A Youth Sunday Flower Guild, led by a patient and loving Flower Guild Volunteer
Christ Church, Savannah, GA . Photos by Mills Fleming

I’m busy “partnering” with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA to kick off a strong program year of formation. While my husband is serving as the Interim Rector, the Vestry has contracted me as a consultant. The word “partner” more accurately describes what is needed right now. This amazing congregation is in transition, thus short-staffed until the permanent rector is hired. News flash: children don’t stop growing while waiting for new rectors! God’s love is ready to be shared, so there is much to be done for children and families in the present moment. I am happy to partner with other staff and volunteers in work that is my passion, and this effort helps me clarify my thoughts around church leadership.

In order to best serve St. Luke’s, I have held many interviews, listening to the thoughts of staff, volunteers and committee members. I have studied the Sunday morning experience from the perspective of younger families and newer families. I have thought a lot about curricula, and even enjoyed a full training in Godly Play. I am helping to reinvigorate Children’s Chapel with other staff members. But it’s the adult volunteers that I can’t stop thinking about. If the adults can get inspired, I know the kids will be as well. There are already many amazing, vibrant leaders in place. And the impact of their ministries is evident in the congregation. I have sought to support, nurture and encourage these longtime formation leaders with conversations, training events and thoughtful planning. For the open slots, I (along with others) have made some fast-paced recruitment efforts, and at times I have felt like a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman.

My recruitment efforts at St. Luke’s have been a new experience. In the past, I’ve treated volunteer recruitment as a 365 day a year mission. In a congregation where I was on staff and knew folks, I was constantly observing, listening and reaching out, matching lay leaders with ministry opportunities with the vigor of a dating app. At St. Luke’s I’ve had to do more cold calls, work faster, reach out to people I don’t know very well. And, yes, it has been awkward at times— rejection is no fun. However, I realize my enthusiasm for children’s formation can actually be contagious. My earnest engagement has served as a magnet, drawing others who also have a calling to ministry with children and reivigorating some who had stepped away. I take this stuff seriously, and I think congregation members can sense my commitment.

Inviting formation ministry volunteers to join the team is about more than just filling slots. It is working as an agent for the Holy Spirit. Some summer Sundays, I have sat in the back of the church, praying God leads me to the right volunteers. One day I was focused on recruiting a couple of parents to help with Children’s Chapel. As I pursued one vestry member as a potential volunteer, I stepped into the restroom. A mom was in there, and she had on a name tag so I knew she was a member. We chit-chatted for a minute, and I realized she knew who I was. I checked my intuition and followed it by asking if she would like to help with Children’s Chapel. She said yes! Later I found out she is a committed, active member, and now she will be involved in a most important ministry.

Adult and Youth Volunteers for Vacation Bible School Christ Church Savannah, GA

Recruitment and caring for volunteers can take on many forms. One day, I was interviewing a member about her extensive experiences in children and youth formation at St. Luke’s. I explained my belief that certain people are uniquely called to ministry with children. After our discussion, she realized that she and her husband have a shared passion for that work and not just because they are parents who taught Sunday School when their kids were little. Later that day she texted to say they would lead one of the open classes. The commitment and connection they are offering— caring enough to show up most every Sunday and create this loving space for the children— that is what we call “being the hands and feet of Christ.” Because they are willing to commit amidst already busy lives, I am trying to support them as they prepare to teach in whatever way I can. For example, choosing the curriculum for the class, I listened carefully to their hopes and interests, while also thinking about the ages and stages of the kids.

In the 365 day a year recruitment model, there is gracious time to learn about volunteer passions, interests, and preferences for commitment levels. With that information, I am able to thoughtfully honor the adult volunteers as children of God, also. I offer pastoral care by connecting them with an appropriate ministry opportunity. But even with limited time and fast-paced recruitment, I can tell the volunteers truly appreciate being heard, directed, supported and encouraged. The face-to-face gift of formation ministry is in their hands. That’s why, as we prepare for a new program year, I can’t stop thinking about the adult volunteers who are leading children’s ministry and how best to support and encourage them as we prepare to welcome God’s children.

If it’s for the kids, why focus on the adults?

Best practices for Welcoming God’s Children in the new school year . . .