Taking the pressure off Children's Ministry

Last week I had what is becoming an all too familiar conversation with someone about children's ministry in their church. The current leader(s) would be stepping down at the end of the year and they were not sure who would be taking over. It confirmed for me that there is a particularly high turn over of leaders in children's ministry. Sometimes a change is necessary and healthy. Often though, we loose experienced, committed people and the children's ministry suffers accordingly.
This article is not to pour guilt on leaders who leave; their reasons are always justified. However, there seems to be a couple of key reasons why people leave and I wonder if we addressed these more effectively, could we not hold on to experienced, capable leaders.

1. Reason One: Worn out by the weekly grind.
Many churches schedule Children's church every Sunday. Eventually the pressure of preparing week in and week out, while missing out on regular church, takes a toll. To ease the pressure and refresh your leaders you may try the following:

a. Change the schedule for children's church. For example: rather than having children's church every week, change to a '4 week on, 2 week off time table.' In this way your leaders will have regular breaks and children will adjust to regular services (when the children are in church, find ways to engage them in the service.)

b. Or you may try rotating teachers throughout the year to give each leader some time off. Some churches rotate a different team each term. Or find other leaders to step in from time to time. On those weeks change the program to something they can handle. For example, regularly conscript some younger leaders to lead games and include a different teaching time. On these Sundays give a couple of the adult leaders time off.
The goal is to find ways to keep leaders fresh and enthused. If your leaders are groaning under the load they are likely to leave.

If you have found other ways to overcome this problem, please let us know.

2. Reason Two: Feeling unsupported in an unimportant ministry.
Children's ministry is often taken for granted in many churches and it's profile is not high. Leaders who feel their work is unimportant or unappreciated will soon loose interest and leave. To work against this try the following:

a. Make sure your leaders know the value of their work. Remind them regularly about the importance of children's ministry in the Lord and it's vital role in shaping children in the formative years of their life. Our leaders must be continually reminded that, in the Lord, their work will bear lasting fruit for the kingdom. It reminds me of the story of the three men breaking rocks on a building site. When asked what they were doing one replied, "I'm breaking rocks." Another said, "I'm earning a living." The third proudly stated, "I'm building a cathedral!" You can guess who was the most enthusiastic and committed to his task. So too with children's ministry. Develop a sense of calling in your leaders by reminding them of what they are doing and why.

b. Share the vision and direction of your children's ministry with the whole church. Newsletters, up front announcements, regular prayer requests, letters home to parents, Children's services and a rotating door of volunteers in your children's ministry are ways to ensure your church understands the vital nature of your work. Never miss an opportunity to build the profile of your ministry to the level at which it ought to be at.

c. At least annually, but also more regularly, reward your leaders for their hard work and commitment. Cards, phone calls, personal visits, regular outings and annual dinners will keep them motivated and enthused. Leaders who put in ought to be encouraged and rewarded for their commitment and will be reenergised and motivated by the support.
d. Make sure that children's ministry has a significant slice of the church's budget. Spend what has been allocated and do not be afraid to ask for what you need. A ministry the church is supporting is a ministry worth having.
If you have other ideas or examples of how to keep your leaders feeling appreciated and supported please pass it on.

What do you think is the greatest reason why leaders turn over so regularly in children's ministry? Do you have any suggestions or examples of what can be done about it?