Emma's mom basically cornered me after church. Emma wants to volunteer with kids.

Emma. Who can barely make eye contact with adults. Who treats church like forced labor.

But I keep thinking about last week seeing her on the floor with those little kids totally absorbed in whatever they were doing. Not the same person who acts miserable in youth group.

Maybe I've been wrong about teenagers this whole time. Never asked any of them to help cause figured they'd rather sleep in or do literally anything else Sunday mornings.

Talked to Jake about it. Says half his kids want to do something that matters but think nobody wants teenager help with anything important.

That's probably true. We act like ministry is adults only then wonder why young people feel disconnected.

Started asking specific kids instead of general volunteer announcements. Huge difference when you tell someone "I think you'd be good at this" versus posting on bulletin board hoping someone volunteers.

Did training session expecting them to be bored. They took notes. Asked questions. Seemed relieved to know what they were supposed to do instead of guessing.

First few weeks they just stood around watching. Had to pair them with adults who'd actually include them not just tolerate them being there.

Some parents worried about maturity responsibility. Fair enough but also frustrating when you're trying to give kids chance to prove themselves.

What motivates them isn't college applications or service hours. It's six year old running up excited to see them. Being actually needed by someone.

Emma's been consistent for months. Kids love her. She brings energy I didn't realize we were missing.

Feel stupid about all the help I could've had if I'd just asked instead of assuming teenagers don't want responsibility.

For anyone who's written off teenage energy, leaders learning that young people want meaningful roles not busy work, people discovering direct invitations work better than hoping they'll volunteer themselves.
Check out KidsMinistry.Blog for more ideas, tips, and resources to help your Children's Ministry thrive!"