The KidzMatter Podcast

Episode 226: A Volunteer’s Guide to Kids’ Ministry with Corey Jones

• Ryan Frank

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Just signed up to serve in kids' ministry? This is the essential starter episode. Hannah Augustine and Corey Jones walk through everything new volunteers need to know—from building authentic relationships with kids to safety protocols that protect everyone. Learn why your role matters, how to show up powerfully, and what it really takes to disciple the next generation. Perfect for your first Sunday and beyond.

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KidMin 101: Your Complete Guide to Starting Strong as a Children's Ministry Volunteer

Guests: Corey Jones, Children's Pastor & KidzMatter Board Member
Host: Hannah Augustine
Topics: Volunteer Onboarding | Kids Ministry Leadership | Safety Protocols | Discipleship

Episode Overview
Just signed up to serve in kids ministry? This is the essential starter episode. Hannah Augustine and Corey Jones walk through everything new volunteers need to know—from building authentic relationships with kids to safety protocols that protect everyone. Learn why your role matters, how to show up powerfully, and what it really takes to disciple the next generation. Perfect for your first Sunday and beyond.

Sponsor: High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources – Save 25% with code PODCAST26 at highvoltagekids.com (expires July 31, 2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Your role matters. Whether you're in the nursery, on stage, or leading a small group, you're making an eternal difference in children's lives.
  • It's a long game. Consistency, presence, and authenticity compound over time—even when you don't see immediate results.
  • Behavior is communication. Kids act out for reasons. Step back, seek to understand, and lead with compassion.
  • Be yourself. The kids need you—not a perfect version of someone else. Lean into your God-given personality.
  • Community matters. Serving on a team transforms the experience and multiplies the impact.


Topics Covered

1. Why Your Role Matters (0:00–4:21)

  • The significance of serving in children's ministry
  • Most people find faith as kids—you're often a first step in that journey
  • The eternal impact of showing up, building trust, and creating safe spaces

2. The 4-14 Window & Long-Term Faith (4:21–7:42)

  • Statistic: Most children accept Jesus between ages 4–14
  • Corey's personal story: became a Christ-follower at age 10
  • Building biblical literacy and foundation in relationship
  • Why even nursery care creates the pathway for future discipleship
  • Don't underestimate creating comfort and safety early on

3. Planting Seeds You May Never See (7:42–9:12)

  • Kids ministry is planting seeds of trees you may never see harvest
  • Celebrate small wins
  • God's Word doesn't return void (Isaiah 55:11)
  • Stay encouraged on hard days; your impact is real

4. What to Expect (Dispelling Myths) (9:25–10:59)

  • Kids are more mature and capable than you might think
  • It's not "herding cats"—there's discipleship and real worship happening
  • Kids will experience legitimate worship, not just singing songs
  • It's not babysitting; it's caring for and discipling the next generation

5. The Power of Intergenerational Ministry (10:59–13:12)

  • Kids need to see different ages, genders, and roles modeling faith
  • Teens bring energy and relatability
  • Young adults bring maturity and stability
  • Seniors bring richness of faith, tradition, and wisdom
  • Model engagement: lift your hands in worship, take notes, bring your Bible
  • Your behavior teaches more than your words

6. Empowering Kids to Serve (13:12–14:35)

  • Don't underestimate what kids can do within the ministry
  • Example: "Bible reader" role excites kids and engages families
  • One child's excitement can recruit an entire family
  • Kids learn by doing—it's life transformation, not just behavior modification

7. Safety Policies & Your Role (14:35–19:52)

Critical Non-Negotiables:

  • Never be one-on-one with a child – Prevents inappropriate situations and accusations
  • Know the two-adult rule – Married couples or related adults don't count as two separate adults
  • Become a mandatory reporter – If you see red flags, report to your leader (laws vary by state)
  • Know your church's policies – Bathroom, diaper changes, name badges, dress codes
  • Ask questions – Don't guess or stay silent about policies you don't understand

Leader Tips:

  • Create visual identification: badges, lanyards, colored shirts
  • Use special badges for new volunteers ("future team member") and parent guests
  • Help your team self-guide and know who belongs

8. Teaching & Leading (19:52–24:32)

Preparation:

  • Start before Sunday – Process the lesson on Sunday, review Monday
  • Let your heart marinate on the scripture for a full week
  • Actually read the whole Bible passage, not just the curriculum
  • Prepare your own heart first – What is God saying to you?

