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Philippians 4:19 tells us that our God will “meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” What an awesome verse. Did you notice that it said “ALL” your needs? Do you think this even means your need for nursery workers?
If we believe that God provides for the needs of His church, then we should expect every church has people called to minister in the nursery. Here are some groups that we have identified who are often called to serve.
- Grandparents: These days many families do not live close to each other. Grandparents may not have the chance to grow up close to their grandbabies. Now, don’t be tempted to think just 80 year old grandparents. Recruit from the generation that are in their 50′s and 60′s. While you may need to train them on some of the things we do differently today, they should be very comfortable with little ones.
- Mamas who need a baby fix: Lots of times moms with older preschoolers or elementary age kids start feeling the need for a baby to hold, but they are not in a life stage where they want to add another one to their home. However, snuggling babies once a week can take care of that “baby itch”. Also, they are well aware of how parents want their little ones cared for.
- College kids: While they will require some training, college aged kids usually love cute little ones. And what better preparation for their future than having experience with babies early on? If you can help them catch the vision early on for the importance of nursery ministry, you could create a volunteer who impacts babies for generations to come.
- Parents of teenagers: Parents of teens need a break from backtalk and drama. Working in the nursery can remind them that their own kids were once sweet. :) Though you may not want to mention it to them, it can also prepare them for grandparenthood. Give these parents an opportunity to be refreshed by little ones who still need them, while their teenagers are becoming more and more independent.
What other groups come to mind when talking about the church nursery? Leave a comment below to share your ideas.
Related posts:
- Writing A Church Nursery Manual In A Small Church
- 7 Reasons Why Your Church Nursery Service Is Vital To Your Church
- God Is In The Church Nursery
- Church Nursery Can Be Real Ministry!
- Funny Video to Encourage Church Nursery Workers
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a Mother of two, 2 1/2 and 15months old, My husband and I actually run the Nursery program currently and not only do I run it but I also work it, Sunday school services, church services and mid week services are all on my rotation. I am not ALWAYS in the nursery like I used to be but I do serve a couple times per month. I feel like if everyone helped out then it would make the load easier on everyone, we currently have a rotation of 6weeks everyone who serves, serves once every six weeks for Sunday Worship services. I think this is the best way but that’s what works for me! :)
I serve in our churches nursery often and I don’t fit into any mold. I’m a married woman without any children. My husband and I don’t currently have any plans for children so I like to help in the nursery. Since I don’t have any children of my own everything they do is new and adorable to me. I haven’t changed a mountain of dirty diapers, I haven’t heard that episode of Veggietales every night for a week or wiped a tissue box full of drool. I know that I might be the exception to the rule but I think that women without kids are an untapped source of volunteers.
I’m starting to serve in the children’s ministry from nursery to older children, the leader of the group wants us to encourage the parents of the small children. I was just wondering is this a good idea and also how to encourage others to help out , our congregation is growing fast and we are becoming shorthanded, we also would like to be in the sanctuary every once in a while to receive as well.
I never use moms in the Nursery until their child goes into the 4/5 yr old class. I do like to use tweens. Usually the kids in 5th and 6th grade really want to help. The stipulation, their mom has to serve with them. When told to mom this is a great way to serve with their child, I usually get them both for long term.
Thank you for this post! As a homeschooling mother of 3 boys (ages 1, 2 & 6), I appreciate hearing these words from someone other than myself.
Without ill intentions, our wonderful (but small & short-staffed) church has tried to ‘recruit’ all parents to serve in the nursery / preschool. I’ve prayed over it several times and haven’t felt lead to serve in this ministry. But, I’ve gotten the impression that the leadership feels it’s my obligation to do so.
Thankfully I am not easily ‘guilted’ into service – but many others are. I see too many moms burnt out and consequently they struggle with being able to serve joyfully in the nursery each week. And even if they want to step-down from this ministry, they seem to feel obligated to continue.
Sundays are often the only time mothers of small children get a much needed break to focus on the Lord and refresh their spirit with God’s word – uninterrupted.
What a blessing it would be to moms if they knew that their children were being lovingly cared for during this time, without the feelings of guilt when they drop them off.
Thank you to all who serve! =)
God Bless!