Summer activities like camps and outreach events are great ways for churches to attract new families. But as kids head back to school and parents settle into fall routines, how can we keep those families connected?

The answer might be simpler than you think. When it comes to children’s ministry, there are three basic assurances that help move guests toward regular attendance.

My Child Is Safe

The first thing families are looking for in a children’s ministry is safety. It doesn’t matter how amazing everything else is if parents don’t believe their kids are safe at church.

Every family walking through the door should see, hear, and feel that leaders care about this issue. There are several ways churches can communicate that safety is a priority.

It begins with thoughtful spaces and signage. Take time to walk through the entire process from the perspective of a new family dropping off and picking up children. Consider where extra signs and additional safety features are needed.

Completely redesigning ministry spaces isn’t always possible, but you can assess weak spots and put systems in place to protect kids.

At my church, the elementary space is a multipurpose room with exterior doors near the bathrooms. To improve security, we installed alarms that sound if the exterior doors open. Retractable barriers give kids a clear boundary to stay behind. We also have a volunteer monitoring that area.

Every church also needs a secure check-in process for children. The check-in area is the first place many families encounter children’s ministry. Whatever the size of your church, an effective system is vital.

Keep track of the children and teachers in each room during every service, and ensure the guardians who brought them are the ones checking them out.

Every child in your care should be checked into the system, even if the parent is a volunteer or pastor. In case of an emergency or evacuation, you’ll need an accurate record of children present.

A clear process indicates transfer of care. This includes a boundary only checked-in children and approved volunteers cross. Kids leave that boundary only when their guardians pick them up through a check-out procedure.

Finally, ensure all workers are approved and identifiable. Access to children’s areas should be limited to approved staff members and volunteers. Establish a formal background process for approving volunteers. Lanyards, name tags, or t-shirts make these workers easily recognizable to new parents.

If someone is visiting the children’s area who is not an approved volunteer, provide a sticker or lanyard designating guest status. Escort guests, and don’t allow them to interact with children as volunteers.

There will be times when adults have to sacrifice convenience, but children’s safety is paramount.

When making adjustments, keep in mind that most parents prefer safety over convenience. Our church recently changed the flow of preschool hallways so there is only one entrance and exit. Despite initial concerns about parents having to walk farther, we received only positive feedback.

Include pastors in safety policy decisions, and seek their help in communicating the importance of these issues. Parents are looking for churches where leaders will prioritize their children’s safety.

My Family Is Seen

Parents want to know their children are more than just numbers on an attendance roster. Our job is communicating to kids and families that we see and care about them — and so does God.

The most successful children’s ministries blend fun with spiritual truths, connecting kids to friends and to God.

This requires intentionality. Create a greeter team of children to welcome new kids.

Acknowledge and introduce new children at the beginning of each service. Ask a couple of questions, like, “How old are you? What’s your favorite dessert?”

This isn’t about putting anyone on the spot, but helping children connect with newcomers. Ask the group, “Who else is 8 years old? Do any of you like chocolate ice cream, too?”

To ensure kids feel seen by one another as well as the leaders, choose activities that build connections. Instead of playing games where only a few children compete while others watch, find ways for everyone to participate.

I sometimes divide children into groups to discuss a question or play a round of charades. I prefer simple activities that involve everyone over flashy games that might leave some feeling sidelined. Inclusion is worth the effort.

At pick-up time, be sure visiting parents hear their children’s names and something positive about them.

For example, you might say, “We loved having Grace with us today. She led her group in charades and did such a good job.”

Post a calendar of upcoming events so volunteers can invite new families to attend.

Learn the names of parents, and introduce them to others as they pick up their children. If you notice children playing with new friends, tell the families so they can get acquainted.

It’s Worth Our Time

When new families are deciding whether to attend, it’s not the church down the street we’re competing with. The real competition is favorite brunch places, children’s sports schedules, and weekends at the lake.

Families need to know church is worth their time. If they feel there’s something they will miss out on if they don’t attend, they are more likely to make the effort.

The most successful children’s ministries blend fun with spiritual truths, connecting kids to friends and to God.

During our pre- and post-service times, kids engage in free play together. There are indoor balls, giant games, a craft table, a Lego building area, car tracks, a white board, and other activity centers.

Once the service starts, we shift our focus to Bible learning. If a game or visual doesn’t drive home the biblical truth or verse, we skip it.

We want the service and small group time to be about kids coming together in community and learning God’s Word. We also want children to learn to pray and respond to the Holy Spirit. Allowing time and space for such response is an important part of each service.

This combination of fun and discipleship helps assure families that being part of a faith community is indeed worth their time. Parents are more likely to prioritize consistent attendance when they see their kids enjoying church, making friends, and learning biblical truths.

Of course, God is the One who ultimately changes hearts and draws people to himself. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

The summer season and back-to-school transition are busy times for children’s ministry, but our labor does not have to be in vain. As we continue caring for people, welcoming newcomers, and making the most of every discipleship opportunity, we can trust God to build the house — and fill it with families.

This article appears in the Summer 2026 issue of Influence magazine.