All children's ministries have three common elements. The first is easy—kids. The second is also obvious—Jesus. The third element we share? Volunteers.

As director of Promiseland, it is important for me to know how our volunteers feel about serving. Many show up faithfully year after year, which is a good sign. The ever-learning leader in me wonders why they do that, though. To find out, I hosted an open house for a group of veteran volunteers with 10 or more years of experience, and asked them to answer one question: "Why do you serve in Promiseland?" Here are some of their responses:

"I love the other leaders that I serve with in the room."

"I get my weekly 'fix' of love."

"Promiseland is where you are more important than the task."

"It's great to see life change in little people."

"Because we're actually being served by the people in Promiseland."

Collecting reasons why people volunteer was easy with this dedicated group—I just asked them. Learning why volunteers leave Promiseland, ...