Finding leaders can be challenging. Usually it takes time for you to find people who are willing to serve at the leadership level. So how does this happen? How do you find kids ministry leaders?
Almost all of my leaders have come from serving faithfully in kids ministry rooms, and I have asked them if they would consider being at the leadership level. Going from a new volunteer to a leadership role usually happens one step at a time. Think about it. When two people date, they don’t introduce themselves, and then go straight to, “will you marry me?”. Well, usually they don’t. Let’s take a look at the process:
Step 1 – This type of volunteer is new to volunteering. They probably volunteer in a ‘helper’ role with very little responsibility. Start small and don’t overwhelm them. It’s important to get these volunteers connected with a more experienced volunteer who they can build a relationship with, and see the benefits of volunteering on a regular basis at a higher level of leadership.
Step 2 – Increase the level of frequency. When people volunteer on a regular basis, they can see the results faster. They build relationships with kids faster & get to know them better. They begin to see the results of their investment in the kids lives.
Step 3 – Increase the level of responsibility. Once they have had some time to see various roles in action & they have time to learn the culture of the ministry they are involved in, they may be willing to do a little more to help the team.
Step 4 – Invite them to be a leader. Meet personally with the volunteer & cast the vision of why you think this person would make a great leader. Highlight the benefits of leading & the impact it will make on their life.
Finding kids ministry leaders can be a challenge and may take time. It’s a long term investment that will pay off if you put the work into the beginning of developing leaders.
For more information about leadership, check out my top 10 favourite leadership books .
