Episode 229: What Actually Keeps Children's Ministry Volunteers Coming Back

What if the real problem in your kids' ministry isn't a lack of volunteers — it's that you can't keep the ones you have?

In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, Hannah Augustine shares a sneak peek inside a KidzMatter PRO April coaching call featuring three KidMin Academy students: Dave, Rose, and Christi. All three are dedicated kids' ministry leaders at their local churches, and they bring raw, real insight into what has kept them committed to kids' ministry for the long haul — and what leaders can do to care for and retain their teams.

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Transcript

What Actually Keeps Children's Ministry Volunteers Coming Back | KidzMatter Podcast Ep. 229

Featuring Dave, Rose, and Christi | Hosted by Hannah Augustine

Hannah Augustine

During my seven years at a large church in South Florida, we had a saying when it came to volunteers: close the back door. We all know that we need more volunteers in kids' ministry, but maybe the issue isn't just getting new people — it's about caring for and retaining your current team. That's what we're talking about in today's episode of the KidzMatter Podcast.

My name is Hannah Augustine, and recruiting and retaining volunteers is one of my favorite topics. Today you'll get to experience a sneak peek at one of our KidzMatter PRO coaching calls, featuring three of our KidMin Academy students. Their insight on caring for volunteers is going to add value to you as you develop your team. If you need more resources like this, you can get a free trial of KidzMatter PRO at KidzMatter.com/pro.

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And coming this October: the complete Seek and Find Bible Storybook, featuring 38 classic Bible stories and over 2,000 hidden objects to find. So fun! You can use the code KIDZMATTER at thegoodbook.com to get 30% off your Seek and Find collection today. That code is valid until July 31st, so go check it out at thegoodbook.com. Now, you are going to love today's episode with Dave, Rose, and Christi — so let's get started.

Hannah Augustine (02:10)

Welcome, welcome! If you are joining today for the KidzMatter PRO April live coaching call, we are so excited to have you. And if you're catching the recording later, this episode ties into our module this month on retaining volunteers. Last month we spent a lot of time with Tim Price and Ryan talking about recruiting volunteers.

But here's the reality: if you're constantly recruiting and your back door — as we used to say at our church — is wide open, that means everyone you recruit is staying three to six months and then walking right back out. You can never recruit enough to make up for that. So we've got to start looking at this from the angle of retention.

That's why I have three of my favorite people on today. We've got some KidMin Academy students, and if you don't know what KidMin Academy is, come talk to me — we would love to have you in the program. These three are wrapping up month five, which is almost halfway. I'm not ready for that.

They've been doing great, hanging in and being a part of everything going on. They got to learn from Jessica Bealer, our masterclass teacher this month — she was our faculty member for the January module, which was all about volunteers. So if you loved the content this month in PRO, just know that was a small sample of what we covered in Academy.

But really, the goal of this call is to hear from Christi, Rose, and Dave, who are all volunteering at their churches. They're serving at a high level, investing in their own growth through something like Academy — they are exactly the kind of volunteers we all want on our teams. So I thought: what better idea than to hear from them directly? What has kept them in it? What has helped them stay involved in their ministry? And how can you take that and translate it to your own teams — whether you're working full-time, part-time, multi-vocational, or juggling all the things?

Starting with you, Christi — tell us about your family, your church, what you do there.

Christi

Hi! I'm Christi, and I'm from Effingham, Illinois. Our church is a multi-campus church with two campuses. We offer four services each week — one on Thursday and three on Sunday at the main campus, plus two on Sunday at our second campus. All of those have kids' programming. Over Easter weekend, we had 170 kids, which was a record. That was amazing.

I'm married, I have one son and two stepsons, and I'm a proud grandma to five — four boys and one girl.

My role with CC Kids is helping write the curriculum guides for our Sunday services. I also serve as host whenever I'm needed, step in when teachers are out, and assist with planning special events. My favorite part about serving is being flexible and supporting wherever I'm needed. Sometimes the best role is simply being available.

