Finding and Keeping Children S Ministry Volunteers

CBF CONFERENCE 3/19/15 FINDING AND KEEPING CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS Betty Hassler Need more volunteers? Want to keep those you have? Avoid predictable pitfalls by learning the do’s and don’ts of successful ministries for any size church.

I. Intro A little about me: My husband is a retired minister. During the 40 years I was a pastor’s wife, I worked in every area of Sunday School, from bed babies to teaching senior adult women. For more than 20 years, I taught children and preschool SS classes, discipleship, Mission Friends, and Extended Session. At present I am the Sunday School director at Grace Crossing Baptist Fellowship in northeast Charlotte. I’m also an extended session volunteer. I’m eager to share with you what I’ve learned over the years, as well as hearing what you have to share.

II. Goal: Read the course description. To get to the goal, we must begin with this question: How important is it that children be taught that God made them, God loves them, Jesus wants to be their friend forever, and He is the Savior of all mankind? If that is important to you, it must become important to those you seek to enlist in children’s ministry. This task is so much more than filling slots. You are going to have to sell a vision to adults who may not share that vision. Here’s our plan: GAIN TRAIN RETAIN

1 III. GAIN Where do we find children’s ministry volunteers? A. First line of offense: adult SS classes The SS Director must become your best friend, followed by adult SS teachers.

B. Other sources Church members not active in SS Young adults 18-30 Single adults Military Men Grandpas & grandmas

Note: No one under 18

C. To enlist them, establish clear expectations.

What is the position? Lead teacher? Associate or assistant? What is the enlistment period? No longer than one year Who will be in the classroom with me? TWO, NEVER ONE When are they expected to arrive? Teaching begins when the first child arrives. When are they allowed to leave the classroom? What is an acceptable attendance pattern? Who secures a substitute? What are the lines of authority? (Who do I report to? Who reports to me?)

D. Secure their agreement.

Questionnaire or interview—previous experience, talents, gifts Background check. NO EXCEPTIONS.

E. Offer a certification in sexual abuse prevention. www.ministrysafe.com Costs $10 and after a question test, a printed certificate. Helps worker recognize child predators.

GAINING A NEW VOLUNTEER WON’T HELP MUCH IF YOU DON’T KEEP THEM.

IV. TRAIN

2 A. Check-in/check-out system (attendance) Name on child Information on person dropping off the child, including text address Where will the person be while child is in your care? Who is authorized to pick up the child? Child’s allergies

B. Review the Curriculum (This is not babysitting!)

Options—Standard Publishing, Orange Children’s Ministry Curriculum, Group, David C. Cook, LifeWay Christian Resources. All have a Website.

C. Tour the classroom

Set-up—why is it this way? Supplies/resources—a main storage closet is preferable Where do I get Kleenex, paper towels, finger paint, magic markers? Do I have a budget? Am I expected to use my own money?

D. Discipline measures: No physical touch, no isolation, no threats. What? Redirecting, putting object out of reach, ignoring bad behavior

E. Health measures How do I cough, blow my nose? When should I not come to SS? How to identify a sick child First aid kit? No medicines. Ice, bandaids, antiseptic Accident report form? Hand-washing—after every bodily fluid Food allowed in classroom Diaper changing Clean up

F. Personal security Do not be alone with a child. EVER Stand outside the bathroom at the door. Help the child/supervise there.

Do not take the child on an outing unless accompanied by another trustworthy adult.

G. Up-to-date substitute list. (You are the last line of defense.)

H. Expectations regarding follow-up with visitors, absentees, sick, death in family

3 V. RETAIN

A. Encourage teachers to participate in church-wide events. Do not expect them to staff special events. THEY NEED ADULT CONTACT.

B. Encourage participation in an adult Bible study/cell group.

C. Be responsive to needs. No need is too trivial. Respond quickly.

D. Have a feedback loop. Parents to teachers/teachers to parents/teachers to staff. DON’T ISOLATE THEM.

E. Offer ongoing/periodic training; inform of new online resources