How to get parent's involved in Nursery and Preschool Ministry!?

[Jessica]

I would love some ideas on how to get parent's involved in ministry.

I have my core volunteers but they are getting worn out due to lack of parent involvement.

I would LOVE to hear what you do within in your church.

Thanks!

[Daniel Geer]

Simple. Instead of wearing out the people who are dedicated to excellence, they work when scheduled, and only when scheduled. If the volunteer fails to show or there is no one scheduled in the nursery, that area is closed. I do not want to lose good people by over-working them or abusing their sense of responsibility. I have let them all know that they are too valuable to abuse. I believe that God provides the people, but that they are free to not do what God wants done. A room without a volunteer speaks louder than wearing out good people. I do not think that the parents are all to blame; rather, those who are being called and not responding are to blame! (for whatever blame is worth)

[Karen Twombly]

I started with the commitment that I don't want anyone God has not called and I don't want anyone that is rebelling against God's call. Really, that would be so counter productive to ministry. Next I am committed to praying regularly and often!! that God, the Lord of the Harvest would send workers.

I don't recruit from the bulletin or pulpit, it just doesn't work or worse it does and you get someone you shouldn't utilize. I pray and then as names come I have some trusted, godly leaders that are praying too and we discuss the names and then I start asking. I ask and ask them to pray and then tell them when I will come back and ask for an answer.

When I have a ministry that has a people shortage and we have prayed and can't find anyone I have to ask if God is using this to force me to do things a different way, to reorganize that ministry. Sometimes what we have always done shouldn't be done and God has called us to something different.

I really don't believe that just because you are a parent, then that means you must serve in the nursery or Children's church any more than if you listen to a sermon you should take a turn preaching. I really want people who not only love their kids but everyone elses too and who is gifted by the Spirit in that area.

[Kim Ports]

Amen. We've completely reorganized Sunday School to be one room with subgroups. Then I don't need 2 adults per classroom. We went from 6 adults per Sunday to 3. The kids are having a great time and so are the volunteers. I ask parents but I don't require them to work. Since we've changed the format, parents have been more willing to jump in.

Karen Twombly said:

I started with the commitment that I don't want anyone God has not called and I don't want anyone that is rebelling against God's call. Really, that would be so counter productive to ministry. Next I am committed to praying regularly and often!! that God, the Lord of the Harvest would send workers.

I don't recruit from the bulletin or pulpit, it just doesn't work or worse it does and you get someone you shouldn't utilize. I pray and then as names come I have some trusted, godly leaders that are praying too and we discuss the names and then I start asking. I ask and ask them to pray and then tell them when I will come back and ask for an answer.

When I have a ministry that has a people shortage and we have prayed and can't find anyone I have to ask if God is using this to force me to do things a different way, to reorganize that ministry. Sometimes what we have always done shouldn't be done and God has called us to something different.

I really don't believe that just because you are a parent, then that means you must serve in the nursery or Children's church any more than if you listen to a sermon you should take a turn preaching. I really want people who not only love their kids but everyone elses too and who is gifted by the Spirit in that area.

[Tom Reusch]

Cry. Just cry about it. I am. It's not getting anything done, but it helps me feel better despite having to beg people to be followers of Christ rather than just claim that they follow Christ. So I cry, and it feels good. Notice I didn't say 'pray', it's not okay to cuss when you pray...but cussing when you're crying is a gray area, right?

[Sue Corbran]

Our nursery is manned by different people each Sunday - and by different people for each service. So that's 2 for the early service, 2 others for Sunday school, 2 others from the contemporary service and if we have a Sunday night program - that's 2 more. So that's at least 8 different people each Sunday. My nursery coordinator plugs them in - it's not just parents - but anyone who has shown interest in helping out in the nursery. Oh - and then she adds in teens who want to help. She schedules them in advance - atleast 20 days. (They're listed in the monthly church calendar - newsletter)

For our preschool and elem. departments - I set up a yearly schedule - after sending out questionaires in Sept - and then the schedule is set for Jan - Dec. Each class (except Sunday school) has 1 teacher and 1 teen helper (unless the teacher has requested their spouse to help.) And I suggest each person to sign up for two months - though some do teach up to 6 months - and I have two Sunday school teachers that teach the whole year (they are cemented in, it's hard to move them). The teachers know that if they can't teach a given Sunday -they should swap with another teacher. I don't schedule myself in - but have taught when the needs arise (and I really love to do it - but know that if I schedule myself in - I'm keeping another person from serving God.) The summer months and December are the harder months to schedule. In December - I schedule teachers weekly - so everyone has a chance to enjoy the worship service. [The schedule shows Sunday school teachers and children's church teachers - for our 2nd service only. We only provide nursery for the early service.]

[Kate]

Hi Jessica-

We're having the same dilemma. I read Mr. Geer's advice about this in another discussion. I think very soon we're going to have to have the little ones join the adult service. I've tried all different types of methods from bulletins to personal calls. I've been praying about it and am waiting for God's answer. I think since we're not right in front of the adult's eyes they forget there are little ones who need to be ministered to as well. I agree that we shouldn't have to pull teeth to MAKE them serve.