Hannah Augustine

Everybody watching said amen to that — because we all need volunteers who are willing to just be available and go wherever needed.

All right, Dave, tell us a little about yourself.

Dave

I'm Dave. I've been married to my wife for 17 years, and we have two kids. I serve at Calvary Baptist Church in Texas. On Wednesday nights I work with kids from four-year-olds all the way through fifth grade, and on Sunday mornings I lead the fourth and fifth grade preteen Life Group.

We've been serving at the church for going on 16 years — I fill in wherever I'm needed. On Sundays we run about 65 to 70 kids, and Wednesdays it's about half that — 30 to 35.

Hannah Augustine

That tracks — Wednesdays are always a little smaller. And the fact that you've been serving almost as long as you've been married is such a great legacy. Dave has also been a strong advocate for preteen ministry — really pushing the message that we have to reach kids at that age. That passion is so cool to see.

Miss Rose, last but not least — tell us about yourself and your church.

Rose

My name is Rose. I've been married to my husband Tyler for 10 years, and we have two beautiful boys — Liam, who's about to turn eight, and Levi, who is three. I work full-time at a pharmacy, where I've been for 13 years. I'm also one of the ministry leaders at my campus — we're part of a five-campus network in Muncie, Indiana. My specific campus averages about 160 people on a Sunday, with about 30 to 40 kids and preschoolers.

I do a lot of the same things Christi mentioned — lesson planning, preparing, event planning. And I'd agree with both of them: the biggest thing is just being available wherever and whenever, jumping in and saying, "Here I am." Sometimes I'm at check-in, sometimes I'm in the nursery, sometimes I'm running both.

Hannah Augustine

I love that. Now, what was your motivation to start serving in kids' ministry in the first place? Why did you join the KidMin team?

Christi

For me, it started from the pulpit. Our pastor was preaching about taking your next step — what is your next step? I kept feeling a nudge, but I didn't quite know where I fit. I'd start thinking about it, and then life would move on and I'd let it go. But of course, God kept working. Around that time, my mother gave me a plaque with Jeremiah 29:11 on it, and it clicked for me — I needed to trust God to show me where I needed to be. Not long after that, I was asked to help in CC Kids.

God doesn't always give us the full plan. A lot of times we just have to take that first step, and He guides us from there. He opened the door, I stopped waiting, I said yes — and the rest is history.

Hannah Augustine

Amen to that. And again, everyone listening is thinking, "That is the dream story." But sometimes that's all people need — someone to ask them. People are waiting for someone to extend the invitation and help answer that prayer of, "God, what do you want me to do? Where do you want my gifts?" So thank you for sharing that, Christi.

Dave, what about you? What got you serving in kids' ministry 16 years ago?

Dave

I love this question, because I had to stop and actually think — why did I start? What motivated me to jump into kids' ministry? Sometimes in the busyness we forget why we started, and that "why" can get blurry. On the days you want to give up, going back to the beginning is a good reminder.

My motivation came from a walk down our hallways. I was looking into the classrooms, and what I noticed had nothing to do with age — it was about atmosphere. A lot of the classrooms had older teachers, which is wonderful, but something was missing. There was no fun. No excitement. No passion. The rooms felt dark — it felt like school. There was no connection.

I kept thinking, "Something needs to happen here." And then God started nudging me — "Hey, you should go serve there." My first reaction was, "No, that's not me." My wife and I had been serving in youth ministry up to that point, and little kids honestly weren't my cup of tea, especially before we had kids of our own.

But the Lord kept pressing on my heart: "You need to serve there. I showed you a need, and I want you to fill it." Nobody formally asked me — God was doing the asking. So I approached our kids' ministry director and asked how I could help. My wife and I started in the second and third grade class, and from there God has just continued to grow that passion and fire in me.

Hannah Augustine

Second and third grade is my personal favorite age too. And that example you gave — seeing a need, feeling the pull to fill the gap — is so powerful. The thing is, when you have someone like Dave, someone like Christi or Rose, with that level of passion and desire to see transformation, the last thing we want is to fail to steward that well. It's so easy to get excited and pile everything on them without pouring back into them. And that's exactly what we're talking about today. When you have a heart like theirs, you have to tend that well.

