How to Get Church Nursery Volunteers

A church nursery often depends on volunteers.

Just about every church has a plan for its youngest members. Children require activities that suit their needs and understanding. They also need to be cared for in a way that ensures safety and security. Churches depend on volunteers to ensure their most dependent congregants are well taken care of. For example, Saddleback Church in California, which is pastored by Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life," has a trusted system for taking care of children each week. When children are taken to their area, they're greeted by children's ministry volunteers, all of who have been thoroughly screened and have completed an extensive training program. The church has a computerized process for efficiency in ensuring the children's safety that can be easily adapted.

Instructions

1. Announce during the morning service that volunteers are needed to help in the nursery. Helpers can be mothers and/or fathers whose children attend the nursery, or they can be young adults with an interest in working with young children.

2. Prepare a concise information sheet and post it near the nursery entrance. When parents drop off their children, they'll be able to read your request for help. Remind parents that the more people that offer, the fewer times each volunteer will be required in the nursery.

3. Have a sheet close by for parents to provide their contact information if they would like to volunteer.

4. Once you have the minimum number of people you'll require, plan an information and training session.

5. Make the meeting as brief as possible, but be informative. Include advice that relates to the safety of the children, the number of times people will have to volunteer each month and what their tasks will be.

6. Create a schedule that incorporates the new volunteers, with contact information, in case of emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on where you live, church nursery volunteers must get official clearance; for example, volunteers will need a report stating they have no criminal record.

References

• Bethel Life: Tips for Nursery Workers
• Rick Warren: Books