Back in 2016, a little song swam its way into our brains and refused to leave:
“Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo…” You just sang it in your head, didn’t you?

Kids were obsessed. Parents? Slightly less thrilled. Some of us are still recovering.

Last year, someone jokingly said our Children’s Ministry team recruited like sharks between services. Wait… were we really circling the lobby with “hungry eyes”? Were we chasing people down like they were fresh meat?

Or were we simply passionate, intentional, and joyfully bold—inviting people to serve the King of kings?

Let’s break it down.

Shark Attack Recruiting

Target: Anyone with a pulse
Method: Hovering. Stalking. Interrogating.
Result: People run when they see you coming

Inviting People to Serve

• You float and invite to a God-sized vision.
• You match gifts to real ministry needs.
• You explain how we train, support, and cheer people on.
• You follow up with enthusiasm—not pressure or guilt.
• You tell real stories of what God is doing through volunteers to impact kids’ lives.

Here’s the deal—the approach is key. Ditch the shark fins! Step out from behind the table with a huge smile, knowing that you are inviting people to the privilege of child discipleship. Float through the lobby of your church with joy and purpose. Invite men, women, young and old, into something bigger than themselves—into one of the most important ministries in the church and the opportunity to impact lives for eternity.

Matthew 9:37–38 reminds us that the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. The challenge and the battle are real. Keep asking and never give up!

For more tips and practical, themed resources to help you build your next recruiting event, download the free LET’S GROW! recruit package from Discovery Land Global: DLGlobal.org/store.

Kris Smoll serves as the Executive Director of Discovery Land Global and the Children’s Ministry Director at Alliance Church in Appleton, Wisconsin.