Miss Rose, tell us why you started serving in kids' ministry.

Rose

I grew up in the church, so I've been serving in some capacity since they'd let me — probably around age 12. But when I graduated high school, I was completely burned out. I said, "I am done and I am never going back to kids' ministry again." I'd been at a small church where it was essentially, "Here you go, have fun" — and I was 17 with no idea what I was doing.

So my husband and I took a season to just be us and seek where God was leading. We started attending a new church plant, and I told myself, "I will do kids' check-in and nothing else." I was pregnant at the time and I already had one child, so I drew a firm line.

Then I ended up in the nursery, and I told myself I'd stay there until my son was old enough to move up. But slowly, as we attended events and I saw what was happening in the ministry, I started asking, "Why aren't we doing this?" or "What about that?" And then Wednesday nights came up, and they asked if I'd be willing to lead that ministry. I was on maternity leave and thought, "A night away from my kids? I can do this."

The more I leaned in, the more that passion and fire developed. I went from being an assistant to leading Wednesday nights. And then there was another need, and I felt the Holy Spirit say, "I need you here too." I brought it to our pastor, and I haven't looked back since. Every time I feel like I'm not ready or equipped, He's right there. It's a good feeling.

Hannah Augustine

That's beautiful. And what these three all have in common is this desire to make something better — to see a need and step in to fill it. I know that feeling well. After 10 years in kids' ministry, you can't not see it. You walk into a space and you notice what's missing — the signage, the systems, the small things that need tending to. You can't turn that off.

And that's a beautiful thing. But when you're working full-time as a pharmacist, taking care of grandkids, managing a household — we have to be intentional about protecting and caring for the people on our teams who carry that kind of capacity.

Christi, I'd love to hear from you. What is one way — or multiple ways — that you feel most cared for by your leadership?

Christi

Honestly, a simple thank you goes a long way. But more than that, it's trust — being given more responsibility. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but trust means more to me than a thank you. Being asked for my opinion, being kept in the loop, being involved in what's happening. When I'm in the know, I feel invested.

Here's the formula I've landed on: trust creates involvement, and involvement creates investment.

Hannah Augustine

You need to patent that, Christi — that'll be your leadership teaching. But it's so true. When someone trusts you and gives you the freedom to run with something — with resources and support, but also genuine leeway — that's what draws high-capacity leaders in.

I had an incredible volunteer named Christine who served as my volunteer admin. I told her upfront: I want to treat you like staff. I made sure she had a laptop to use at the church, a church phone number so she didn't have to give out her personal cell, and I included her in staff meetings. I wanted her to feel that her input and insight were just as valuable as anyone on payroll. When I did that, it freed both of us. She went on to land a job at a school — it built her skills and abilities, and it was a win-win.

Christi

Our leader does a great job of finding people's strengths and putting them to use. There's one woman in our ministry who is incredibly organized — whenever we need something organized, we call on her. You can see it throughout the whole ministry. Different people flourishing in their strengths for God's kingdom.

Hannah Augustine

And speaking of investment — all three of you were connected to KidMin Academy through the conference. That represents a real financial and training investment. When you see a leader like these three, don't hesitate to invest in them. It doesn't have to be a big program. A book. A monthly leadership study together. Something that says: I want to help you grow — not just to serve my team, but to develop you as a person.

Dave, what about you? What makes you feel most cared for?

Dave

It really is the simple things — words of encouragement, a quick text, just checking in. Not just about church business, but personally: "How are you doing as a human being? How are you doing spiritually?" Remembering the details of your personal life. In a large church it's hard to keep track of everyone, but if you've got five to ten people you do life with and they know your story, that goes a long way.

And it doesn't always have to be about church. Taking it outside the church walls is actually where your investment in volunteers really begins. Having them understand that life gets busy and messy — and that if they need to call in one night, it's okay. Life happens.

