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Train them to smile. Yes, insist they fake one if they've had a rough morning or rough week. I've told many volunteers "You're here to serve the kids; smiles are required." Think about this prerequisite when you interview volunteers. And what appears on your face on days when you face challenges.

Back to the training.

Stress to volunteers the valuable relationship gains made when they initiate conversations with children, maybe as simple as, "How's your day so far?" Follow all this with an offer to do something with the child, even if it's for just a brief moment. Sounds too simple, I know. But it will make a profound impact on a little heart.

Kids arrive to us in a variety of conditions. Many are in particular need of the one thing that Christians possess in abundance: love. Could that be the reason God puts us in a position to serve kids he's crazy about? Especially those in need. Yes, every kid longs to know that he or she matters. It's a message of love that's easy to send. Please take a few moments and train your people—and train your own heart. Don't just assume that that message comes from anyone else.

After all, Michelle has only 28 students.

David Staal, senior editor of Today's Children's Ministry, serves as the president of Kids Hope USA, a national non-profit organization that partners local churches with elementary schools to provide mentors for at-risk students. Prior to this assignment, David led Promiseland, the children's ministry at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. David is the author of Words Kids Need to Hear (2008) and lives in Grand Haven, MI, with his wife Becky, son Scott, and daughter Erin. Interested in David speaking at your event? Click here

©2009, David Staal

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