Church Tours & Volunteers

I just got back from a 2,000-mile, 4-day road trip to Oklahoma and Texas with 5 other Chapel staff involved in children’s ministry. Our goal was to observe three large non-denominational churches and meet with their children’s ministry staffs to learn specifically about their volunteer staffing models. We wanted to investigate how other large children’s ministries recruited, equipped, shepherded and developed volunteers. Here’s what we discovered:

• All three churches used personal invitation as the primary means of recruiting volunteers into ministry.  Two of the three churches never had the opportunity to make an “up front” ask in the adult service. My take key aways from that are: 1) we are blessed to be in a church that gives volunteer recruitment stage time in the main service; 2) TGA volunteers are one of our greatest assets and spokespeople, and we need to encourage all of you to invite people into the serving experience.
• We observed 3 different children’s ministries in action and found that where volunteer staffing ratios were not managed well, the experience was chaotic and the look of frustration on volunteers’ faces evident. On the other hand, where staffing ratios were actively managed, by a team leader who was freed up to shuffle volunteers around and call in back up, I experienced a feeling of peace and joy in the hallways as each child was warmly greeted by a well-prepared team. My take aways from that are: 1) we need to continue keep our volunteer positions staffed as close to 100% as possible, which means we ALWAYS need to be inviting people into the serving experience; and 2) we need volunteers to continue to arrive on time for their team huddle so that we can open classrooms on time with a full staff of volunteers.
• The most powerful experience was visiting the church whose children’s ministry team met 1 hour before the start of the service for worship and prayer. When we walked around the hallways during parent check in there was a palpable sense of God’s peace and order. Then, when we walked into each classroom’s teaching time, we observed children being prayed over and ministered to and kids enthusiastically engaged in worship. My take away: I want more of that for our ministry. More prayer. More God. More ministry led by the Spirit so that children’s lives are being transformed by the One who created them.

My favorite reflection from the trip came during our 16-hour ride home. YOU! We are a 300-volunteer strong children’s ministry that ministers to over 450 children every weekend. Each of you has been equipped and empowered to lead, shepherd and minister into the lives of children. You are children’s ministers who arrive on time to huddle and pray, prepared to be the hands and feet of Christ to children who need to know how much God loves them. You value their safety and know how to create a warm, inviting environment. One of my greatest joys is serving alongside you. Thank you for what you do!

I have one thing to ask. Invite someone you know (or want to know better) to join you in this ministry, to serve alongside you, to share in your experience. There is no greater privilege than to welcome a little one in the name of Jesus. Thank you for ALL that you do!

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