One of the toughest challenges in Children Ministry is recruiting volunteers who are passionate and knowledgeable about raising up a generation of children after God's Heart. Other ministry demands, busy schedules, having a child in the Sunday School, don't feel qualified, etc. are examples of reasons hindering people from committing to Children Ministry. How to recruit teachers? Here're a few suggestions:

1. Prayer

a. Jesus told in Mt. 9:38 to "Ask the Lord of the harvest...to send out workers..." Regardless of whether you have only a handful of volunteers or have too many willing helpers, they are not your helpers. They must be God's workers. Pray that God will call and select His workers to serve His little children.

b. Pray that God will grow the passion of seeing little ones come to Jesus in the hearts of all your potential teachers. There is nothing worse than having a teacher who treats Sunday School as nothing more than a babysitting service.

2. Personal Invitation

a. It may be time consuming than just making a public announcement but it is far more effective.

b. Share with the person your passion about children ministry and how if the Lord put this person's name in your heart. Invite him/her to pray before accepting or declining the invitation. .

c. Invite a veteran teacher to join you and share about his/her experience in teaching.

3. Resources & Trainings

One of the most common concerns is not feeling qualified for the job. Providing resources of good teaching materials and trainings can help alleviate a lot of fears. Besides training workshops, mentorship or partnership can benefit new and experienced teachers alike.

4. Ask for a Commitment

While we all appreciate Sunday School teachers who has taught their whole life, having a commitment period will offer volunteers a way out without feeling guilty. Having "sabbaticals" can be refreshing and reenergizing for volunteers. Encourage volunteers to observe other classrooms or to attend an adult class for their own spiritual growth. The late Dr. Howard Hendricks stated in his book Teaching To Change Lives stated "The effective teacher always teaches from the overflow of a full life...If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow" Stay in regular contact with your teachers and be sure to invite them back after the "sabbatical" period is over.

5. Invite parents of children

Parents of children can be your best resources either as helpers or teachers. However, be sure that they'll have opportunities to attend worship or Adult classes at least periodically.

6. Ask current teachers & pastors to help recruit

Current teachers are able to give firsthand experiences of how teaching Sunday School have blessed them as well as the children. Their understanding of the blessings and challenges can be invaluable to new recruits. Pastors often know and have the ears of a lot of people.