“Struggling to find and keep volunteers? Build a thriving children’s ministry team with these proven strategies!”
How to Build a Strong Children’s Ministry Team: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
If you ask children’s pastors what their biggest challenge is in ministry, many will say the same thing: finding enough volunteers.
A thriving children’s ministry depends on a strong team of dedicated volunteers, yet recruiting and retaining them can often feel like an uphill battle.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are proven strategies to help you build a team that is passionate, engaged, and committed to sharing the gospel with the next generation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through key strategies to grow and sustain a strong children’s ministry team—one that doesn’t just fill spots but is full of people who genuinely love serving.
1. Start with Prayer
Before you start recruiting, start with prayer. Jesus gave us clear instructions for what to do when the need is great, but the workers are few—He told us to pray.
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” (Luke 10:2)
If you’re struggling to find enough volunteers, ask yourself: Have I prayed and asked God to send the right people? When we seek God first, He opens doors and brings the right team members into our ministry.
2. Invite People to Join Something Great
Many people don’t volunteer simply because they haven’t been asked. Instead of focusing on your desperate need for help, invite people to be part of something amazing—an opportunity to impact children’s lives for eternity.
Ways to Personally Invite Volunteers:
✅ Make Personal Invitations – Asking one-on-one is the most effective way to build a strong volunteer team.
✅ Be Available in the Lobby – Have someone else start or close your service so you can personally invite people before and after church.
✅ Host Family Events – Gather families for a fun event, show highlight videos of kids’ ministry, and invite them to serve.
✅ Take People Out to Eat – Connection builds community. When people feel connected to you, they are more likely to get involved.
3. Ask from the Pulpit
While personal invitations are most effective, it’s also important to ask the entire church body to serve in kids’ ministry.
Make Your Ask More Engaging:
🎬 Show a video – Highlight the impact of your children’s ministry through testimonials, VBS footage, or Sunday morning clips.
🎭 Get the Kids Involved – Have them perform a skit or share how children’s ministry has impacted them.
🎤 Clearly Communicate Your Vision – Focus on why children’s ministry matters instead of just your need for more volunteers.
📋 Give a Clear Call to Action – Be specific! Example: “We need 2 assistants for our 4-year-olds, a snack coordinator, and nursery workers.”
4. Build a Recruiting Team.
You don’t have to do it alone! Empower others to recruit alongside you.
How to Expand Your Recruiting Efforts:
✅ Equip Your Current Team – Train your volunteers to invite others.
✅ Ask Supporters to Help – Some people love kids’ ministry but don’t serve—invite them to help recruit!
✅ Clarify the Vision – Make sure anyone inviting volunteers knows how to communicate the heart of the ministry.
5. Think Outside the Box When Recruiting
Not everyone is called to teach a class, but there are many ways to serve in children’s ministry.
👮 Security
🛑 One-on-one buddies for kids with special needs
🚪 Greeters who can double as (“Human Doors”)
🍎 Snack providers
✂️ Craft prep assistants
🎥 Tech support & media team
📝 Check-in and check-out team
🎶 Worship leaders
🧸 Puppet teams
Offer Small, Low-Commitment Opportunities: Let people serve for a special Sunday, help with a craft, or assist for one week. When they see the impact, they may want to continue serving!
Consider Preteens and Teens: Younger volunteers often connect well with kids and can be some of the most engaging and energetic team members. Train them well, set clear expectations, and watch them thrive!
6. Take Care of Your Volunteers.
Recruiting volunteers is just the beginning—keeping them engaged and excited to serve is just as important.
Onboarding New Volunteers:
✅ Welcome Them Personally – Make them feel valued right away.
✅ Let Them Shadow a Leader – Give them time to learn before they lead.
✅ Provide Clear Expectations – Use a welcome pack with schedules, responsibilities, and vision.
Retaining Volunteers for the Long Term:
💙 Build Relationships – People stay where they feel connected. Create a team community where volunteers support and encourage each other.
🎯 Match People to Their Strengths – Make sure volunteers are serving in their gifts instead of just filling empty spots.
🔧 Make Serving Easy:
• Simplify scheduling
• Prepare supplies in advance
• Set up rooms before service
• Provide a secure place for personal belongings
🗣 Communicate Well – Volunteers want to feel informed and heard. Share updates, listen to their feedback, and involve them in decisions.
🎉 Show Appreciation Regularly
• Verbally thank volunteers and recognize their specific contributions
• Give small, thoughtful gifts (personalized when possible!)
• Feature “Volunteer Spotlights” in church bulletins or social media
7. Create a Volunteer Corner
If space allows, set up a special area for your volunteers to feel valued and cared for.
🏆 What to Include:
• Member Spotlight Board – Recognize volunteers and encourage others to write affirmations.
• Storage Space – Shelves, lockers, or cubbies for personal belongings.
• Refreshment Station – Coffee, water, protein bars, and snacks.
• Sign-in Station – Name badges and check-in for team members.
8. Celebrate Wins Together
Children’s ministry can be challenging, but celebrating victories keeps the team motivated.
🎊 Celebrate Small Wins:
• A child giving their life to Jesus
• A breakthrough moment in a kid’s life
• A great Sunday with engaged volunteers and happy kids
🎉 Celebrate Personal Wins: Birthdays, milestones, and life events within your team.
Taking time to reflect on what God is doing reminds everyone why they serve.
Final Thoughts: It’s Worth the Investment!
Building a strong children’s ministry team takes time and intentionality, but the investment is worth it. Your team is shaping the next generation of believers.
Start with prayer, invite people personally, think outside the box, and take great care of your volunteers. As you do, you’ll create a team that is passionate, unified, and excited to serve.
God is moving in your children’s ministry—let’s raise up a team that moves with Him!
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