I have a monthly rotation but the volunteers are getting fewer and fewer. I don't want to burn out those who love working with the kids either.

I do have some parents (mostly stay at home moms) who have requested they have time with other adults and not be on the schedule. I totally understand that. If they feel pressured to be in a class, no one will gain any ministering at all.

Kate

[chadkmiller]

This sounds a little rough, but the main thing that has helped me get volunteers is to close down the room when there are not enough volunteers. We simply let parents know the room is closed due to lack of volunteers. This motivates them quickly. We also try to get at least one parent to help out once a month (right now we are at about 88% :)) We have setup our kid's ministry to be a co-op and are getting ready to let every parent who has been coming for 3 months become a volunteer after their background check. I will let you know how that works!

I hope this helps!

[Janet Landwehr]

I totally agree with Kim and Karen as well as closing rooms. I also highly believe in SPIRITUAL GIFTS Evals. Why put someone in teaching when it is not their gift just to fill a hole (Children's Ministry is more than just teaching Sunday School these days). They aren't happy and the kids aren't happy and the ministry isn't growing. Plug people in where they are gifted. Also cutting down on the number needed in a room and putting people in other roles helps too. Why are there 5 people in a room when only 2 people are needed. Know the ratios that are truly needed (NAEYC has some that are lower than state ratios) and then go from there. Don't overstock a room and overwork yourself and your volunteers. Your "pool" will get bigger and your "plate" lighter.

Kim Ports said:

Amen. We've completely reorganized Sunday School to be one room with subgroups. Then I don't need 2 adults per classroom. We went from 6 adults per Sunday to 3. The kids are having a great time and so are the volunteers. I ask parents but I don't require them to work. Since we've changed the format, parents have been more willing to jump in.

Karen Twombly said:

I started with the commitment that I don't want anyone God has not called and I don't want anyone that is rebelling against God's call. Really, that would be so counter productive to ministry. Next I am committed to praying regularly and often!! that God, the Lord of the Harvest would send workers.

I don't recruit from the bulletin or pulpit, it just doesn't work or worse it does and you get someone you shouldn't utilize. I pray and then as names come I have some trusted, godly leaders that are praying too and we discuss the names and then I start asking. I ask and ask them to pray and then tell them when I will come back and ask for an answer.

When I have a ministry that has a people shortage and we have prayed and can't find anyone I have to ask if God is using this to force me to do things a different way, to reorganize that ministry. Sometimes what we have always done shouldn't be done and God has called us to something different.

I really don't believe that just because you are a parent, then that means you must serve in the nursery or Children's church any more than if you listen to a sermon you should take a turn preaching. I really want people who not only love their kids but everyone elses too and who is gifted by the Spirit in that area.

[Dave White]

In our church, it takes 85 people per month to properly staff our classes. (we have kids coming out the wazoo)

We do a yearly push for infant - preschool "ministers." (call them ministers, it helps)
In our annual sign up, we go into Big Church and use a variety of creative methods to get peoples attention. These ministry promo's are always followed up by the Senior Pastor. He shares his heart, and tells our congregation that he expects people to help staff this ministry. We ALWAYS get a great response. We ALWAYS get people who don't pass their background check. We ALWAYS have to turn some people away even if they pass their background check. And, we ALWAYS keep recruiting on an individual basis throughout the year.

The majority of people that we get serve 6 - 12 months on a Once a Month basis. We don't make anyone feel pressured or guilty if they have to step down. (they are more likely to return after whatever life trauma has passed) I don't mean to sound, Mean, but some of the reasons we get for stepping down are pretty lame.

Below is a 3 year plan to get you a big chunk of fresh ministry meat:

Year 1. Get your churches BEST photographer to go into your nurseries and take HUNDREDS of pictures of your kids. Find someone who can edit them into a very high quality slideshow with sound and text overlays. Choose a song that will tug at their heart strings. Sarah McLachlan's Ordinary Miracle is perfect for this. Show this video to Big Church, and follow up with S.P.

Year 2. Follow all of the above steps, but use new pictures, and a new song.

Year 3. After you have done the same thing for 2 years in a row, surprise them with your newfound creativity.
Skit:

“Through the Eyes of a Child”


“Oh, the memories …

(Sitting down… reaches down and grabs the book)

Hear it is! My book of cherished moments.

Why it goes back to when I was six weeks old. How I love

to remember…”


(Script is meant to be read as the child’s thoughts at the specified age.)

“Six weeks old… We’re going on a car ride. Hmmm. What is this building?

I, I, I think mommy put a label on my back. She must not know my name yet.

Hmmm. Pretty room, but I don’t want to stay. Who are these people?

Wait… wait… is mommy leaving me… no, she can’t leave me.

