Recruiting and retaining high-quality volunteers is one of the greatest challenges facing church leaders today. Too often, children’s ministry is viewed as “childcare” rather than a vital spiritual mission, leading to burnout and high turnover. To build a thriving team, you must shift your focus from simply “filling slots” to “equipping saints” for the work of the ministry. By casting a compelling vision, streamlining the onboarding process, and prioritizing the spiritual health of your team, you can create a culture where people don’t just volunteer—they belong.
Cast a Vision Instead of Making a Plea
The most common mistake in recruitment is the “desperation plea” from the pulpit. When you tell the congregation you “need bodies in the nursery,” you are inviting people to fill a hole rather than fulfill a calling. High-quality volunteers are drawn to a high-quality vision. Instead of asking for help, invite people to invest in the next generation. Show them the eternal impact of sharing the Gospel with a first-grader. When people see that they aren’t just babysitting, but are participating in God’s work of making disciples, they are far more likely to commit for the long haul.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations… Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
Streamline the Onboarding and Training Process
A high-quality volunteer wants to know that the organization they are joining is well-run and safe. This starts with a clear, professional onboarding process. This should include a thorough background check, an initial interview to hear their heart for ministry, and a “test drive” Sunday where they can observe a classroom. Once they are on board, don’t leave them to figure it out on their own. Provide practical training on classroom management, safety protocols, and how to use the curriculum. When a volunteer feels competent, they feel confident—and confident volunteers stick around.
Prioritize Relationship Over Requirement
Retention is almost entirely about the relationship. People will stay in a difficult role if they feel seen, known, and loved by their leaders. Make it a priority to shepherd your volunteers. This might look like a monthly check-in text, a small “thank you” note in the mail, or a quick prayer together before the service begins. If you only talk to your volunteers when you need them to cover a shift, they will eventually feel like a cog in a machine. When you treat them as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, they feel like part of a family.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Create a Sustainable Serving Schedule
Burnout is the number one enemy of retention. High-quality volunteers often have high-capacity lives, and if the ministry demands too much of their time, they will eventually bow out. Aim for a sustainable rotation—such as “one week on, two weeks off” or “one month on, one month off.” This allows volunteers to actually attend the main worship service and be spiritually fed themselves. A volunteer who is spiritually drained will have nothing left to give to the children. Protecting their “Sabbath” is an act of leadership that ensures the long-term health of your team.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Children’s ministry can often feel like a “thankless” job because the fruit of the labor—a child’s spiritual growth—takes years to fully manifest. To keep morale high, you must intentionally celebrate the “small wins.” Share stories of a child asking a great question about Jesus or a volunteer who helped a crying toddler feel safe. Publicly honor your team during church services or through social media. When volunteers see that their “hidden” work is noticed and valued by the church leadership, it reinforces their sense of purpose and joy in serving.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers.
The Takeaway
Recruiting and retaining volunteers is less about “salesmanship” and more about stewardship. Your goal is to steward the gifts and the time of the people God has placed in your church. When you lead with a clear vision, provide solid support, and foster a culture of genuine appreciation, high-quality leaders will naturally gravitate toward your ministry. Remember, you aren’t just looking for people to watch kids; you are looking for partners to help lead those kids to the feet of Jesus.
