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Rethinking Events and Trainings for Families and Volunteers

Friday, January 24, 2025

The KidzMatter Blog/Rethinking Events and Trainings for Families and Volunteers

Planning events, trainings, and meetings can be a significant challenge—especially when families and volunteers juggle so many commitments outside of church. I’ve faced this tension firsthand: putting energy into planning only to see low turnout or enthusiasm. It can feel like there’s an invisible tug-of-war between church and “everything else.” If I’m honest, it’s a bit of a spirit killer.

A few years ago, I decided to look inward. Instead of blaming the lack of participation on people’s priorities, I examined my strategies. What I realized was eye-opening—I was expecting families and volunteers to conform to my schedule and priorities rather than meeting them where they were. That was the turning point. I started experimenting with creative strategies, and while I don’t have all the answers, a few things have worked really well.

Reimagining Volunteer Trainings

I’ve turned unused time into an opportunity in churches with multiple services. For example, in churches where the first service doesn’t require children’s ministry volunteers, I’ve hosted training sessions during that time. We serve breakfast, conduct the training, and ensure volunteers are ready for the rest of the morning. Teens watch the children of volunteers, eliminating scheduling conflicts. This strategy has been a win for everyone: volunteers feel appreciated (who doesn’t love breakfast?), and they leave equipped for their responsibilities.

Another approach I’ve embraced is delivering information in manageable, bite-sized pieces. Instead of overwhelming volunteers with too much at once, I break content into short, actionable segments, often using videos. Videos are especially effective because they allow flexibility—volunteers can watch at their convenience. We use an app to host lessons, links, and videos and to track who has completed them. Starting small, I initially recorded videos on my phone—and it worked! Volunteers appreciated that we respected their time. Our tech setup has grown, but the principle remains: short, focused, and actionable content.

Planning Family Events with Purpose

When it comes to ministry events, I’ve shifted my focus to quality over quantity. Instead of competing with packed family schedules, I aim to partner with them by being intentional. Every event we plan supports our church’s vision and mission.

Sometimes, that means cutting events that don’t effectively serve families. We’ve begun listening to parents and offering family-focused activities during regular church times. For example, we’re hosting a “Brunch and Bricks” event—waffles and Legos—during a Sunday service. Families will build together and leave with a Bible reading plan. It’s simple, different, and works within their schedules.

This approach removes barriers, shows families we value their time, and supports their spiritual growth without adding stress.

The Bigger Picture

Taking a step back to evaluate why we do what we do helps us make better, more strategic decisions. Engaging “outside-the-box” thinkers can bring fresh ideas for meetings and events. When people feel their time, intelligence, and contributions are valued, they’re far more likely to support the ministry. And let’s be honest—couldn’t we use more of that?

Amy Bates has been dedicated to KidMin for over 30 years. She has been happily married to Mike for 32 years, and they have two grown sons who are pursuing their passions and careers in different states. As empty-nesters, they found themselves reevaluating their lives about 18 months ago. After much prayer and consultation, they decided it was time to say goodbye to their life in Pennsylvania and hello to Grace Heartland Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It has been quite a journey, and they are adjusting and loving their new life. One thing that amazes Amy is how God places the right people at the right time in her life!

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Membership with KidzMatter PRO strengthens your skills and links you with a thriving community committed to empowering kidmin leaders like you.