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Reply to "Recruiting teachers for Sunday School -- ideas and discussion"

Member DALE asked,

"WHY are we finding it HARDER to recruit Sunday School teachers?"

Here is a collection of answers he received from our members. They apply to non-Rotation Sunday Schools as well.

1. People eventually tune-out the same old pitch and newness can wear off. This is why many rotation churches look for "breaks" in their schedule, makeovers, and exciting changes every year or two to recapture people's enthusiasm.

2. Some years, recruiting doesn't go well. Like all things, it can ebb and flow. But some of those seemingly difficult years can be an opportunity for change, and a chance for others to step up.

3. The answer "No" could be the sign of something else that's wrong. What else is going on that could be psyching people out? ((Confession is good for the soul))  A church that's struggling or having pastor troubles can put a damper on recruiting.

4. Sometimes, it's the recruiter who's run out of gas. In the 'volunteerism literature/books' -they note that recruiters typically recruit from their own "well" of people they know or are likely to approach, and that well can run dry some years. Solution: find different recruiters who can tap other sources.

5. General announcements for volunteers usually don't work. Over time, you need to change your pitch and approach.

6. All churches have SOMETHING they don't do well, or have low expectations about. Habits, expectations, etc are hard to get rid of. Some churches develop a culture of helping, and some a culture of sitting back. Usually, they take after the pastor's attitude and example. So....Get the pastor involved this year, and be more public about appreciating your volunteers.

7. Is your curriculum too hard? Too boring?  Maybe people are shying away from the material.

8. Everyone responds to "new and improved" and grows weary of "same old." This doesn't mean you need to ditch your curriculum, but how about pitching a new workshop or reimagining your hallways and classrooms, or making some changes to the schedule. etc.

9. It might be YOU. Some leaders aren't good at "asking" or "inspiring." Take a good long look in the mirror.You might be great with kids or creativity, but not naturally appealing or charismatic to adults. If that's true about you, you need someone else to help do the recruiting.

The Times They Are a-Changin'

  • More single parent households
  • More parents working on the weekend
  • More weekend options, travel, sports.
  • Secular culture that makes not going to church feel "ok."
  • More businesses/entertainment/events open early on Sunday.
  • Desire to spend more time with family at home.
  • Demographically speaking, generations since the Baby Boom generation volunteer fewer hours.
  • Younger generation more skeptical of church as an institution than were previous generations.

Part of the answer to these "changes" is to make "making a commitment" easier to try and less overwhelming. See some of the other ideas in this topic for creating easier ways to get involved rather than having to sign up for a 40 week commitment or being a lead teacher.

Last edited by Neil MacQueen
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