Do you need more volunteers? Of course, you do. I've never seen a children's ministry that didn't need more volunteers.

But when you get desperate, you may be tempted to take a short cut and let some people serve who shouldn't be serving.

First and foremost, remember this. 

It is a privilege to serve in children's ministry. It's nobody's right to serve in children's ministry. 

With this in mind, here are 5 people that you should not let serve in children's ministry. 

Anyone who has not completed a background check should not serve in children's ministry.

You can't cut corners with this. No matter who it is. They should not serve in children's ministry if they have not completed a background check.  If they refuse to take a background check, it is a major red flag.  

Here's a side note - what should you do if something does pop on someones background check? This can be a case by case situation. If it is someone who had a DUI ten years ago before they became a believer and they have walked the talk and proven themselves ever since then, you can consider letting them serve. But don't make the decision by yourself. Bring in 2-3 other people and together make this decision.  Now if the DUI was just six months ago, then that's a different scenario. I would not let them serve at this time until they have proven themselves over a good period of time. 

Anyone who is involved in sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman should not serve in children's ministry.

This includes same sex relationships, adultery, and fornication. Yes...you are going to need to ask them point blank about this.  How do you approach this question with a person? It needs to happen in a personal interview. You can get my volunteer interview questions at this link free of charge.  A man should do the volunteer interview for a man and a woman should do the interview for a woman.  I would strongly encourage you to do a personal interview with each person before they start serving. 

People who are constantly negative should not serve in children's ministry. 

I am not talking about someone who occasionally gives you push back. I am talking about someone who is chronically negative. Their negative vibe is corroding away at the spirit of the team.  They say things in team meetings that are uncalled for and complain about everything you try to do.  You can't afford to let this person sabotage what you are trying to accomplish.

Give this person the opportunity to change their attitude.  Have a conversation with them and share what their attitude is doing to the team. Share with them some steps they can take to change this. If the negativity continues, it's' time to part ways. 

Anyone who has abused a child should never serve in children's ministry.

Never...never...never...never...never...never let anyone who has abused a child to serve in your children's ministry. This is a life-time ban. No exceptions. If the abuse was sexual in nature, I highly recommend you do not let them attend your church. They can watch online, but should not be allowed anywhere on the church grounds. 

 People who chronically resist change and won't follow leadership should not serve in children's ministry.

You cannot afford to keep someone on your team that hates change to the point where they oppose everything you do to move the ministry forward. They constantly question your leadership and won't follow you. They whisper about your leadership behind your back.  They constantly bring up how amazing the previous children's pastor was. They are stuck in the "good ole days."  If they can't follow the vision God has given you for the ministry, then you need to part ways with them.  

Leading in children's ministry is not an easy task. You often have to make hard decisions.  Ask God to help you lead with wisdom and courage.  Again, remember that it is no one's right to serve in children's ministry. It is a privilege.  Guard your team carefully.  Say "no" when a "no" is needed. 

We must remember that the safety and spiritual well being of the children comes first. 

p.s. For an in depth look at how you should lead in children's ministry, check out my book "Lead Well in Children's Ministry."  It is available at this link. 

Your turn. Who are some other people who should not serve in children's ministry? Share your thoughts about this in the comments section below.

Easter is just around the corner. It's one of highlights of a children's ministry year. It's such a great opportunity to reach and disciple kids who may not come as often and for new guests. 

You definitely want to be prepared and have a clear strategy and plan for the day. 

I'm here to help. Here are five proven resources that you can use to have a great Easter.  Let's take a look at them. 

CSI (Christ Scene Investigation) Easter Lesson

Kids are invited to join the C.S.I. Team to investigate if Jesus rose from the dead. They’ll examine three scenes to look for clues, collect evidence and talk with eyewitnesses. The evidence will lead them to make a decision about whether Jesus’ resurrection is true and if they want to enter a relationship with Him.

This lesson is also a great way to teach kids apologetics for the resurrection. It takes kids on a deeper diver to help them know why we can know Jesus rose from the dead.