But one of the biggest ones for me is when your leader serves alongside you. When they get down in the trenches with you, side by side — that's when you think, "Okay. They're not just pointing fingers. They're in it with us."

Hannah Augustine

That is so good. Some of the best investments I've made have been over dinner at someone's house or at a restaurant — outside the walls of the church. I get that you can't do that for everyone. Even in KidMin Academy, we have 155 students right now and April and I are constantly trying to figure out how to care better for all of them. That's when you have to raise people up.

Our pastor used to say: love equally, invest selectively. That means we love everyone the same, but there are some people we pour into more deeply — and then those people pour into others, and the investment multiplies. Research actually suggests we can only maintain about 60 meaningful relationships, and that's a lot. If you're working with 150 people, you simply can't go deep with everyone. So love equally, invest selectively, and be intentional.

And that point about serving alongside your team, Dave — so important.

Miss Rose, what about you?

Rose

I think they stole all my notes! So there will be some repetition here. For me, it's the personal connection — the affirmations, the "you're doing a great job" moments. I don't have a kids' director above me, so it's my pastor or his admin, and on a busy Sunday they may not always get around to it. But when my pastor comes in during the week just to connect — asks about my personal life, and then remembers it the next time — that means so much more than a quick "good job" on a Sunday morning.

And honestly, the more they appreciate me, the more I want to appreciate my volunteers. That overflow just spreads through the whole ministry.

One thing our pastor does is a prayer meeting about ten minutes before service, and he does shout-outs — two or three people, celebrating something good he's observed in someone's life. That has been so fulfilling for me, and it gives me the opportunity to speak into people I don't always get to serve alongside. It's a domino effect. It creates a culture where everyone is looking for ways to encourage each other.

And you're right, Hannah — it doesn't have to be a huge financial thing. Can you do a fun volunteer appreciation event once a year? Great. Some fun merch? That's nice too. But honestly, when people in our Academy kept asking, "What's a budget-friendly way to care for my volunteers?" — I think the real answer is that your time and energy is more valuable than any resource. Most people who chose to serve did it because they love the ministry, and they care about you personally. When you take the time to pick up the phone, send a text, or stop by their classroom, that means the world.

Hannah Augustine

Yes. And even leading a small virtual group where six people gather — that's multiplying your investment. You're not just pouring into one person; you're creating space for them to connect with and pour into each other. Get creative and be relational. In a culture where no one needs more stuff, focus on the intangibles — the time, the energy, the care.

Now, what keeps you coming back, even when life is full and busy? Christi?

Christi

Obviously, it's 100% the kids. Seeing them week to week, watching them light up when they see me. Watching their faith grow.

It reminds me of a dandelion — how it gets that fluffy head, and you blow it and the seeds go wild. That's the kids. They scatter. But then things settle, and soon that faith starts to take root and grow. The kid who was rolling around on the floor — and then you ask the group if anyone knows all Ten Commandments, and he's the first one to shoot his hand up and say, "I know them all! Let me tell you." And you think, "You were paying attention this whole time."

It's a humbling thing — knowing that God is using me to invest in these kids and watching what they do with it. Watching what God did with my simple yes. That keeps me coming back.

Hannah Augustine

That is so powerful. And if you're hearing that and you lead a team, it means you need to help your volunteers connect those dots. Someone in the nursery may not see a faith seed bloom. But you can tell them: look at what's happening in the five-year-old room, in the elementary room. Those kids were babies. If you rocked them, if you made them feel safe and loved, they grew up secure enough to walk into a classroom, raise their hand, and say they know all Ten Commandments.

Every role has a thread that connects to life change. Help your volunteers see that thread — even the person at the door waving with the stickers. Because of them, kids walked in feeling safe and ready to learn.

Dave, what keeps you coming back?

Dave

Can I just say ditto? Because my first answer is the same — the kids, absolutely. Seeing their growth, building those relationships, having them run up to you on a Sunday and say, "Mr. Dave! Look at this!" They want to share their lives with you. And in those moments you think, "This is worth it right here. I am building the next generation. I'm planting seeds for God's kingdom."

