From Solo To Squad, You Need Your Children’s Ministry Team

Hey there! So, I’m excited to share a series of posts with you about my reflections on my early days in Children’s Ministry. It feels like a lifetime ago, back when resources, conferences, and websites for this stuff were pretty scarce. But you know what? It was a time of great discovery and growth, and I want to take you on that journey with me.

So, let’s start with the first post – “What I wished someone had told me when I was starting out.” Trust me, it’s a nugget of wisdom that’s worth its weight in gold.

Now, the first thing I’m going to tell you is something you’ve probably heard before – “Don’t do ministry alone!” Yes, I know, it sounds cliché, and you might think it’s easier said than done, especially if you’re in a small church with limited resources and not many hands on deck. When I first heard this advice, it seemed like a pipe dream. Who would I delegate to when I barely had a team, to begin with?

But here’s the trick – create a prospect list. Sit down with your Pastor and take a good look at your congregation. Identify those who show a genuine interest in working with kids, who have a balanced personality, who are flexible, and who are willing to serve without seeking recognition. Jot down those names and start praying for them. Ask God to open their hearts to the opportunity you will present.

When you’re ready to approach them, be prepared! Know exactly why you need them and what specific roles you have in mind. Practice presenting your vision and team goals so you can confidently communicate your ideas when the time comes. Also, have some handy materials like a brochure or a simple document with job descriptions and expectations for them to review and pray over.

When you finally meet with them, pour your heart out about the ministry and the passion driving you. (But don’t dump everything on them.) Share the positive things you see in them and how they can significantly impact the kids’ lives when they join you. Be honest and straightforward about the commitment it requires – no sugar-coating! They need to make an informed decision with their head and heart aligned.

Now, give them some time to mull it over, and maybe even invite them to visit the ministry space. Set a date for a decision and pray about it together. When that date arrives, meet in person. Trust me; it’s essential to have that face-to-face connection. If they do say no, don’t just take it as the final answer. Ask them why they feel it’s not the right fit – is it the timing, the position, or the time commitment? You might discover that they fit into something even better than you imagined.

I know that following this simple advice can lead to more people joining your team and experiencing the joy of serving in God’s kingdom.

My friends over at Raise Up Faith shared a fantastic blog with some great tips about building a culture of healthy volunteers: https://www.raiseupfaith.com/articles/9-tips-for-building-children-s-ministry-volunteer-teams/

Now, I’d love to hear from you.  What has worked for you in bringing others into the ministry? And what challenges do you face while serving in children’s ministry? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! Let’s learn and grow together.

If you need some help, perspective, or encouragement, consider hitting the button below and schedule a 30 min clarity call with me and learn more about KMCCoach.net and how a mentoring/coaching journey can be designed just for you.

Here’s another great blog that also discuss this very important topic:
https://childrensministry.com/leader-resources/volunteer-management-leader-resources/team-building/

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