Includes a ready-to-print evidence recorder book that kids use during the investigation.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• investigative I.D. badge for each child (ready to print)
• evidence recorder book for each child (ready to print)
• graphics for posters, promoting, etc.
• slide graphics for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note
• interactive lesson videos
• lesson plan that can be used in large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format or mid-week format
• lesson connects with all learning styles
• lesson incorporates hands on, experiential learning
• games that bring together fun and learning

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

Blast to the Past Easter Lesson 

Connor and Chloe get blasted back the past where they meet Jesus at the tomb after He has risen. They learn who Jesus is, what He did and why He did it. Through this experience, kids will discover the meaning of Easter and how they can have a relationship with the risen Savior.

This is an interactive lesson that includes hands-on activities and live interaction with the lesson videos.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• graphics for posters, social media and promotion
• slide graphics for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note
• ready-to-print interactive pieces that kids use to interact with the videos in real-time
• 5-minute video countdown
• lesson videos
• lesson plans that fit large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format, mid-week format
• lesson is flexible and editable to fit your specific ministry context
• lesson hits all learning styles
• lesson is hands-on, experiential and learner-based
• easy-to-use small group leader plans with little prep needed

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link. 

Starting Point Salvation and New Believer's Class

As you share the Gospel at Easter, it is important to have a next step that kids and families can take together.

Starting Point is a one-session class designed for kids who are interested in starting a relationship with Jesus. The class is designed for kids and their parents to attend together and provides tools that parents can use to follow up with their children at home.

This is a proven curriculum that has been used to lead thousands of kids and parents to Christ. It is being used by churches across the country and fits any size church.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

This comprehensive curriculum includes...

• Teacher/Facilitator script
• Student booklets that are ready to print
• Parent booklets that are ready to print
• Pre-class activity pages that are ready to print
• All files are editable so you can adapt to your specific ministry needs
• Teaching videos ready to drop into your presentation software
• PowerPoint ready-to-go presentation
• Ready-to-go graphic slides you can place in presentation software such Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Keynote, etc
• Promotional materials that are editable and ready to print

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

Baptism for Kids Class

At Easter,  you may have kids and families asking about being baptized.  

Baptism for Kids is a one-session class that helps kids understand baptism. The class answers questions like...

• What is baptism?
• Why should I be baptized?
• When should I be baptized?

*It is designed for kids and their parents to attend together and provides follow-up tools that parents can use to help prepare their children for baptism. The class has helped thousands of kids and parents follow Jesus in baptism and is a great resource for ministries that want to see kids and families take that step.

*This resource is designed to accompany the Starting Point Class. It is recommended you take kids through the Starting Point Class (or another faith commitment curriculum) before you take them through this class.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• teacher's guide
• class handout for kids (ready to print)
• class handout for parents (ready to print)
• pre-class activity pages (ready to print)
• all handouts are editable so you can adjust as needed for your specific ministry
• PowerPoint presentation
• Ready-to-go media files you can place in other presentation software such as Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Keynote, etc.
• promotional materials
• baptism certificate templates you can edit for your ministry

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

A Great Start

Once kids invite Jesus into their life, it is vital that we help disciple them. "A Great Start" is a great discipleship tool to help kids grow and thrive in their faith. Can be used at home and at church.

A Great Start helps ground kids in their faith and learn crucial truths that will help them grow spiritually. Devos include teaching kids about these essential parts of the faith.

You can get more information and order at this link.  

I trust these resources will help you the way they have helped me. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these resources. Praying with you for a great time of ministry on Easter and the days and weeks around it. 

This past week, I was talking with a potential volunteer.  He was a great prospect to serve in children's ministry. I knew he could make an impact if he joined our team. 

But after talking with him, I encouraged him to NOT serve in children's ministry.

Why did I tell him no? 

Did I think he wouldn't pass the background check? No.

Did I think he is not gifted to influence children? No.

Does he have a negative personality? No...in fact, it is the opposite. He has a dynamic personality. 

The reason why I told him not to serve in children's ministry was the answer he gave me to this question.

"What is your dream role at church?"

