Top 10 Behind-the-Scenes Children’s Ministry Volunteer Roles

Consider recruiting these 10 behind-the-scenes volunteer roles to serve in children’s ministry at your church.  

When you picture “children’s ministry volunteers,” you may see teachers, worship leaders, and classroom helpers. After all, these front-line roles shine Jesus’ light in a big and bright way. They’re amazing!

But don’t miss seeing the steady light that shines from supporting children’s ministry roles, too. When behind-the-scenes and even at-home responsibilities are delegated, your church’s ministry to kids and families will really shine!

So as you invite people to serve on your volunteer team, don’t forget these top 10 behind-the-scenes children’s ministry volunteer roles.

1. Behind-the-Scenes Spreadsheet Specialists

Some people love spreadsheets, and others really love spreadsheets. Find those people! They’ll lead the way when it comes to budgets, event registrations, VBS crew assignments, and weekly Sunday school attendance tracking.

From the comfort of their own homes, these volunteers’ attention to detail and administrative skills will really shine! Ask them to help on an ongoing basis, or for specific special events.

2. Organizing Authorities

Let’s face it. We children’s ministry leaders know how to make a mess. And we’re not always good at cleaning up after ourselves. Find an organizational whiz who delights in plastic bins, label makers, and shelving systems. When you find these dear people, trust their system. Follow their rules. Thank them profusely and buy them lattes often.

Volunteers in this role need to have flexible schedules that allow them to clean up and re-organize on a weekly basis.

3. Shopping Super Stars

Do you know people who can always find the best deals? Who cut coupons and sniff out clearance sales? Ask them to use their sleuthing skills for your children’s ministry! Hand over your shopping lists and a budget, and these behind-the-scenes shoppers will stock your children’s ministry with all kinds of goodies.

From snacks, to supply closet items, to paper supplies, these super stars will happily push carts through stores during the week or add items to online carts from the comfort of their homes.

4. Climate Controllers

If you’ve ever arrived at your church building early, you’ll see why this often-overlooked role is so important! This faithful volunteer assesses room temperatures, sets and checks thermostats, turns on lights, and knows how each room should be set up to welcome its kids and leaders. That way, if you’re running late, out of town, or simply can’t be everywhere at once, you’ll be confident that your children’s ministry environment is ready and waiting to welcome families—all thanks to this selfless servant!

Consider church members who tend to be early arrivers, and find someone who is willing to commit to this regular behind-the-scenes role. Be sure to communicate well with these volunteers so they know what to look for in each space every week.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Postcard Pros

Even in this digital age, kids still LOVE to get snail mail. Receiving a birthday greeting at home is such a simple but powerful way to show kids in your church that they are loved by God—and their church family! So find a volunteer who delights in keeping track of each child’s birthday and sending a special greeting. These volunteers could also send follow-up postcards to first-time visitors or get-well cards to kids who are under the weather.

Supply these volunteers with stamps and cards, and they can work from home and establish a weekly card sending rhythm. Be sure to give them ideas of what to write in the cards and access to mailing addresses.

6. Media Maestros

Looking for a special role for a techy teen or young adult in your church? This could be a perfect fit. Show this volunteer how to load text, images, and video into your presentation software each week. Before you know it, these techy teammates will show you shortcuts and ways to use technology to dazzle kids and families. These volunteers also make great check-in helpers who can trouble shoot check-in stations and name tag printers with ease.

Work with this volunteer to establish a time to access a laptop or computer at your church. It could be right before weekend services, or before your church’s youth group gathering during the week.

7. Behind-the-Scenes Dazzling Decorators

With a spark of imagination and a little DIY know-how, these volunteers transform any space into an engaging environment for children to discover God’s Word and grow to know Jesus better.

Meet with this team quarterly to share your curriculum’s quarterly Bible stories and brainstorm how to bring the themes and stories to life. Or recruit special teams for vacation Bible school and family events.

8. Disinfecting Directors

Germs don’t stand a chance against these volunteers. Recruit people who love the smell of sanitizing wipes, and happily sing cleanup songs as they keep toys and surfaces clean and neat. Their efforts to keep kids and families safe and healthy won’t go unnoticed by parents and leaders in your church.

Recruit this team to clean nursey toys, wipe down tables, and sanitize high traffic areas each week.

9. Behind-the-Scenes Preparation Pros

Find folks who love a good check list, then hand over your weekly supply lists. This team will gather needed supplies each week. Administrative tasks may feel monotonous to some, but these detail-oriented volunteers are happy to cut out shapes, prep crafts, or count out cups.

This team has the flexibility to do some work at home and some work at your church during the week.

10. Prayer Warriors

Prayer makes a difference! So this behind-the-scenes role is so important. These volunteers commit to praying daily for the children’s ministry at your church. Give them weekly prayer lists that includes babies, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary kids, preteens, parents, and teachers.

This team can pray anytime, anywhere!

These behind-the-scenes volunteers roles make a big difference! Consider who you could ask to join your team in these flexible and fun ways.

Want to find out more about recruiting volunteers? Check out these 7 Volunteer Myth-Busters.