Okay… so we’ve asked the question. Is a weekly commitment too much to ask of a kids ministry volunteer?

Let’s take it a step further…

What is best for the kids?

If our ministry is designed with the kid in mind, then how do we structure our volunteer team in a way that is best for the kids? Great programming is wonderful. And there are many quality products on the market. But without the relationship, the impact is minimal. It is not the programming the makes a ministry great. It’s the people.

So, if relationships are the vital component then what is the best way to foster relationships?

An ‘every-other-week’ volunteer will spend a total of two hours per month attempting to establish a friendship with the kids in their class.

Can a friendship be established and maintained with that amount of time investment? 

How about trust?

What if that child misses a week due to illness, vacation, etc?

These are tough questions.  But they lead to one point.  Consistency is the best tool to foster relationships among the volunteers and their kids.  Consistentcy is maintained through a weekly commitment. 

Weekly commitments can be challenging with our busy lives.  I get that.  But it can be done… and is done.  I see it every week. 

Is it tough?  Yes.  Does it stretch the volunteer? Yes.  Are there weeks the volunteer does not want to come in?  Absolutely! 

But I’ve found (overwhelmingly) that a volunteer that is engaged, utilized and connected with their kids gains more from the relationship and is willing to push through the inconveniences. 

Serving is rarely convenient… but it’s certainly rewarding.  Comments?