Recruiting new leaders - is it a challenge for you too?

One of the biggest challenges for most parent and toddler groups is recruiting and keeping leaders.

Richard Hardy, Head of Church Relations at Care for the Family, was once a parent and toddler group leader. Here he gives seven tips for tackling this problem:

1. Raise the group's profile in your church
   It's really important that the congregation understands the vital role that toddler groups play in the outreach of the church. Tell the stories, share the vision, write articles for the church magazine and put more in the news-sheet than just the day and time your group runs. Get a regular slot in the notices. Do things that arouse curiosity in what you're doing. Make sure everyone understands the potential of the group to impact the community. This will make it an exciting ministry to be involved in.
2. Invite church members to visit the group
   Let your church see what happens in your group. Invite them to come along. Read a story of what happened when one church did just this.
3. Don't be afraid to ask
   Too often we make the need known and then wait for people to offer to help. Sadly, they rarely do, and we start to think that no-one is interested. It's far better to observe people in the congregation and seek to identify those who have the qualities you're looking for.
   
   Don't assume that because they have small children they will be interested or gifted in this area. Neither assume that because they haven't got kids they will not be interested in helping you. Some of the best and longest serving toddler leaders have never had children themselves.
4. Be realistic - don't expect one person to do everything
   Too often when we ask we're not specific enough. We ask one person to do everything. It's far better to see what tasks need doing and then look to recruit people to each role. Do you need someone to do the administration? … or organise and run the pastoral visiting? … or develop and deliver crafts? … or make the drinks? … or organise socials for the parents? The list can be endless, but by breaking it down, the roles are much easier to define and to recruit to.
5. Match your invitation to their gifting
   By getting to know people you will be able to discern what their gifts and abilities are. If they hate paperwork, there's no point asking them to do administration. When you ask them to help, remind them of the skill and ability they have, e.g. "I couldn't help noticing that you're very creative. Would you be interested in helping us with our crafts?"
6. Give them time to consider
   None of us likes to be put on the spot. Give them the facts and then let them have time to think about it.
7. Suggest a time limit
   Often one of the fears is "If I say yes, will I be committed forever?" When you ask them, agree a fixed time. Offer them a trial to see if they like it. Once they start, hopefully they will love it and won't want to stop.

Wouldn't it be great if you had too many leaders for a change, instead of too few, and the load was shared in such a way that it wasn't a burden on anyone? Who knows, if you get enough people you could run more sessions. How about a new mums' group, dads' group, or a group for children with additional needs?

Richard Hardy

Last Updated 23 October 2009