Delivery:

  • Be authentic – Don't try to be someone you're not
  • If you're funny, be funny. If you're serious, be serious
  • Lean into your God-given personality
  • Live what you teach – If you teach mercy but don't live it, kids notice

Accountability:

  • If the Holy Spirit convicts you about not living the lesson, tell the kids
  • Ask them to hold you accountable
  • Model repentance and growth

9. Behavior Is Communication (24:32–27:52)

  • Step back from immediate correction
  • Pull the child aside (with another adult present)
  • Ask "What's going on?" instead of assuming
  • Remember: They might be tired, hungry, struggling at home or school
  • Lead from compassion and seek to understand
  • Goal: Life transformation, not just behavior modification
  • Your pause can shape how they think for years

Real Story: Corey broke a kid's nose in second grade during his parents' divorce. He needed loving adults to come alongside him, not just correction.


10. Parent Connection (27:52–28:35)

  • Get to know the parents of your kids
  • Your kids' director can't do this alone
  • Introduce yourself intentionally
  • Share something positive – Especially with kids who struggle
  • Build the child's reputation with parents and other volunteers
  • Never speak negatively about a child to others

11. Being the Best Volunteer You Can Be (28:01–33:14)

Show Up Fully

  • There's a difference between showing up physically and showing up spiritually/emotionally
  • Get on kids' level (not glued to your phone or cramming the lesson)
  • Come rested—wake up early if needed; it's a living sacrifice

Be Consistent

  • Kids attend ~1.46 times per month on average
  • Your consistency is how you build trust and align with them
  • Show up even when it's hard; the kids will help you through

Find Your Right Fit

  • Be in a position designed for your gifting
  • It's okay to step in temporarily, but don't force yourself into roles that drain you
  • You'd be surprised how quickly weeks become years and decades

Don't Quit When Hard Times Come

  • There will be hard seasons (Paul was shipwrecked, bit by snakes, etc.)
  • Stay faithful through good and bad seasons
  • Trust God in the whole process

Build Community

  • Invite teammates for coffee or meals
  • Send texts saying you're thinking of them
  • Care for each other's families
  • New volunteers: join the community by being part of it
  • Be surprised at how quickly it becomes a family

Action Steps for New Volunteers

  1. Clarify policies – Ask your leader about any safety, dress, or procedural guidelines you don't understand
  2. Prepare your heart – Review the lesson early in the week and ask God what He's teaching you
  3. Show up fully – Leave your phone alone, get on the kids' level, be present emotionally and spiritually
  4. Connect with a parent – Introduce yourself and find one positive thing to share this week
  5. Join your team – Attend a social event or invite a teammate for coffee
  6. Be consistent – Mark your calendar and commit to showing up, even on hard weeks
  7. Seek to understand – When a kid struggles, pause and ask what's really going on
  8. Be yourself – Lean into your personality and let God use you authentically


Resources Mentioned


About the Guests

Corey Jones is a children's pastor in Georgia, KidzMatter board member, KidMin Academy instructor, and author of The Volunteer's Guide to KidMin. He brings decades of ministry experience and a heart for equipping volunteers to disciple the next generation.

Hannah Augustine is the host of The KidzMatter Podcast and a passionate advocate for kids ministry leaders. With 10+ years in ministry, she specializes in volunteer development, biblical literacy, and practical ministry strategy.


Connect with KidzMatter

Thanks to High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources for sponsoring this episode. Use code PODCAST26 to save 25% on elementary and preschool curriculum filled with powerful lessons, games, videos, and more.