Volunteer Training . . . What Should I Cover in Volunteer Training?

Okay . . . so since there are reasons to have volunteer training, what should I cover when I get my volunteers together for training? Consider the following training possibilities -

• Share your children's ministry vision - if your volunteers understand your vision and purpose then you are much more likely to be "on the same page" and they are much more likely to have a "heart" for your children's ministry
• Cover your policies and procedures - be sure all your volunteers have been screened, make your photo id badges - have a digital camera, printer and laminator handy - and be sure to walk them through your child drop off/pick up procedure, child safety policies and sick child policies
• Train your volunteers so they are able to effectively utilize your curriculum - explain why you selected the curriculum you are using and walk them through a complete lesson so they are able to understand how each component "fits" together
• Train your volunteers on specific topics - such as how to lead a child to Christ, how to lead small groups, tips for following up with your kids - ask your volunteers which topics they would most appreciate training for and then cover those topics
• Provide a "training" time for volunteers to be encouraged and pray together - allow some time for praising God with song, allow volunteers to share their joys and challenges in serving, ask someone to speak and spend time together in prayer

These are just a few ideas . . . what do you cover in your volunteer training times?