Realizing that the world is coming at these kids from every direction — social media, movies, culture telling them who to be and what to wear — and knowing that God has placed me here to love on them and teach them His Word and tell them that He wants a relationship with them. That keeps me going.

But the other thing is the team. When you work with people who share the same mindset, the same vision, the same goal — it's beautiful. On the days you want to throw in the towel, those people remind you why you do what you do. You may not see the fruit right now, but you're planting the seed. You're using your gifts, your time, your energy — and someday that is going to make an eternal impact. They may not connect it back to you until they're adults, but they will remember what it felt like to be five or eight years old and loved well.

And plus — the preteens. I just like being weird with them. They're kind of my age range.

Hannah Augustine

You fit right in! And think about how many people don't feel like they belong anywhere. Maybe no strong family unit, maybe isolated at work. When you get to be a part of a team — it is so uplifting to feel like you belong to something. Don't underestimate what community does for your volunteers.

We used to do what we called "family dinner" before Wednesday nights. Someone would volunteer and bring a crockpot meal, and we'd sit together for 15 to 30 minutes — eating, talking, praying before everything started. That Wednesday night crew was so knitted together because of that relational time. Don't underestimate it.

Miss Rose, bring it home!

Rose

The kids. If you guys didn't get that theme by now — the kids.

But I'd add that they also motivate me to be a better Christian. They push me to want more, to research more. When a kid asks a question I can't answer on the spot, I get to go dive into the Word and come back to them with something. My eight-year-old is in the book of Job right now, asking all the questions — and it is just stunning to watch what God gets to do in that conversation.

I loved what was said about planting seeds. We may never see these kids again. They may never connect it back to us. But what we're doing in these moments matters eternally, and we cannot let doubt or the weight of the world stop us from reaching our full potential for them.

And I'll say this — I've sat in a kid's lesson and been the one convicted. I once spent weeks editing a curriculum series on patience, and every single time I sat down to work on it — bam. Right between the eyes. So yes, sometimes we learn the most in the kids' environment.

Hannah Augustine

Ha! That is so true. The Holy Spirit has no problem using a lesson meant for six-year-olds to shape the adults in the room.

Last question for each of you. If you could say anything to our listeners — most of whom are leading volunteers, whether they carry the title or not — what would you tell them? Christi?

Christi

Draw your volunteers in. Don't keep them at arm's length. Pull them close, invest with them, communicate regularly. Let them know what's going on, and help them see that they're part of something bigger. When people don't feel used and valued, they don't stay.

Give them opportunities to grow. I wouldn't be in KidMin Academy if I hadn't gone to the KidMin Conference and felt that conviction — that I wanted to give more of myself to children's ministry. So help them evolve and grow. Make sure they know they're not just filling a spot. They're there to help kids, and to help further God's kingdom.

Hannah Augustine

So good. Dave?

Dave

Building on what Christi said: invest in your volunteers — not just in their roles, but in their personal lives. Get to know them outside of ministry. Be intentional and be genuine about it.

And allow your volunteers to have input. When you're building a new curriculum or planning an event, invite their ideas. That gives them ownership. When they own a piece of something, they show up for it differently.

Be flexible. Life happens. Sporting events happen. Kids get sick. Give grace.

And here's the bottom line: when volunteers feel valued, equipped, and connected, they are much more likely to stay for the long haul.

Hannah Augustine

Patent that too, Dave. That's another good one.

Rose, bring this home.

Rose

The biggest thing you can do is be present. There will always be the next Christmas event, the next VBS, the next lesson to plan, the next booger to wipe in the nursery. But be present with your leaders and your volunteers. Get to know them personally. Pray with them, pray over them each week. That kind of investment draws people in and brings God into the work you're doing together.

Practically, I have ADHD, so I have to work with systems. I use calendar reminders for what people share with me — prayer requests, things they need, things I want to follow up on. It helps me stay invested in a real way.

