Categories: Volunteers

Connecting Digitally With Your Volunteers

We can't talk about ministry - even digital ministry - without talking about volunteers! Whether you use texts, emails, vlogs, blog posts, or social media, take advantage of our digital world to connect with your volunteers, especially in this season of COVID-19. One of the ways I connected digitally with my volunteers (especially since we were a mobile church and had no permanent space) was through a Volunteer Facebook Group. The Volunteer Facebook Group was a secret group, meaning volunteers could request permission to join, but only I (the Children’s Ministry Director) could approve their request. All posts in this group were private and only seen by members of the group. Volunteers could request to join the Facebook Group after training. We used this secret group to ask for subs/switching weeks of service, share news or funny stories...
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Filed Under Blog, Leadership, Volunteers

Last Christmas 2020

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, we shared these ideas & freebies, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in case you missed them. Ok, so maybe those aren't the lyrics, but it's true! (And you already have my heart anyway, kidmin leader.) Here are our top resources from Last Christmas (and Last Last Christmas and Last Last Last Christmas too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="20028" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/have-a-cup-of-cheer-christmas-volunteer-appreciation-printable/"][vc_custom_heading text="Have a Cup of Cheer Volunteer Appreciation Printable" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...
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Volunteer Appreciation Printables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Happy Thanksgiving! This week is all about gratitude, and we're sharing all of our volunteer appreciation printables! While you may not yet have a full roster of volunteers back (thanks COVID), that just means that you have more time and resources to shower the volunteers you DO have with a little extra love and appreciation. Use the free printables listed below to plan out your volunteer appreciation for the holiday season and into 2021! Just click on each image to download the printable.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="18576" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank"...
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Top 10 Freebies from Year 3

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week, Deeper KidMin is celebrating 3 years of serving children's ministry leaders! We're celebrating our birthday by highlighting the top 10 posts and freebies from year 3 (plus a 30% off sale in the DKM Marketplace). Just click on each picture below to access each post/free download, and join our subscriber's list here to make sure you don't miss one of our weekly free downloads in year 4! Want to see our top freebies from other years? Find year 2 here and year 1 here![/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - Parent Note for Family Worship" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="29849" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/parent-note-for-family-worship/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 -...
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We Want To Help

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we move into the school year in the midst of COVID-19, life and ministry look more different than ever before. That's why we wanted to check in, see how you're doing, and ask how we can help you navigate this season. Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer this survey that will help us serve you better as you serve and lead kids! Click here to access the survey or complete the version below. Note: Survey closes August 12,...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Educator Appreciation Videos

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head back to school (online or in-person), it's the perfect opportunity to honor the teachers and educators in our churches. Below are some video + post ideas to use in your Sunday service and/or to post on your ministry social media accounts to remind your educators how much they are appreciated. On-stage or email script: Thank you, educators! You've put so much time, energy, and love into figuring out the school year ahead. We are grateful for you, and we are praying for your school year. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download this video for free here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fthank-you-educators-video%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="6" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_column_text] This video from Google is so fun and...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Free Weekly Downloads, Leadership, Volunteers

Spiritual Growth Assessment For Leaders

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of Deeper KidMin's goals is to help you grow kids deeper in their relationships with Christ, but we must be growing deeper in our own faith as leaders too. To grow deeper as leaders, we have to identify and evaluate where our faith currently stands. This week's freebie is a resource from LifeWay Christian resources that walks you through a spiritual assessment in 6 key areas: Abide in Christ, Live in the Word, Pray in Faith, Fellowship with Believers, Witness to the World, and Minister to Others.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Spiritual Growth Assessment Here!" align="center" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fblog.lifeway.com%2Fgrowingdisciples%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F08%2FSpiritual_Growth_Assessment.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]This personal assessment tool helps you evaluate your spiritual growth in six...
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VBS 2020 Thank You Cards Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VBS 2020 will soon be upon us, and while your planning this year may look different because of the coronavirus, you'll need to thank your volunteers no matter what VBS becomes. Use these 2 thank you card designs (tailored to a construction VBS theme and a train VBS theme) to show your volunteers some love! Just print on cardstock, cut, and write a VBS-themed thank you note to each person on your team! And be sure to check out our list of resources to help make your VBS a success![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download VBS 2020 Thank You Cards Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FVBS-2020-Thank-You-Cards.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="27133" img_size="full" alignment="center"...
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6 Resources to Make Your VBS a Success

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From planning to volunteers to follow-up, here are 6 resources to help make your VBS a success![/vc_column_text][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="5" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_custom_heading text="VBS Master To-Do List Printable" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fproduct%2Fvbs-master-to-do-list-printable%2F||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="24370" img_size="large" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/product/vbs-master-to-do-list-printable/"][vc_column_text]Take your VBS planning to the next level with this printable fill-in-the-blank VBS plan. Go from sleepless nights, wondering if you got all the details in place to waking well-rested and refreshed because you...
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How To Prepare for the Coronavirus at Your Church

