Sarah comes up to me after service Sunday with that look - you know the one where someone's been chewing on something for weeks.

"I think I need to take a break."

My stomach drops. Sarah IS our 4th and 5th grade group. Kids ask where she is if she's not there. But turns out she feels completely invisible, like just another body filling a ratio requirement.

Today we're talking about what actually keeps volunteers around versus what makes them quietly disappear - from why "thanks for helping" doesn't count as appreciation to how I was slowly killing Sarah's enthusiasm by dumping everything on reliable people. Plus the conversation that almost lost my best volunteer forever.

If you're wondering why good volunteers keep fading away and tired of constantly recruiting replacements, this one's for you. Fair warning: you might discover you've been taking amazing people for granted without realizing it.

For ministry leaders, volunteer coordinators, and anyone who's learned that people don't quit because the work is hard - they quit because they don't feel valued.

Check out KidsMinistry.Blog for more ideas, tips, and resources to help your Children's Ministry thrive!