Let’s face it, most leaders in children’s ministry started out by agreeing to serve for a brief time period. Then at some point it became their passion.

But how can we help ensure that leaders become confident in their ability to share their faith with the next generation?

Here are some tips.

1. Help them understand the importance of spiritual preparation. Leaders can get overly busy and reduce their involvement to simply having the lesson ready to deliver. Make sure to communicate the importance of them personally being in the Word, praying for their class, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

2. Help them learn how to prepare. Whether your church uses a purchased master-planned curriculum or something that is written locally, there are some tips that can help them save time and be organized when coming to class. Three important tips are:

• Be able to clearly and quickly articulate the truth you are teaching. If you can’t do this, your lesson is likely to be scattered.
• Practice the Bible story. This is one of two central pieces to any lesson. Read the Bible passage as well as the lesson so you accurately communicate God’s Word. Then make the story come alive!
• Know your plan for the response time. This is the second central piece of any lesson—helping kids personally respond to God. Pray and listen to what God is saying to you and to the kids.

3. Help them find a mentor. Every new teacher should be a part of a buddy system. This will pair a new teacher with a veteran teacher to help answer questions and create the confidence needed.

4. Communicate often. It’s not uncommon for a ministry coordinator to begin putting out other ministry fires once a staff position is filled. But to build confidence there must be regular communication and investment in your new volunteer. 

5. Provide ongoing training. There are many training opportunities available to children’s workers. Online training, national conferences, and local seminars provide avenues to gain knowledge and understanding. An example of online training can be found here.

A confident teacher is often more fulfilled in their ministry role. And a fulfilled leader has more longevity. These are just two of the benefits you’ll reap from helping to build confidence in your new volunteers.

When you were a new leader, what helped you build confidence?