Children’s ministry has changed—especially since 2020.
Volunteer teams are smaller.
Kids are carrying more than ever.
And the tools we used before just don’t work the same anymore.
Today’s volunteers are navigating bigger behaviors, shorter attention spans, and deeper emotional needs.
They need more than a clipboard and a quick orientation.
They need training that helps them feel confident, prepared, and supported—no matter what comes their way.
That’s where we come in.
Children’s ministry has changed—especially since 2020. Volunteer teams are smaller. Kids are carrying more than ever. And the tools we used before just don’t work the same anymore.
Today’s volunteers are navigating bigger behaviors, shorter attention spans, and deeper emotional needs. They need more than a clipboard and a quick orientation. They need training that helps them feel confident, prepared, and supported—no matter what comes their way.
That’s where we come in.
The best volunteer training is about more than just policies and schedules. It’s about helping your team:
Understand the “why” behind tough behaviors
Respond with grace and structure
Build emotionally safe environments
Feel confident and supported in their role
That’s what builds healthy teams—and thriving ministries.
You may not think your ministry serves “traumatized kids”…
but if you’re leading in 2025, it does.
Behavior issues. Anxiety. Defiance. Withdrawal.
These aren’t just discipline challenges. They’re signs that kids are struggling—and they’re everywhere.
You don’t have to be a therapist.
But your volunteers do need to know how to respond in healing, supportive ways.
That’s what trauma-informed ministry is all about:
Understanding the deeper needs behind the behavior—and responding in ways that help kids heal and succeed at church.
The Reach Hurting Kids Workshop is a research-based, biblically grounded training curriculum that helps your volunteers:
Respond effectively to challenging behaviors
Create supportive & engaging ministry environments
Develop an authentic discipleship community
You’ll get everything you need to lead your own training—PowerPoint with embedded animated videos, instructor’s manual, participant workbooks, interactive activities—and most churches see results after only 75 minutes.
And yes: it’s trauma-informed, equipping your team to serve kids who struggle with mental illness, traumatic situations, and hidden disabilities—as well as every child in your ministry who longs to feel safe, seen, and loved.
Get more info about the Reach Hurting Kids Workshop and other trauma-informed children’s ministry resources from Reach Hurting Kids Institute.
Reach Hurting Kids Institute represents a collective effort by Christian researchers, pastors, mental health practitioners, professors, authors, conference speakers, professional networks, and parachurch organizations to reach the hurting kids in our congregations and communities.