Awww this isn’t so bad. I don’t know her, but as long as she rocks me… I promise I won’t scream. Oh she sings too. Yeah, this is nice. Sigh….

Oops, that’s what happens when you feed me. Oh I like her eyes. She smiles at me. Something special about her smile?

Yeeessss, rocking is good. (Yawning)… warm aaarmmms,,, humming,,,… aaahh..”

(Yawn)… “Oh, where am I going? Mommy, you came back!”
“My bottle, don’t forget my bottle, my bottle, see… it’s empty. The nice lady fed me.”



“My first birthday… Hey, what happened to the room with my crib, and there’s that label again.

I see lots of places to hide! Puzzles, cars, dolls!

No, no daddy don’t leave me. I don’t know anyone in here.

Oh there it is again the warm cuddly arms.

I get cookies in here! I think I might just stay in here forever.

Peek-a-boo! I like him, he plays peek-a-boo with me.

I like that big tomato on the screen. Ve --- gg --- iiee …

Oops… I still do that when I eat. She’s so good to me.

I wonder how many times they’ll pick up the blocks if I knock them down”?



“All grown up… I’m two now. Hey a jungle gym! They got me… it’s that label on me again!

Hmmm… new people… but wait, I know some of these babies. They’re just not as grown up as I am.

Circle time? I like this. Jee –ss – us. Jee-ss-us loves me. Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I love Jesus. He loves me.

Coloring! Yey, I get to color. I wonder how many crayons I can break today.

I like these songs. Dance, dance. Lift my hands? I like this. Spin round and round. Oops, too fast.

I think I just want to be held now. I like her, she’s going to watch the movie with me.

OK, that’s enough, time to run. Faster, faster and faster.

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. I love Jesus.

Time to go. Hey mommy has a label just like mine. I like that, cause I belong to her.

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me”.



“WOW! This is where the big kids go! I am four now!

Hey, all my friends are in here. I remember when she had a binky, and he knocked down the blocks with me.

BIKES! Look at them go.

Oh, I better get my label…cause I belong to my mommy.

The nice man said hi to me and let me in the room.

The big people are giving rides in the wagon. I want a ride too, then I will play dress up, then I will do puzzles, then I will play with the cars, then I will play house, then I will look at the books, then I will… so much to do.

Lil’K time! I love watching Lil’K. Lil’K tells me stories about Jesus. I love Jesus, I love Jesus, Jesus loves me.

Table time! I’m going to show mommy my story paper. Aaaagh… I… need… help. Thank you kind Sir for helping me. You helped me with my puzzle too.

Potty break. Snack time. Play time. This is fun!

I want one of her cookies. I can’t take it. Jesus wants me to be kind.

My teachers tell me they love me. Oh and I love them too.

Time to go! I like coming to church.”


(Puts book down.)

“Oh the memories…

People took care of me, guided me along the way, played with me, fed me, and taught me the most important thing that has guided my entire life…

Jesus… you sure do love me. Those early years paved the way for my life. They gave to me so that I would be here today.

How can I not do the same? I will Lord… I will…” (Gets up and walks away while saying it.)


Feel free to rip this off, change it, or replace it with your brainchild:

ALWAYS have your Senior Pastor do the push for new ministers!!!!!

When all else fails, offer a portion of your HUGE salary for a Nursery & Preschool Director. (let them deal with the stress)

[Janet Campen]

That is the million dollar question. Depending on the size of your church, I've seen a lot of ministries require parents serve at least once every six weeks if they use the ministry, that will hold you over a bit while you work on your strategy. You really need to pour into your current people, showing them appreciation in fun creative ways, create fun team games, make pancakes before the first service and invite everyone to come early; I usually will stand in front of the classroom before service, get to know the kids what they like, learn the parents names, ask questions, anything: "What are you doing after church today? Remember them ask them the following week: How was the movie last week? Whatever it is... After a few weeks you really start developing a relationship it's an easier "ask" to have them step up and serve. It's easy to get someone to serve once, it's up to you on what their experience is like if they return. Love on them, pray with them, ask them their story... Ask questions and invest in them. Not all of them will stick but you will start a trend, build team and its contagious.

[Karen Twombly]

I had another thought. Take some pictures of the kids with the loving volunteers you do have. Make them beautiful, happy, loving pics. Find a heart wrenching song for a background and present it as a power point in the church service. Then ask the church to join you in praying to the Lord of the Harvest for more people called to minister. If the church is forgetting about them because they are not seen or heard, start letting them see and hear in a positive way! :)

[Janet Smith]

What we do...talk to people, talk to people, talk to more people. Pray, cry, have Pastor send out letters, and emails. When someone doesn't show up for their scheduled time or there was an empty slot that needs filled...we run a message across our power point "worker needed in Nursery" (or kindergarten or whatever) Surprisingly, we typically get 1-3 people who come out of service to assist.
What we don't do...pay anyone, close down rooms except during the summer on Weds. or Sun. nights when there might only be a handful of kids.