After 17 years in children’s ministry, I’ve learned something simple but sobering:
If leaders burn out, children feel it.
We often talk about curriculum, environments, and strategies—but the greatest factor in whether children feel known, seen, and loved by Jesus is the people who serve them.
Scripture reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Preventing volunteer burnout is one of the most important things that you can focus on as a leader in children’s ministry.
Here are three lessons that have transformed how I lead teams in children’s ministry.
1) Start With One Leader (Not a Perfect Team)
Children’s ministry was never meant to be built alone.
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
One of the most important shifts I’ve made over the years is distinguishing between:
- classroom volunteers (who serve faithfully week to week), and
- a leadership team (who help shepherd the ministry itself).
Start by finding your one—a trusted leader who shares your heart and vision. Then, as the ministry grows, intentionally give away parts of your job.
This might include:
- volunteer care
- scheduling
- family communication
- special needs support
- environment or curriculum oversight
Paul reminds us that the church is one body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). When everything funnels through one leader, burnout is inevitable. You’ll burnout, and the volunteers under you will as well. When leadership is shared, ministry becomes sustainable.
At our church, I started with one leader. Today, we have nine leaders serving across different areas of children’s ministry, including disability ministry and support for moms. Growth happened because leadership was multiplied instead of hoarded.
2) Clarity Is One of the Best Burnout Prevention Tools
It’s a common misconception that volunteer burnout is caused by too much work— usually, it’s caused by unclear expectations.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Clarity eliminates confusion. It brings peace.
When volunteers don’t know:
- what their role is,
- what success looks like, or
- whether they’re doing well,
they slowly disengage.
One simple practice has made a massive difference in our children’s ministry:
a one-page role description for every volunteer and leader.
It includes:
- Responsibilities
- Wins and priorities
- Who they report to
- How their role helps children encounter Jesus
Scripture reminds us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10).
Clarity helps volunteers serve with confidence instead of anxiety.
3) Consistent Communication Builds Sustainable Teams
Programs don’t prevent volunteer burnout—relationships do.
Instead of simply assigning tasks, Jesus built relationships. “He appointed twelve that they might be with him” (Mark 3:14).
In our children’s ministry, we’ve built simple rhythms:
- Monthly team gatherings for our leadership team (think relational and fun)
- Monthly individual check-ins with leaders
These rhythms create space for encouragement, honesty, and alignment.
“Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
To be honest, these moments in my living room have been some of my favorite moments I’ve ever experienced while serving in children’s ministry. Though it took work to get to where I’m at, it’s so much more fun to lead alongside trusted friends than by myself.
When volunteers feel known, they stay longer.
When leaders feel supported, they lead better.
And when teams are healthy, children thrive as Jesus intends.
The Real Goal of Children’s Ministry
Healthy teams that don’t burnout happen when you decide to be radically intentional.
If we want children to feel loved by Jesus, we must care for the volunteers who represent Him every week.
Build your team.
Clarify expectations.
Communicate consistently.
That’s how we fight volunteer burnout—and build children’s ministry that lasts.
If you’re looking for gospel-centered resources, training, coaching, and practical tools for children’s ministry leaders, you can explore more at JesusLovesPreschoolers.com.