve them, you’ll be sure to cultivate a healthy culture among your team.