Recruiting

Well it is that time of year again. You know what i'm talking about the "recruiting phase". Where Children's Ministers, Youth Ministers, and church staff in general are in full recruitment mode or in some instances you might call it begging mode. Personally, I haven't really had to ask many people, I've had a lot of people willingly agree to help. It is always nice when you don't have to beg and plea for workers isn't it? Anyway, maybe there are some of you out there, who aren't sure how your going to get workers and time is running out. So here are my suggestions for recruiting children's workers or just workers in general for your ministry.

1. Pray

I know this sounds simple but have you taken time to ask God for a direction in recruiting volunteers? Of course we can pull out a church directory and just start calling people. But why not ask God to put those specific people in your mind.

2. Ask your present workers

The people, who have served with you the past year, have an insight into the children's ministry that others do not. They also have relationships outside of the children's ministry that you may not. So ask your workers who they think would be a good children's worker. This allows them to have some more input and ownership into the ministry and it shows them you trust their opinion.

3. Look for those who have kids in your ministry.

Now this choice is a bit more difficult. But parents of kids are often willing to help work in something that is helping teach their child about God and His word. The difficult part is making sure they understand not to be the parent when at church but that is what training is for right?

4. Look for those who have kids coming up.

It is also possible that you could recruit parents, who have younger kids not yet in your children's ministry. This allows the parent to already become accustomed to the ministry before their child gets there. It may also help retain workers, because they may want to stay around while their kid goes through the ministry too.

5. Look for someone who likes kids

A good children's volunteer is going to have a passion for kids. Of course this sounds like a duh moment but I've heard several stories of people recruiting any warm body in the church. To make the best ministry possible for the kids, we need volunteers who truly care about them. Not everyone is called to children's ministry, just like not everyone is called to youth, senior adults, and other ministries.

Children's ministry is a wonderful place for people to serve. It is also an important place for people to serve. This is a key point that we must remember as we recruit new volunteers. Children's ministry shouldn't be a place where we beg people to participate but one we value people who participate.