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The coronavirus pandemic will have medical and economical effects, but it doesn't have to affect the spiritual growth of the families we serve. While we don't quite yet know the full extent of this virus's impact, we do know we have to be prepared. My pastor related the pandemic to a weatherman's warning of an upcoming hurricane. It may be as bad as they predict; it may not. Either way, we have to be prepared. Use the ideas and resources below to prepare for the effects of this virus and equip families during this uncertain time, and check out all of our COVID-19 tips, resources, and ideas here.  If your church will continue to meet:  Make a plan. You may not be closing this weekend, but chances are you might in the future, and you should still adjust practices based on the current circumstances. This...
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Filed Under Blog, For Parents, Leadership, Volunteers

7 Ways to Break the Ice With Kids

Connecting with kids on Sunday mornings must be a priority in order to make Sunday mornings successful. Breaking the ice with the kids and forming personal relationships encourages them to be excited about coming to church and creates a better environment for them to learn more about God. While you may feel comfortable walking up to a brand-new kid, your volunteers might need some help in how to break the ice and build relationships with the kids in their small group. Here are 7 helpful hints to share with your team on breaking the ice with kids... Make an effort to see eye to eye with the kids! When the kids arrive in the morning, get down to their level to listen to them.  Give plenty of high fives because (appropriate) physical touch can go a long way. Engage in conservation with the kids and listen to what they have to say. That...
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Staying Motivated in Ministry

Let's face it. Children's ministry is challenging! There will be plenty of times when we will want to hit snooze on the alarm clock and call in sick or when we feel like we just can't handle it anymore. But the gospel will be the one thing to bring us back to where we need to be. The gospel is what will get us out of bed in the morning and into church so we can share the gospel with kids and lead our volunteers with integrity. LifeWay shared a post about leadership lessons from Paul, and they offered ideas for staying motivated in ministry and leadership and how the gospel kept Paul motivated through chaos like imprisonment, shipwreck, and more. Practice these things this month so the joy of the gospel can be your motivation to serve well and persevere. Spend time in the Word. (To be motivated by the gospel, you have to know the gospel!) ...
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Valentine Card Designs for Crew Cards

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Valentine's Day, help your volunteers and your team connect with kids through these 3 valentine Crew Card designs plus bonus "see you around more" design you can use to let kids know you miss them! (Not sure what I'm talking about? Learn more about Crew Cards here.) Update the look of your Crew Card postcards for Valentine's Day using one (or all) of the designs below. The download includes both a PDF file with 4 cards to a page (so you can print them yourself) and a .png file of each design so you can order postcards online from a place like VistaPrint.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="I want the designs!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-Valentine-Crew-Cards-January-2020.zip||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column...
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2020 Word of the Year Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you choose a word of the year for yourself or your ministry? A common theme in the way you want to see God work, or a reminder for yourself? Keep your word of the year front and center with this week's download! Print the download below, then write in your word for 2020. Hang the printable somewhere in your office or home where you'll see it every day. If you have a word of the year for your ministry, you could even make copies of your word for your entire volunteer team to join you in prayer around that word![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Word of the Year Printable Here! " align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F12%2FDKM-2020-Word-of-the-Year.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text]After some prayer and consideration, my word for both my personal...
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Last Christmas 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last Christmas, we shared these ideas & freebies, but some of you weren't here. This year, to save you some time, I'm bringing them back in case you missed them. Ok, so maybe those aren't the lyrics, but it's true! (And you already have my heart anyway, kidmin leader.) Here are our top resources from Last Christmas (and Last Last Christmas too!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="7171" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/2-christmas-volunteer-appreciation-ideas/"][vc_custom_heading text="2 Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Ideas" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"...
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Have a Cup of Cheer Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Thank your volunteers for serving in your ministry and invite them to "have a cup of cheer"  this Christmas season with this free printable![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download the Christmas Volunteer Appreciation Printable here!" align="center" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FDKM-Have-a-Cup-of-Cheer-Freebie-Updated-2025.pdf|target:_blank"][vc_column_text] Use the version with a pre-printed note at the bottom, or use the blank version to write in your own Christmas message of appreciation. Use page 2 and 3 to put together goodie bags with hot chocolate packs, instant coffee packs, tea bags, candy canes, and more for your team. You could even include a mug with your ministry logo! Use pages 3 and 4 as cards to attach to Starbucks gift cards. Print...
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Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Fall Volunteer Appreciation Gift

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Use this printable to wish your volunteers "pumpkin spice and everything nice" this fall! Print, cut, and attach page 2 to a small bag of homemade Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (recipe below). Or print and cut page 3, then use Glue Dots to attach a Starbucks gift card to the back![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Printable Gift Tags Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2FDKM-Pumpkin-Spice-and-Everything-Nice-Thanks-a-Latte-Volunteer-Appreciation-Gift.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_column_text] Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons pumpkin spice 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 (12 oz) box cinnamon chex cereal 1 (12 oz) box honey nut chex cereal ...
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Top Free Downloads from Year 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Deeper KidMin turns 2 years old this week, and we're celebrating with a day of free downloads, highlighting the top 10 freebies from year 2 (plus a 20% off sale in the DKM Marketplace). Just click on each picture below to access the post with the free download, and join our subscriber's list here to make sure you don't miss one of our weekly free downloads in year 3![/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="#1 - 10 Commandments Hopscotch Printable" color="custom" border_width="3" accent_color="#3ac1e1"][vc_single_image image="8877" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/10-commandments-hopscotch-printable/"][vc_text_separator title="#2 - The Empty Cup: Object Lesson on Fasting for Kids" color="custom" border_width="3"...
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Host a “VIP” Volunteer Meeting

