By Stephanie Jackson
It’s no secret that running a large ministry program solo is a challenge. But what I’ve learned through my 16 years in children’s ministry is that having a volunteer army really helps the church see the value of the ministry and the value of the volunteer. It is truly a joy to serve alongside our volunteer team!
As a leader, the question that’s constantly running through my mind is this: How do I best serve and equip the saints for the work of ministry? Here are a few ways God has taught me to answer that question. Each way helps me structure my team and provide support to them, while giving me time to refuel my own soul.
Currently, my church averages 175 kids on Sunday mornings and 75 volunteers. (In the past we have served as many as 265 kids with this same structure.) I am the only paid children’s ministry staff member. We run two identical services and staff our full kids’ ministry program during both of these services.
Liaisons
Liaisons are the way I multiply myself! Since there’s no other staff member serving in kids’ ministry, I needed a way to get volunteers serving in leadership roles and this is how I do it. We have one liaison for each hour and each ministry area. For example, there’s a Nursery 9 a.m. Liaison, a Nursery 10:45 a.m. Liaison, a Preschool 9 a.m. Liaison, a Preschool 10:45 a.m. Liaison, and so on. We also recently added First Impressions Liaisons to both services to assist specifically with guest connection and retainment.
Sub Coordinators
One way that we keep up with requests for substitute volunteers and the placement of these subs is through our Sub Coordinators. We have one Sub Coordinator per hour of Sunday programing, so each one is responsible for approximately 35 volunteers. This volunteer position specifically serves as the go-between with the volunteer team and subs. Our Sub Coordinators make sure we know of every request. They place subs, send curriculum, and help ensure those who are serving have followed all policy protocols. In total, these Sub Coordinator volunteers serve 3–4 hours during the week.
Mentors
For each ministry area we have a volunteer (or in some cases multiple volunteers) who serves by specifically helping our team grow in a classroom setting. They are great encouragers and champions for each ministry area!
How do you multiply your leadership in ministry? It’s a difficult job! Share your strategies below—your ideas may be a huge help to another kidmin leader!
Editor’s note: Today’s blog was written by Stephanie Jackson, the Director of Children’s Ministries at North Wake Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Stephanie is passionate about sharing the Gospel with children and equipping families to follow Jesus together. She is also the founder of PracticalKidsMinistry.com which seeks to equip, encourage, and engage children’s ministry leaders via online mentorship. Stephanie is also a Certified Church Consultant.
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