Challenge and Inspire Volunteers to Serve Long-Term

Volunteers can have a great Kingdom impact and are vital to a successful ministry. As a kids ministry leader, how can you encourage and inspire those serving kids in your church? Consider these volunteers:

Sixty-seven-year-old Bob serves every Sunday at his church. He first started serving in the preschool classroom because he wanted to skip Sunday School, while his wife Martha wanted to stay. After a few weeks’ time, however, Bob’s desire to serve stopped being fueled by getting out of the senior adult lesson. He became motivated by the shining eyes that listened to him read Scripture and the little hands that refused to let go of his peppered beard. Bob refers to himself as a grizzly old man, but in the preschoolers’ eyes, he seems to be much more teddy bear in nature.

Sarah started serving in the kids ministry when her mom needed an extra hand in the kindergarten class. Now, Sarah’s in her first year of college, majoring in Human Development & Family Studies. She loves getting to see what she’s studying at school actually take place on Sunday mornings and during “Mother’s Day Outs” at her church. She doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do with her life, but she knows this — she loves kids.

Sarah and Bob are passionate about serving in kids ministry. This passion isn’t necessarily constant, so how can their kids leader continue to challenge and inspire them to serve long-term? They’re completely different in nature, but equally vital to the church.

This fall, consider taking Sarah and Bob to a conference. Provide volunteers with more knowledge, refreshment, and friends in kids ministry to increase their loyalty and commitment.

This year’s Kids Ministry Conference in October, boasts over 50 breakout sessions to choose from, so Sarah and Bob can each find sessions that appeal to their interests. If your church can’t foot the bill for your volunteers but you’re able to attend as the Kids Minister, consider showing Sarah and Bob a list of breakout sessions before you head to Nashville. Let each of them choose one session for you to attend. Take lots of notes so you can fill them in when you return home!

For more ideas on motivating and showing appreciation for volunteers on a regular basis, check out this post on 5 Tips for Appreciating Your Kids Ministry Leaders Everyday.

Register for Lifeway’s Kids Ministry Conference.

Cristy Whitlock serves with the Lifeway Kids Marketing Team. A native Texan, her heart for ministry led her to Nashville in 2013. Her passions include loving on African children, playing sports, and serving in college ministry, which she does at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN.