A common reality among children’s ministries is the need for more volunteers. Gaps can become particularly noticeable during times of change.

Following pandemic shutdowns several years ago, my congregation was ready to relaunch Wednesday night services. Amid the disruptions, however, many of our volunteers had either moved or stopped attending church altogether.

It was like starting over, and we were stuck. I spent week after week desperately looking for volunteers just to keep our ministry doors open. After a few months, I realized it was time to change my approach.

It wasn’t easy, but we eventually found a solution. It all started with renewed emphasis on vision casting, culture building, and empowerment.

Whether you are struggling to find workers or simply looking to expand your volunteer base, three paradigm shifts can help you attract and retain dedicated children’s ministry volunteers.

From Guilt to Vision

First, stop guilting people and start casting vision.

The problem with my Wednesday night recruiting strategy was my desperation. And people could hear it in my plea.

You might feel tempted to tell people the children’s ministry will shut down if they don’t step up, or threaten to require that all parents serve. Such pressure gets results — for a short time.

When volunteers serve out of guilt or obligation, they’re not committed to the mission. What’s more, they will look for an exit as soon as they encounter difficulties.

Instead of recruiting out of desperation, cast vision. Believers want to make a difference, especially in matters of eternal significance.

Explain what you are trying to accomplish in your children’s ministry. Describe the role of volunteers in the mission. Share success stories. Talk about how even small investments of time can change a child’s life.

For example, you might approach potential nursery volunteers by saying, “We have a nursery full of brand-new people who need to know Jesus. They may not speak yet — or walk or feed themselves — but you will get the first opportunity to tell them about Jesus. You can make a difference for the next generation just by rocking a baby. If you think you can do that, let’s talk.”

When people see volunteering as a Kingdom opportunity rather than a burden, they will want to serve.

From Numbers to Culture

Instead of fixating on the number of volunteers you need, become a culture builder.

You can cast incredible vision. But if your systems are a mess, your volunteer morale is low, or no one knows what’s going on, you’ll lose people faster than you can recruit.

To slow the revolving door of volunteers, create an environment where people enjoy serving. Equip team members for success.

Volunteer applications and background checks are important. They let workers know you follow safety processes. If that’s all you’re doing to onboard volunteers, though, you are missing vital culture-building opportunities.

New volunteers may wonder, What should I wear? What time do I show up? What should I do if I need to miss a service? How will I know if I’m succeeding in this area of ministry?

I give new recruits a job description and policy manual and take time to answer their questions. People feel more comfortable when they know the expectations and guidelines.

To slow the 
revolving door of 
volunteers, create 
an environment 
where people 
enjoy serving.

However, volunteers also need training. Don’t just put them in a classroom with a book and best wishes. Have new volunteers shadow you or another seasoned worker for a while. Then give them more responsibility.

Once volunteers are trained, show your appreciation regularly. Small gifts, parties, and simple thank-you notes are invaluable.

Whenever you meet with volunteers, remind them of the mission and let them know how they’re helping achieve it.

Regularly acknowledge the wins in your ministry. Share testimonies of life change and growth during pre-service huddles and volunteer training events. Celebrate these victories together.

All of this is culture building. People want to know they’re on a winning team. It is the leader’s job to show them they are.

If you don’t know of any wins to highlight, start looking for them. Listen to what children and parents are saying. Notice the joy on faces during Vacation Bible School. Watch what God is doing around the altars at camp.

As you note and celebrate these things together, your culture is strengthened. Volunteers will recognize that their contributions are valuable and appreciated. They will feel like part of the team. And they will know they are making a difference in the lives of children.

Over time, you’ll find more of your volunteers staying and enthusiastically serving.

From Management to Empowerment

Finally, shift your emphasis from managing to empowering volunteers.

Children’s pastors often limit team members to basic childcare duties. Volunteers have gifts, professional skills, and creative ideas to contribute. Yet in many cases, all they get to do is stand back and watch.

I know because I’ve done this to volunteers. My first children’s ministry could have been called the David Reneau show. I did everything: worship, stories, and games. I even managed the audio and visual elements while speaking.

After a few years, I realized I was underutilizing my volunteers — and exhausting myself.

Giving away responsibility is hard. After all, you care deeply about the ministry. But while you may feel you are the only one who can do things right, it’s simply not true.

Someone gave you the chance to learn. You need to return the favor.

The only way you can attend the main service, go on vacation, or leave your ministry well is by empowering others to lead. Give them opportunities to discover and use their God-given gifts.

Create a lead team. Identify volunteers who are passionate about small groups, worship, and teaching, and ask for their help in these areas. Give them a stake in  ministry decisions.

After a while, you might hear volunteers talking about their ministry. They’ll start taking ownership and leading without you pressuring them. They will show up early and stay late because they believe in the mission and play crucial roles in fulfilling it.

As I implemented these changes, my recruiting problems became a thing of the past. It didn’t happen overnight. But over time, I gained faithful volunteers and let go of my desperation.

When the time came for me to leave that position, I was able to do so with confidence, knowing the ministry would continue successfully in my absence. For me, there is no greater reward this side of heaven.

That day will inevitably come for you as well. To build an enduring ministry, you must equip people for service.

Recruiting volunteers can be difficult and frustrating at times. But it’s our job as leaders to train workers for the harvest.

You can’t and shouldn’t do everything yourself. You need volunteer leaders who will believe in the mission and own the ministry.

Ultimately, you’re not just assembling a team of volunteers. You’re building ministers who help kids develop an authentic faith in Jesus that will last a lifetime.

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