Putting together a full team of children’s ministry volunteers almost always involves onboarding new teammates at the beginning of the season. How do you coach, encourage, and keep them thriving in ministry for the long haul? As a ministry leader, make it your goal to go above and beyond to communicate the following points to your rookie volunteers so they are ready for the first child that enters through your doors.

#1 Remind them that they matter

God gave each person a unique spiritual gift for this specific season of life. They are stepping into a position designed by God to make an eternal difference. Communicate clearly that when they are missing, there’s a hole in the team, balls get dropped, and kids, parents, and fellow leaders feel their absence. But when they are present and engaged, the team functions as God intended, and kids get to see Jesus through them.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God created YOU before time began for this exact opportunity. What you do here will ripple through both now and eternity. You truly matter.

#2 Equip them to lead kids to Jesus

Surprisingly, many new volunteers are unaware of how much a child can learn and understand about Jesus. Coach them to prepare in advance, pray over the kids, and study the curriculum. Just like any team, players should come prepared and ready for action each week. (Don’t apologize for having expectations—people want to be part of a winning team.) They need to confidently know that every game, song, activity, and Bible lesson ultimately introduces kids to Jesus and invites them into a personal relationship with Him through the Gospel.

As a leader, remember it is an honor, a privilege, and a responsibility to teach God’s Word accurately and in a way kids can understand. Bring the Bible to life by teaching with creativity and enthusiasm. Remember, for many kids, you are the first person who will show them how to open a Bible and discover the most amazing truths of God.

2 Timothy 3:15 says, “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Remind them they get to be part of that journey—what an incredible calling!

#3 Challenge them to Grow Alongside the Kids

New volunteers need to be challenged to experience their own spiritual growth while serving in children’s ministries. The lesson of the day isn’t just for the kids; it’s also part of their own spiritual growth. Before they ask kids to live out God’s Word, they should live it out first. Teach them to start each lesson by opening a physical Bible, reading the passage, and journaling what they learned from it. They need to individually seek God by listening for what He wants to teach them and asking God to give them opportunities to put it into practice. Then they can study the curriculum as a tool to help them share that truth with the kids.

2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Preparation shapes the heart as much as it shapes the lesson.

#4 Encourage Questions

Keep an open door and open mind so your team is willing to ask questions. They need to know if they are ever unsure about how to implement the curriculum, follow security procedures, navigate the schedule, or check that they are aligned with the ministry’s goals—they can just ask. Their questions matter! Creating this culture will ultimately help protect kids, strengthen the team, enhance discipleship, and can even lead to better future training.

Remember, your team is serving God–not you! Your role and responsibility are to cheer for them, provide for their ministry needs, and equip them to reach kids for Christ. Your goal is to turn rookies into veterans who will effectively continue to serve for the long haul!

Kris Smoll has served as a children’s ministry director for over 30 years and currently serves as the Executive Director of Discovery Land Global. She is deeply passionate about equipping children to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, prepared to stand firm in their faith and live for Him in an ever-changing world.