Sometimes life happens in such a way that we find ourselves needing to change curriculum in January—in what feels like the middle of the year. Maybe your current curriculum isn’t meeting your needs, your church’s vision has shifted, or you’ve discovered a better fit for your ministry. Whatever the reason, changing curriculum mid-year can feel overwhelming.
Many would say it’s not the best or most natural time to make a switch—and they’re not wrong. But sometimes it’s necessary. So what do you do when you find yourself in that sticky spot? Here are three tips for helping your leaders navigate the change without losing your mind in the process.
1. Do Your Research (Don’t Rush the Decision)
Don’t just pick something that looks pretty and go for it. Curriculum is more than colorful graphics and engaging activities—it’s the biblical foundation you’re building in kids’ lives week after week.
Before you make the switch, ask yourself:
- What’s not working with our current curriculum?
- Is this a fixable problem, or is it a fundamental misalignment?
- What do we actually need in a new curriculum? (Age-grading? Theological depth? Volunteer-friendly format? Family resources?)
- Does this new option align with our church’s vision and values?
Don’t let minor struggles cause you to overhaul everything. A few challenging lessons or one volunteer complaint doesn’t mean you need to scrap the whole thing. But if you’re consistently seeing gaps—kids aren’t engaged, volunteers are frustrated, families aren’t connecting—it might be time for a change.
Take time to:
- Request sample lessons from different publishers
- Read reviews from other churches
- Talk to ministry friends who use the curriculum you’re considering
- Test-drive a session with your team before fully committing
The right curriculum will not only teach the Bible well but will also fit your volunteers, your kids, and your ministry context.
2. Don’t Surprise Your Volunteers (Bring Them Into the Process)
Here’s the truth: Kids may not notice when you switch curriculum, but your volunteers absolutely will. And sometimes, they’ll make a bigger deal out of it than feels necessary. That’s because change—even good change—can feel disruptive and overwhelming, especially for volunteers who are already giving their time sacrificially.
Help your team by not blindsiding them with a new curriculum when they aren’t expecting it. Instead:
- Let them know you’re evaluating options and why
- Ask for their honest feedback about what’s working and what’s not in your current curriculum
- Find out what they love and don’t love—then look for solutions to their frustrations
- Share samples or examples of what you’re considering
- Assure them that you’re making this change with them in mind, not just for the sake of change
When volunteers feel heard and involved in the decision-making process, they’re far more likely to support the transition. They’ll go from feeling like change is being done to them to feeling like they’re part of the solution.
Bonus: Their insights might even help you choose the best curriculum for your context.
3. Provide Training, Support, and Encouragement (Then Do It Again)
When the time comes to make the switch, don’t just hand your volunteers a new leader guide and wish them luck. Offer them lots of encouragement, training, and ongoing support.
Be ready for:
- Questions (lots of them)
- Push back (“Why are we changing? The old way was fine!”)
- Frustration that often comes from simply not being familiar with the new format
- A learning curve as everyone adjusts
Don’t get defensive. Remember, change is hard—even when it’s good. Instead, work hard to answer questions, provide training, and offer reassurance.
Here’s how to support your team through the transition:
- Host a training session where you walk through the new curriculum together
- Create a simple “Quick Start Guide” highlighting key differences
- Let them see it in action—teach a sample lesson yourself or share video examples
- Send links to publisher training videos, blogs, and tips
- Check in regularly: “How’s it going? What questions do you have?”
- Celebrate small wins: “I loved how you used that activity today!”
- Be patient and available
Whenever possible, give them a preview before they’re expected to teach it. Familiarity breeds confidence, and confidence makes the transition smoother.
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