He paused for a minute to think about this and then told me that his dream role was to work with young adults. That was his passion. 

My red flag went up. I told him he shouldn't serve in children's ministry. I encouraged him to pursue serving in our young adult ministry.  In fact, yesterday I talked with our young adult pastor and he is going to get him plugged into serving in our young adult ministry. 

Is it easy to not pursue a great potential children's ministry volunteer?  No...of course not. I would have loved to have him on our team.  But I would have been doing him a disservice. 

Think with me about this. When you ask a potential volunteer where they want to serve, they will often say "wherever you need me."  The temptation is to put them where you have a need...even if it's not the best fit for the person. 

Don't place potential volunteers where you need them.  Rather, place them where they need to be.

Where do they need to be?  In a role that aligns with their passion and calling. Their dream job at church. 

One of two things will happen when you place a volunteer in a role that is not their sweet spot. 

They will burn out and quit or they will continue to serve in that role out of character, but they will not enjoy it.  

I remember I received the name of a man that wanted to serve in children's ministry. He had responded to someone telling him we needed some more small group leaders.  I was excited to have another man join our team.  We had many boys that were from single parent homes and a male role model and mentor could really make a difference in their lives. 

As I was meeting with him to finalize his role in children's ministry, I knew I still needed to ask him the question. 

What is your dream role here at church? 

He paused and then he said, "I really love working with high school students. But I know you have some openings in children's ministry so I can serve there." 

The easy thing would have been to get him serving in children's ministry. But I would have been shortchanging him.  

I said, "no....I don't think you should serve in children's ministry. Let's walk down to the high school ministry and I will introduce you to our student pastor so you can serve in student ministry."

Remember this... 

Don't use people to build the ministry...rather, use the ministry to build people.

When you help people find their "sweet spot" in serving, they will thrive. 

Serving shouldn't be about what we want from people. It should be about what we want for people. That's why you have to say "no" sometimes to someone serving in children's ministry.  

Here are a couple of resources that can help you with this. 

Volunteer Interview Questions -free of charge. You can get it here.  

My book - The Formula For Building Great Volunteer Teams. You can get it here. It has been called the best book ever written on the subject. 

A new family walks in the door. How exciting!  You do your best to make them feel welcome...but then you never see them again. How disappointing! 

How can you see guests return? 

Let's talk about this. Here are some steps you can take to increase the percentage of families who you see a second time. 

Don't make them wait in line.  

People hate to wait in line. Have a separate check-in area for guests. Give them the VIP treatment. Make checking in as easy and quickly as possible.

Give them a great first experience. 

A first impression truly is a lasting impression. 

You only get one opportunity to make a first impression so make that first visit count. If a guest family has a poor first experience...they are not going to come back no matter how many times you call them, write them and invite them to return.  

Use their name.

You want to make their first visit as personable as possible. Train volunteers to use a first-time guest's name often. Guests love to hear their name spoken and it makes them feel special.  Obviously make sure they have a name tag on. Indicate on their name tag that they are a first-time guest.

Send them a hand-written post card. 

In the day of digital communication, a hand-written post card is golden. Kids love to get mail. Sit down and write them a personal post card.  

Offer an incentive to return. 

Give first-time families a gift when they return for a second visit. One of the things that has worked well for me is to give guests a t-shirt on their second visit.  Have your children's ministry logo on the t-shirt. Often they will wear the t-shirt in the community and to school. This not only blesses the family, but it also helps spread the word about your children's ministry. 

Call them. 

On the Tuesday or Wednesday after they visit, call the parents.  Make the phone call brief unless they ask questions and you can tell they want to talk longer.  Simply thank them for coming and let them know they are welcome to come for a second visit. 

Take these simple steps and I promise you that you will begin to see more guests return. If you can get them back for a second visit, then there is a good chance they will become a part of your ministry.  

Do you have a copy of my new book "Be Our Church Guest?"  It contains lots of ways you an improve the first time experience of guest families. If you want to see your guests' experiences go to the next level, then this book is for you. You can get it at this link.