RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Here's 10 sure ways to lose your volunteers and have frequent turnover.

Don't know their name.  Just see them as someone to fill a position and don't get to know them personally.

Don't place them in their sweet spot.  Instead of finding out their interests, talents and passion just place them wherever you have a need.

Don't give them proper training.  Just place them in the room...they'll figure it out.

Don't help them get relationally connected.  They don't need to build relationships with the people they serve with.  They can just come in, do their duty and leave.

Don't ask for their input or ideas.  Shove down directions and don't worry about getting their insight or feedback.

Don't communicate with them.  Leave them in the dark about upcoming dates, details, lesson plans and other important information.  When they call...don't return their calls.  When they email with a questions...don't respond. 

Don't follow ratios.  Put them in a room with one other person and 35 preschoolers.  Place 20 kids in their small group.  Ask them to take care of 4 babies by themselves. 

Don't ever thank them.  They should be serving for Jesus, not for the applause of men. 

Don't promote them.  Leave them in the same role forever.  Don't develop them and help them move into new volunteer roles with more responsibility.

Don't give them credit.  Take all the credit for victories and make sure you're in the spotlight instead of them.  You wouldn't want them to have to struggle with pride.

If you want to keep your volunteers long-term, then obviously do the opposite of everything listed above.  Without your volunteers...you don't have a children's ministry.  Love them, honor them, value them, listen to them and take great care of them.

Your turn.  What are some other things that cause us to lose volunteers?  Share with us in the comment section below.

Volunteers make Children's Ministry happen.  Without them, our ministries are just an empty shell.

They deserve our very best and should be a top priority.  Each week we should equip, encourage, and empower them.  Here's 5 things you should be giving your volunteers each week.

Communication
It's important to communicate with volunteers each week.  Email updates, text messages, and phone calls help them stay updated and prepared to serve when they arrive.


Prayer 
Pray for your volunteers during the week.  Gather your volunteers together before they start serving on Sunday and ask for their prayer needs.  Take time each week to pray for the needs they share.

You will probably have a good number of guests on Easter weekend...along with some CEO's (Christmas and Easter only).

The big question to ask - "How can we get them to return and become regular attendees?

What is the biggest factor in getting them to come back?

Is it an event?  A follow up phone call?  A nice letter sent to their home?  A personal visit?

Their is nothing wrong with these things...but they are not the main thing that will draw families back to your ministry.

The number one thing that will draw your Easter guests back is your FRIENDLINESS.

How do you teach your team to exude friendliness?  Here's 5 ways to train your team to move into the "friendly" zone.

Put 100% of your focus on people when they are in front of you.  Have you ever walked into a store and the person was on the phone, engaged in conversation with someone else, or doing paperwork...and they didn't even acknowledge your presence?  It makes you feel devalued.  You feel like you are "bothering" the person.  And it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, doesn't it?  It may even cause you to not return.

Again, train your team to be 100% focused on people.  If they are helping someone and another family walks up, acknowledge the new family's presence.

"Hi! How are you today?  So glad you're here.  I'll be right with you."

Make sure everyone is smiling.  Scowls, frowns, or a "I really don't care" look will deter people from coming back.

Teach your team that voice inflection communicates value.  How you say what you say matters.  It translates into "you are bothering me" or "I care about you."

Always walk...never point.  Don't tell guests where to go...take them there.  And engage them in meaningful conversation on the way.

Answer questions.  There are no dumb questions.  And never say "I don't know" and leave a family hanging.  Instead, say "I'm not sure, but let me find out for you." 

A lack of courtesy, friendliness, and sincere engagement will ruin your chances of a guest family coming back.  It doesn't matter how many times you call, send a letter, or do a follow-up email.  If they are not treated with courtesy and kindness on their first visit, the chance of them returning is slim to none.

I'll be reinforcing all of this with our team before Easter.  They do great...but I must continue to emphasize these values.  I would encourage you to have this conversation with your team as well.  Do so and you'll see more Easter guests return.

We are blessed to have John Maxwell on our church's teaching team.

This past Wednesday in staff meeting, he shared 7 questions to ask people so you can continue to grow as a leader.

1. What is greatest thing you have ever learned in life?

2. What are you learning now?

3. How has failure shaped your life?

4 . Who do you know that I should know?

5. What should I read?

6. What have you done that I should do?

7. How can I add value to you?

Great leaders ask great questions.  These are great questions to add to your leadership tool belt.

Do you dread or totally avoid difficult conversations?  Many people do.  But they are necessary at times. 

You can improve your ability to have difficult conversations.  In fact, here's 3 simple words that can help you navigate even the most tense situations.

State the FACT.

Share how it makes you FEEL.

Explain what you'd like to change or adjust in the FUTURE.

Here's an example of using these three words.
You have a volunteer that is being brash and rude to parents when they come to pick up their kids. You've received several complaints.  You know you need to have a conversation with the person.

(state the fact) John, I've had several parents say you are rude to them when they come to pick up their child.  I stood by the door last week when parents were picking up and I did notice you were abrupt with several parents.

(share how it makes you feel) When you do this, it makes parents feel like you don't care about them or value them.  And it makes me feel like we're treating them as a bother instead of the blessing they are.

(explain what you'd like to change or adjust in the FUTURE) In the future, I'd like to encourage you to be more loving with your words and tone.  I know your heart.  You love kids and parents.  That's why are you serving.  I think sometimes it just gets lost in translation when you are under stress.

If you'll allow me, I'd like to invest in you and help you improve your people skills.  I have a great book that has helped me that I'd be glad to share with you.  I'd also like to spend some time with you in the next few weeks working on this.

Try using this approach when your next difficult situation arises.  It will give you confidence going into the conversation.