Effective volunteer training is one of the most important investments you can make in your children's ministry. When volunteers feel prepared and confident, they serve with greater passion and purpose. Training provides clarity, fosters community, and ultimately helps ensure that every child in your ministry has a safe, loving, and Christ-centered experience. Without proper training, volunteers may feel unsure of their roles, unprepared for challenges, and disconnected from the larger mission of the ministry.

Hosting a successful volunteer training event takes time, effort, and intentionality, but the payoff is huge. Volunteers leave feeling equipped, connected, and excited for the year ahead. After running this training for over six years, I’ve found a format that works, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Make It Consistent

One of the best things you can do is set a consistent date. People appreciate knowing what to expect, and it helps with attendance. I always plan for the third weekend in February, and we meet for about three hours. Choose a time that works for your team and stick with it!

Invite Everyone

If you’re near a kid in any capacity, you need to be at training—Small Group Leaders, assistants, check-in volunteers, game leaders, adults, teens—everyone. If someone can’t make it, I always follow up later to review policies and procedures and hand out their new volunteer shirt. Safety is too important to skip!

Create an Engaging Atmosphere
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I want my team to feel excited about serving, so I put thought into the setup. I assign seating so teams sit together, which helps them build relationships and makes finding substitutes easier when needed. When volunteers arrive, they get a ticket, and throughout the training, they can earn more tickets by answering questions. At the end, they use them to enter a drawing for a prize basket. Past baskets have included Date Night, Gift Cards, Devotionals, Coffee & Tea, and Movie Night. It’s a fun way to keep people engaged!

Keep It Fun
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Training doesn’t have to be dry and boring. I always start with an icebreaker to loosen everyone up and encourage connection. Some of my favorites have been building bridges with spaghetti and marshmallows, Rock-Paper-Scissors Championships (shockingly competitive!), and Never Have I Ever – KidMin Edition. One year, I even created a scavenger hunt throughout our church using ChatGPT, incorporating Bible challenges and brain teasers. The energy and laughter were incredible, and by the time we sat down to start, everyone felt like part of a team.

Remove Barriers to Attendance

Most of my volunteers are parents, so providing childcare was a game changer. As soon as we started offering it (run by our teens), attendance shot up. We also provide lunch—nothing fancy, just Costco sandwiches, chips, and cookies. It’s easy, affordable (about $4.86 per person), and I always make sure to have gluten-free options, so no one feels left out.

Cover the Essentials
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I keep things structured to make sure we cover everything. We recognize volunteers who have served 5, 10, or 15+ years, revisit our mission and vision, and introduce the year’s theme. We also roll out new initiatives—like this year’s “Prayer for the Chair,” where we pray over every child’s seat before service starts. Of course, we also go over policies, procedures, and safety drills, including fire and lockdown drills, because preparation matters.

End with Connection
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I want my team to walk away feeling not just equipped but spiritually refreshed and reminded of their calling. We don’t serve just to fill roles—we serve because God has called us to invest in the next generation. Before wrapping up, I take time to pray over my team, asking God to give them wisdom, strength, and joy in their ministry. We reflect on why we’re here, the eternal impact we’re making, and the privilege it is to disciple kids in their faith. My volunteers leave knowing they are not just part of a team but part of something much greater—God’s kingdom work.

If you’re looking to improve your volunteer training, start small, be consistent, and find ways to make it fun. But most importantly, keep Christ at the center. Over time, you’ll build a team that’s stronger, more connected, and ready to serve with passion!

Jodie Slongo is the Kids' Director at Stony Creek Church in Utica, Michigan, and has been involved in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. When she's not serving at church, she enjoys spending time with her family. One of their favorite activities is visiting the charming town of Frankenmuth, where they go about once a month. They especially love exploring Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store, where Jodie is always on the lookout for unique or cool ornaments.