Tips for Children's Ministry Volunteers

As a Children's Director, I am always on the outlook for new volunteers in my ministry; it's a never ending job. Volunteers are needed for regular programming like Children's Church, Sunday School, Sunday night programs and Wednesday night programs. But it doesn't stop there. We need volunteers for special events including Vacation Bible School, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat and Parents Night Out to name a few.

With the need for so many volunteers also comes the need for training. Sure, the moms and grandmas who volunteer in Children's Ministry have raised their own kids, but do they have any classroom management skills? And what about the teenagers and youth who want to volunteer? Can they effectively communicate the Bible lesson and manage the classroom at the same time? Everyone needs to be trained in the rules and regulations involved in volunteering with children. Each church has their own set of rules and expectations. Our church has a "Safe Sanctuaries" policy that outlines those rules and expectations.

Part of our "Safe Sanctuaries" policy requires all Children's Ministry volunteers to attend an annual volunteer training session each year. During that training session, I provide a top ten list to the volunteers. Here is that list:

1. Be in prayer about your role as a teacher and Christian example to our children and their families.

2. Be prompt...arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes before your class is scheduled to begin.

3. Be prepared...read your lesson at least once before you teach it. Also cut out, punch out, trace, etc. anything you can do ahead of time. Have your lesson laid out before class begins.

4. Teach the lesson that has been provided to you by the Children's Director. Do not download lessons from the internet or other locations without having it reviewed by the Children's Director first. This assures we are all teaching Methodist doctrine and are on the same page.

5. Show love and concern for all of your students, ESPECIALLY the ones who may have behavioral issues. Those are the very ones who need extra love!

6. Always speak kindly to your students...we don't threaten or scare them into good behavior. If you have a behavioral issue in your classroom, bring the child to the Children's Director.

7. Don't leave your students alone in your classroom without supervision.

8. Don't let a child go to the bathroom without watching them walk down the hall and return. You will need to stand in your doorway while they are out of the room.

9. Don't discuss confidential matters that a parent or child has told you with other teachers or students unless it directly relates to them. (for example a child with a learning disability or behavioral issue)

10. Let the Light of Christ shine through YOU!!!

If your volunteers follow these basic top ten rules, your Children's Ministry will thrive. And remember, the success of your Children's Ministry depends not only on your volunteers, but also on you! Be sure you are following the rules, too. Good volunteers are a product of good leadership.