Change can feel intimidating in ministry—but it can also be the spark that brings new life to your team, your space, and the families you serve. I’ve learned that in kids ministry, even small updates can make a big difference. Whether it’s fixing a broken check-in system, refreshing the walls with a new coat of paint, or rethinking how we welcome families, change—done well—can transform the way your ministry operates.

In this post, I’ll share a simple two-step process I use to spot what needs to be refreshed and how to make changes that stick: Watch what’s really happening each week, and Ask the right questions to your team. When you do, you’ll see why change is not just necessary—it’s beautiful.

Two-step process to refresh your kids ministry: observing and asking questions to improve volunteer and family experience. — Kids Ministry Makeover: Simple Steps to Refresh Your Ministry

Learn a 2-step process to make small changes that bring big results for families and volunteers in your kids ministry.
Check out these 2 simple steps!

Step One: Watch What’s Happening in Your Kids Ministry

The first step to any kids ministry makeover is simply to observe. Pretend you’re a first-time guest walking into your children’s church. Look at everything with fresh eyes.

Here are a few questions to guide your “watching” phase:

Is the check-in process clear and easy for new families?
Is there visible signage directing guests to classrooms and worship spaces?
How do families look when checking kids in or out—stressed or joyful?
How does your volunteer team look—energized or overwhelmed?
Is every area of your ministry staffed with the right people in the right roles?
Is the ministry space clean, safe, and well-maintained? Are there broken items, outdated décor, or walls that need repainting?

By intentionally watching, you’ll quickly identify the small changes that could make a big difference in the way families and volunteers experience your kids ministry.

Step Two: Ask Questions to Improve Your Kids Ministry

The second step is to ask the right questions—not only to yourself but to your team. Leaders often see things from their own perspective, but your volunteers can offer valuable insight into what’s working and what’s not.

Try asking:

What is your favorite thing about serving in this ministry?
Is there an area of our ministry that needs more attention?
Have you noticed any procedures that could be improved?
Is there a part of your serving experience that feels stressful or unclear?
How could I—or the church—help make your role more enjoyable and effective?

When you combine your observations from Step One with the honest feedback you gather in Step Two, you’ll have a clear roadmap for meaningful changes.

Why Change is Worth It

Taking time to watch and ask will help you make thoughtful updates that breathe life into your ministry. Your team will feel valued, your families will feel welcomed, and your kids ministry will operate more smoothly—allowing your church to share God’s love with even more people.

That’s the beauty of change: when it’s done with purpose, it strengthens both your ministry and the people it serves.

Ready to start your own kids ministry makeover?
Take one area you noticed today and make a small improvement this week. You’ll be amazed at how even little changes can create big results.