Episode #21: Parent Volunteers: Rethinking Who—and How—We Ask to Serve
When it comes to recruiting volunteers in children's ministry, we often go straight to the same group over and over: the parents of young children currently in our ministry. While there’s nothing wrong with parents serving where their kids are, this approach can unintentionally lead to burnout—especially for parents of toddlers and preschoolers who are already deep in a demanding season of life.
But what if we shifted our focus? What if we began inviting parents of teenagers to serve in children’s ministry instead? This simple change in recruitment strategy could be a game-changer for the health of your volunteers and the sustainability of your ministry.
Why Parents of Teens Are an Overlooked Goldmine
Parents of teenagers are still busy—no doubt about it—but it’s a different kind of busy. They’re no longer waking up for middle-of-the-night feedings or chasing nap schedules. Their teens can dress themselves, fix a snack, and manage more of their own needs.
Many of these parents are also on campus for extended stretches of time, especially if they have multiple teens in different student ministry service times. Instead of sitting around waiting, why not invite them to spend one service hour worshiping and the other serving in KidsMin?
By engaging parents of teens:
Parents of young children get a break from the pressure to serve during such an exhausting season.
Your classrooms gain experienced leaders who’ve “been there” and can offer wisdom and care.
Multi-generational discipleship happens naturally when parents serve alongside their teens, modeling a lifestyle of service.
The Cost of Always Asking Parents of Littles
When parents of very young children are consistently tapped to serve, several challenges emerge:
High turnover due to burnout. These parents are already caring for little ones all week and may not have the capacity to also lead a classroom full of them on Sunday.
Inconsistent attendance because nap times, feedings, and meltdowns often keep them from worship services.
Missed discipleship opportunities when parents aren’t able to attend church together or be spiritually filled themselves.
If our goal is to disciple families for the long haul, we have to prioritize their spiritual health as much as our ministry needs.
Making the Shift: Practical Steps
If this idea resonates with you, here’s how to start:
Clarify Your Needs – Identify exactly which roles you need to fill and what the expectations are.
Cast the Vision – Share the “why” behind your ask. Remind parents of teens how much it meant to have loving leaders when their kids were little.
Coordinate with Student Ministry – Find ways to connect with parents of teens at student ministry events or meetings.
Pair Parents with Their Teens – Serving together allows parents to disciple their own kids while blessing younger families.
Offer Flexibility – Explore options for parents and teens to serve in the same classroom or in different roles that suit their gifts.
A Model of Multi-Generational Discipleship
This approach isn’t just about filling volunteer slots—it’s about fostering a culture where discipleship flows from one generation to the next. Parents model serving for their teens, teens build leadership skills, and young families receive the gift of rest and refreshment.
It’s a beautiful, sustainable cycle that strengthens your church as a whole.
Final Encouragement
You don’t have to stop asking all parents of young kids to serve—there will always be some who find joy and calling in that space. But by being strategic and sensitive to the seasons of life people are in, you can create a healthier, more balanced volunteer team.
Pray about who God might be prompting you to invite. Be willing to have the conversation. And don’t underestimate the impact of simply rethinking who—and how—you ask to serve.
If you want help mapping out a sustainable, long-term volunteer strategy that’s specific to your church and context, I’d love to help you design one.
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