And this I learned in KidMin Academy: if someone can do something at 60%, give it away. Give them guardrails, give them structure, but give it away. And with that, you have to give them grace — and give yourself grace too. Because if you don't, you'll end up doing everything yourself because nothing is ever quite the way you'd do it.

Be present. Give it away. And lead with grace.

Hannah Augustine

I'm so glad you mentioned the calendar reminders. We don't always want to admit we use our phones to remember things — it can feel artificial. But think about it: how many times do we walk out of a room and forget what we went in for? If we can't even remember that, how are we supposed to remember Cindy's prayer request from last Sunday? When I write something down in the middle of a conversation, people appreciate it. It says, "What you just told me matters enough that I'm making sure I don't lose it."

And if your church has a CRM — Planning Center, or something similar — use it. Make notes. Come back to them. If someone else on your team had a conversation with a volunteer, they can log it, and you can check in later informed and ready. Don't be afraid to leverage technology in service of relationships.

Hannah Augustine

As we wrap up, I have to put in a word for KidMin Academy. You've all mentioned it a few times. Rose, how has it benefited you?

Rose

I have benefited tremendously. I've learned more about myself through it — especially from the personal leadership module. I needed the reminder to give myself grace, and that module really hit home.

I've implemented at least two or three things from Academy into my ministry and still use them regularly. Just last night one of my leaders said, "You're just showing us up." And I was wearing my KidMin Academy shirt, so I pointed to it and said, "It's this." Getting to pull from other volunteers, other staff, other leaders who know things I don't — it's been invaluable. I feel like God put me here for a reason, and I'm just learning to love and grow into it.

Hannah Augustine

Love it. Dave?

Dave

It's given me tools and resources to grow as both a volunteer and a leader. It's taught me how to build systems — and showed me which systems I was missing. It's changed how I think about leading other people.

I have four volunteers serving underneath me on Wednesday nights. Academy has taught me how to communicate better, how to appreciate them better, and how to see them as genuine volunteers — not just people filling roles. I've been able to take those skills back to our kids' director, and now she's asked me to help build out a whole volunteer system. That's something we're actively working on together.

Hannah Augustine

That is so good. Christi?

Christi

Being part of KidMin Academy has been so helpful, mainly because you don't know what you don't know. Academy fills in those gaps. Every week I think, "Can I even take any more notes?" It is genuinely mind-blowing.

And the people teaching us — these are men and women who have poured years of their lives into kids' ministry, and they are now pouring all of that into us. That fills you up every week.

The other thing I'll say is that Academy has helped me realize just how much kids' ministry actually encompasses. It's not just teaching a lesson. It's volunteers, budgets, recruiting, time management, worship — all of it. To anyone watching who leads a kids' ministry and manages all of those moving pieces: bravo. I am genuinely humbled at everything you hold. And I'm so grateful that KidMin Academy is helping me learn how to do all of it just a little bit better.

Hannah Augustine

That's beautiful, Christi — and you're right. People hear "kids' ministry" and think it's just watching kids. But it's a full church in miniature: worship, slides, games, security, check-in, cleaning, volunteers. It is so much more than it appears.

That's our heart. That's why most of you are in PRO, some of you are in Academy, and you're hungry to learn and grow. We hope this conversation has been helpful.

Our heart at KidzMatter is to equip and empower you as the KidMin leader — whether you're full-time, part-time, volunteer, or multi-vocational. We're here, and we are in your corner.

Hannah Augustine (42:00)

We hope you enjoyed this episode and the sneak peek of our KidzMatter PRO coaching call. Dave, Christi, and Rose had so much great insight to share — I loved this conversation with them.

If you'd like more resources like KidMin Academy or KidzMatter PRO, I would love to chat with you. Visit our website at kidzmatter.com/pro or kidminacademy.com, or email us at support@kidzmatter.com. We would love to see how we can help you continue to grow and develop as a kids' ministry leader.

Don't forget — you can get your copies of the Seek and Find Bible series at thegoodbook.com with the code KIDZMATTER for 30% off through July 31st.

Have a great week. Be sure to like and subscribe, and we'll see you next time.