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kelli, a kidmin leader in Texas, shared on Facebook about her "VIP" volunteer meeting and how she used several free downloads from Deeper KidMin to do it! She let me pick her brain on what the morning looked like, and agreed to let me share her thoughts so others could replicate this simple but effective time of connecting with your volunteers. "VIP" stands for vision, information, and prayer, and she met with her volunteer team 15 minutes before they needed to be in their classrooms for Sunday morning. She plans to hold these VIP meetings on the first Sunday of each month and uses the time as a way to, you guessed it, cast vision, share information, and pray for the kids in the ministry. This time not only allows her volunteer team to connect with each other, but it provides an opportunity for them to share...
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If KidMin Volunteers Were Candy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]October means candy infiltrates the thoughts, minds, and dreams of kids as Halloween draws near. As candy fills the shelves and kids' stomachs, I started thinking... what if our volunteers were candy bars? Snickers - The volunteer who is sweet but firm (and a little bit nutty). Nerds - The volunteer who has their very own laminator at home and comes fully prepared (even with extra activities) every Sunday. Three Musketeers - This adventurous volunteer is up for anything! This is the one you contact when you need someone to drink a strange concoction or perform a random feat of courage on stage. Tootsie Pops (how many licks?) - Quiet and reserved at first, this patient volunteer sticks around for the long-haul. Skittles - This volunteer can do everything, and their skills span the rainbow. You can...
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Top Volunteer Resources

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We're throwing it back this week to some of our top volunteer resources, posts, and freebies. Browse the list below and download everything you need to prepare your volunteer team for the school year ahead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="5005" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://deeperkidmin.com/hostingallstarvolunteertraining/"][vc_column_text]Volunteer Training is a vital part of your ministry, but it can be difficult to pull off with excellence. It’s hard to get all of your volunteers in the same room at the same time, and even if you do that, how do you make a somewhat tedious conversation more exciting and informative for your entire team?[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Read 8 Tips for...
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Superhero Name Game Printable

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earlier in the week, we talked about creating a culture of fun with your volunteer team, and one easy way to do that is with simple games like this week's free download. Help your volunteers find their secret superhero identity! Use this printable as a fun team-building/ice breaker activity at your Calling All Superheroes Volunteer Training, with the kids in your ministry, or just as a fun exercise for your volunteers! We invited our volunteers to share their Superhero name, their kryptonite (favorite snack or candy), and even used these names throughout the year![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title="Download Superhero Name Game Here!" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeeperkidmin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FDKM-Superhero-Name-Game-Printable.pdf||target:%20_blank|"][vc_single_image image="14138"...
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Create a Culture of Fun with Your Volunteer Team

When people have fun serving in your ministry, they'll want to serve more often (Can I get a hallelujah?). So how do you create a culture of fun where volunteers WANT to stay plugged in and serving with your ministry? Give Gifts. Everyone loves getting presents, so whether you do one big gift each year or smaller gifts each semester, find a way to give unique and thoughtful gifts to your volunteers, even if it's just a handwritten note! Need some ideas? Here's a list of 24 appreciation gifts our followers have given (Tip: handwritten notes were the most popular and most appreciated, so you don't have to spend money!). Have team t-shirts. Nothing says "we're a team" like matching t-shirts. Whether you give out the t-shirts as gifts or you ask your volunteers to purchase a ministry t-shirt, offering this simple and fun option helps give your...
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24 Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Last week, we did a giveaway for the latest KidMin Nation book all about volunteers. To be entered to win, you had to answer the question: "What was your favorite volunteer appreciation gift you ever gave?" I LOVED hearing all of your creative ideas (and I've taken notes to use some of them in the future). Here's what all of you shared, and congrats to Kim and Jessica for winning a free copy of the book! (Didn't win but still want a copy of Rock Stars: Inspiring a Team of Unstoppable Volunteers? Order your own copy here.)   One year I led VBS and asked all the workers what their all-time favorite snack was. At the end of the week, they came to the office and were gifted with it. One person wrote that they liked pickles, and they were completed shocked that I took the effort to find a single dill pickle! In retrospect, I think it all...
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Rock Stars Book Review and Giveaway

[vc_row 0=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="12049" img_size="medium" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://amzn.to/2CSaJ99"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text 0=""] Rock Stars: Inspiring a Team of Unstoppable Volunteers By KidMin Nation (Editor: Tina Houser) My rating: 5/5 stars - It was amazing!     Read: April 2019[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=""][vc_column 0=""][vc_column_text 0=""]This book is for you if... you lead volunteers, you want to encourage and equip your volunteers My thoughts: This book came at the perfect time! We just finished up Admin April 2019, focusing on all things volunteers, so I loved reading this book that gave me new ideas and perspectives on volunteers too. This isn't the first time I've been honored to have a chapter published...
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