Roots Managing Director, Melanie Cave, speaks with Rev Tom Clark about the pressing challenge of recruiting volunteers for children's and youth ministry within the Church of England. They discuss the ambitious goal of recruiting 27,000 volunteers by 2030, the importance of vision in ministry, and innovative strategies for engaging new volunteers. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on volunteer dynamics, the necessity of prayer, and the significance of creating a collaborative and supportive environment for volunteers. Tom shares insights on how to frame the invitation to serve, build healthy teams, and effectively train new volunteers, all while emphasizing the exciting opportunities for engaging young people in faith. takeaways Recruiting volunteers is one of the biggest challenges for churches. The Church of England aims to double the number of young active disciples. Vision is crucial for motivating volunteers in children's and youth ministry. Post-COVID dynamics have changed the landscape of volunteer recruitment. Collaboration and teamwork are essential in ministry efforts. Innovative approaches can attract new volunteers who may not fit traditional roles. Prayer plays a vital role in the recruitment process. Framing the invitation to serve can make a significant difference. Building healthy volunteer teams requires clear communication and support. Training and equipping volunteers is essential for effective ministry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:57 Vision for a Younger Church 04:46 The Challenge of Recruiting Volunteers 08:26 Navigating Post-COVID Volunteer Dynamics 11:54 The Importance of Community Engagement 15:42 Trusting God in Recruitment 19:19 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Volunteers 22:50 Training and Equipping New Volunteers 28:51 Conclusion and Encouragement 35:43 Tom Clark's article and Roots Resources   Show notes If your church would like to recruit more volunteers with children and young people, take a look at the JOIN resources. For bitesize tips on all things Children’s and Ministry, take a look at the How To films. These answer questions such as ‘How to start a conversation with a child’ and ‘How to respond well to additional needs’. For information on the Church of England training available in Children’s and Youth ministry, click here.  Tom's article is in Roots Children & Youth Issue 139, you can read it online at www.rootsforchurches.com