As the fall season approaches, children’s ministry leaders across the country are preparing for a familiar challenge: the return of full classrooms. With kids heading back to school, families are settling back into familiar routines, and churches are seeing a surge in attendance as parents seek to reestablish their children’s spiritual growth alongside their academic education.
This seasonal influx is exciting, but it also brings a pressing need for more volunteers.Finding creative and effective ways to recruit new helpers is crucial, especially during this busy time of year. That’s why we’ve developed a tool that can help you meet this challenge head-on: the Back to School Checklist.
Introducing the Back to School Checklist Recruiting Tool
The Back to School Checklist isn’t just a handy reminder for parents – it’s a powerful recruiting tool for your ministry. It’s designed to creatively engage families and encourage them to get involved in their children’s spiritual education by volunteering in your ministry.
Here’s how it works:
1. Distribute the Checklist to Families: As families return to church this fall, give them a Back to School Checklist. It’s more than just a list of school supplies; it’s a guide that includes spiritual resources their children will need for the school year, such as a new Bible or devotional book.
2. Emphasize Parental Involvement: The checklist subtly but effectively highlights the importance of parents being involved in their child’s spiritual development. By participating in your children’s ministry, parents can set a strong example and make a meaningful impact on their kids’ faith.
3. Encourage Volunteer Sign-Ups: The checklist includes a section where parents can indicate their interest in volunteering. This makes it easy for them to take the next step and get involved, reducing the barrier to entry and making the decision to volunteer feel natural and necessary.
W
hy This Tool Works
The Back to School Checklist taps into the energy and momentum of the new school year. By framing volunteer recruitment in the context of preparing children for spiritual growth, you’re not just asking for help—you’re offering parents an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
This approach is both engaging and effective. It shifts the focus from filling volunteer slots to inviting parents into a partnership in their child’s spiritual journey. When parents see the difference they can make by serving in your ministry, they’re more likely to step up and stay committed.
How to Implement the Checklist in Your Ministry
Customize It: Tailor the checklist to fit the specific needs and culture of your ministry. Include the key resources and volunteer opportunities that are most relevant to your church.
Promote It: Use the checklist as part of your back-to-school kickoff event, hand it out during services, or include it in your church’s bulletin. The more visibility it gets, the more effective it will be.
Follow Up: After distributing the checklist, follow up with parents who expressed interest in volunteering. A personal touch goes a long way in turning interest into action.
We invite you to try this tool in your own ministry and see how it can help you build a strong and engaged volunteer team. Let’s make this fall a season of growth and impact, both for our kids and for the communities we serve.
Download TODAY at Kidology.org/back2schoolchecklist
