Keys to maintaining a successful summer

Summer is here! And that means kid ministers near and far are busy at work. Now I do not believe there is really a “slow” time in ministry but summer definitely is a “busy” time for children and youth ministers. There just seems to be many things going on during the summer, especially BIG events. A lot of churches will have VBS and kids camp. I know of several that have a mission trip planned for preteen age children. These things are big events, they take a lot of planning, advertising, and footwork.

Along with these bigger events, summer is a great time for smaller events because the kids are not in school. Because of this some churches will add a bowling trip, movie night, crazy game night, the list goes on. The summer might also mean a change in your typical programs, especially Wednesday night. For us, where I currently serve, our RA and GA programs end in May and we have KA’s from June to August. This means that during the summer I plan have to plan our lesson and activities instead of following a set curriculum, which I don’t mind, but it does take more time.

Maybe this summer has caught you by surprise, or just seems more hectic than normal. So here are some keys to maintaining a successful summer.

1. Don’t forget the main thing.

Now this is going to sound simple but let’s face it as things get busy, some stuff gets pushed out of our life. Don’t put God on hold during your summer ministry months. Make sure to still daily spend time in God’s word and in prayer. After all if we aren’t looking to God for direction in our ministry, it really is going to become more of a fun babysitting service than a God empowered, life changing ministry.

2. Don’t forget the second thing.

There is a second thing? I’m sure you might have thought this point was odd, but don’t forget the second thing during the summer, your FAMILY. I can’t tell you how many pastors have warned me, if you lose your family you lose your ministry. This statement holds a lot of truth. But these people often get put aside during busy times because time just doesn’t seem to allow you to be with them. Be sure to plan time with your family during the busy summer schedule. Whether that means taking a personal day or two; or just making sure your open nights are given to time with them.

3. Don’t take your vacation early

Now I personally don’t take a vacation in the summer just because it’s so busy, but that is not what I’m talking about here. When I say don’t take your vacation early, it’s really a nice way of saying don’t get lazy. I know summer is a time when you want to relax and rest. Instead try to make sure you keep on top of planning and preparing for all the awesome events you have planned. It’ll actually make the summer a bit less stressful if you don’t wait till last minute on everything.

4. Rest

Wait, you just said not to get lazy? Right. There is a difference between rest and being lazy. Don’t forget to have a few hours a day or one day a week where you get to rest. After all God rested on the 7^th day (not because he had to) as an example for us. This summer follow his example and get some rest in between events.

Are there any other keys you’ve found to maintaining a successful ministry during the summer? Share them in the comments below.

Turning a normal event into a special one

Through my experience it is common that ministry events often get repeated. The unfortunate aspect of this is that events, even with a good purpose, can become boring and mundane to the kids. As an example if one does a game night and plays the same games or rotation of games eventually they will lose appeal. The same could be true of a movie night, discipleship program, the list goes on. Of course, at times repeating events is ok. For instance in youth ministry every year there are events repeated like D-Now, Summer Camp, and Mission Trip. But still as a minister, you must be careful not to just repeat everything and lose the excitement of the kids. So how can you make sure that events stay fresh?

1. Put a new twist on an old event.

Repeating events is not a bad thing. Especially if it was an event that went well the previous time. When kids hear that event is coming up again there is an excitement from remembering the last event. But to keep excitement, try adding something different. Most recently I did this by having a snowman building contest with a movie night. The movie we watched was frozen. So the contest went along with the movie. I also didn't tell them the movie before so kids were coming up trying to guess what the movie would be. 

2. Do something new. 

New isn't always bad. Don't be afraid to try a new event. Does this mean you may have an event that doesn't "knock it out of the park"? Possibly. Before the event pitch your idea to some of your trusted volunteers for feedback. New is always exciting too because of the unknown element. You never know the event could become a one the kids are begging to do again. 

A passion for kids

               From the moment I realized God was calling me into a vocational ministry, it was children’s ministry that He led me to. Of course I can confidently say this looking back into the past but I really do believe that children’s ministry has always been where I was supposed to be. During high school I got to intern with the children’s minister in my home church, and I worked for an after school day care (man that was fun). My wife, I am sure will tell you that now I’m just a kid trapped in an adult’s body. But what drives this passion for kids to come to know Christ?

                Of course the easy answer for me is God made me this way. Also early on in ministry and even today I’m aware that studies state a majority of people accept Christ before they are 13 years old. In 2004 Barna stated this number was around 50%.[1] Not that i'm saying any other area of ministry is unimportant. Both of these are some great reasons for me to be passionate about children’s ministry but that not the only reason.

                There are several passages that are my “favorite” or I feel extra drawn to in God's word. Isaiah 6, the story of Gideon and David are favorites of mine for instance. But so is the scripture found in Matthew 19:13-15 which reads, “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there”.

                In this passage we see an account of Jesus taking time out of his short stay here on earth, to especially spend with children. I’m not sure why but this scripture has always stuck with me. Often I find myself asking “If in this passage of scripture, Jesus found the children so important shouldn’t they be important to me?” Now don’t get me wrong as a minister you are a minister to everyone. Children is just where most of my time is spent. But it is also purposefully where my time is most spent because that is where God has placed a special passion in my life for. Maybe you find yourself with this passion as well? Maybe your just looking for some kid min ideas. Please continue to join me as we begin to walk through this together. Also let me know what drives your passion for children's ministry too.

---

[1] https://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/196-evangelism-is-most-effective-among-kids#.U4T-rNFOVes

The First One

I’m excited to write my first blog post! Through the past several months I’ve been almost consumed with the thought of somehow “giving back” or contributing to others in children’s ministry. Before I write any further, there should be a disclaimer. By no means am I claiming to be the best or most knowledgeable person out there about children’s ministry. However, I do hope that some of my experiences and knowledge can help some of you readers to become a better children’s minister than I’ll ever be. So from this time on we will dive into different experiences or occurrences I have personally seen in ministry, reveal object lessons (which I love), and discuss the new and ever-changing world which is children’s ministry.

Whew, there I did it my first introductory blog post. I’ve had a lot of first in my life. First steps, words, failure, successes but I must admit that I never imagined blog post would be one of them. Hopefully there will be many more to come (maybe they will even get better as time passes). Please check back and join me in this journey through the world of children’s ministry.