5 Things Kids Ministers Wish Volunteers Knew About Them

A few weeks ago, I shared 5 things that kids ministers need to know about their volunteers. In turn, kids ministers around the world are dying for volunteers to see their hearts and understand them better. Below are a few things that will help you know and love your kids minister more (and how you can pray for him or her).

1. They’re busy. On the surface, it may appear that 99.9% of a kids minister’s job is on Sunday morning. That just means that your kids minister has been working 40+ hours during the week to make it appear that way! They’ve been in staff meetings, searching for substitute teachers, following up with visitors, organizing events, making hospital visits, planning training, nurturing volunteers, coordinating weekday and weeknight classes, playing interference for teachers while calming parents’ concerns, managing child care and all that involves, purchasing supplies, agonizing over curriculum choices, and so on, and so on, and so on!

So, when you wonder why your kids minister missed one of your kid’s extra-curricular activities, your kids minister longs for you to remember that he, too, has family issues to deal with (even if he’s single), a home to care for, laundry and cleaning to do, bills to pay, and more!

2. They need adult interaction. Because her ministry is primarily to kids, your kids minister may have very little adult interaction outside of talking with parents or with volunteers. She needs friends she can talk with, vent to, and relax with who are not wanting to discuss church issues. She also needs a place and a time where she can grow in her walk with the Lord.

So, be sure to invite her along when you have a group just going out for some fun—but be sure not to talk “church” the whole time! And, remember to invite her to join your group in a Bible study during a time that doesn’t interfere with her ministry.

3. Life happens. He really does have the best intentions. He planned for everything he could possibly foresee. But life happens. He didn’t know that the pastor was going to “feel led” to have Sunday morning worship go that extra hour. He didn’t know his entire family was going to come down with the flu and that he’d need to be home with them. He knows it’s raining during VBS rec time, but the weather forecast said there was 0% chance of rain. He didn’t know his parents were going to surprise him and show up unexpectedly on the day of the big event.

So, yes, he’s paid to be there every time the doors open. And he’s paid to think ahead. But when you see that his plate is overflowing and he could use some help, give him a break, step in and ask how you can help. He’ll say no—but do it anyway!

4. She tried to find a substitute—she really did. She didn’t know that the person scheduled to relieve you on Sunday morning was going to get sick—or he forgot to let her know he was going to be out of town.

So you know how hard it is for you to find ONE substitute? Remember that there are some weeks she has to find 10! When you can, do everything in your power to find your own substitute. She will rise up and call you blessed!

5. He’s not sure he’s important. Sometimes he feels unappreciated. Often he puts in longer hours and is paid far less than other ministers on staff. Don’t misunderstand. He’s not in it for the notoriety or the money, but it can be tough during “Pastor Appreciation Month,” when no one remembers him.

So, let your kids minister know how much he means to you, your family, and your church. Just a simple “thank you” can go a long way! A written note or card can go even further!

God has called kids ministers to join Him in ministry. He will equip them to carry out His plan. But they need you! Let your kids minister know that you’re excited to be part of her team as together you carry out God’s plan for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the kids in your church.

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.