Recruiting

Well it is that time of year again. You know what i'm talking about the "recruiting phase". Where Children's Ministers, Youth Ministers, and church staff in general are in full recruitment mode or in some instances you might call it begging mode. Personally, I haven't really had to ask many people, I've had a lot of people willingly agree to help. It is always nice when you don't have to beg and plea for workers isn't it? Anyway, maybe there are some of you out there, who aren't sure how your going to get workers and time is running out. So here are my suggestions for recruiting children's workers or just workers in general for your ministry.

1. Pray

I know this sounds simple but have you taken time to ask God for a direction in recruiting volunteers? Of course we can pull out a church directory and just start calling people. But why not ask God to put those specific people in your mind.

2. Ask your present workers

The people, who have served with you the past year, have an insight into the children's ministry that others do not. They also have relationships outside of the children's ministry that you may not. So ask your workers who they think would be a good children's worker. This allows them to have some more input and ownership into the ministry and it shows them you trust their opinion.

3. Look for those who have kids in your ministry.

Now this choice is a bit more difficult. But parents of kids are often willing to help work in something that is helping teach their child about God and His word. The difficult part is making sure they understand not to be the parent when at church but that is what training is for right?

4. Look for those who have kids coming up.

It is also possible that you could recruit parents, who have younger kids not yet in your children's ministry. This allows the parent to already become accustomed to the ministry before their child gets there. It may also help retain workers, because they may want to stay around while their kid goes through the ministry too.

5. Look for someone who likes kids

A good children's volunteer is going to have a passion for kids. Of course this sounds like a duh moment but I've heard several stories of people recruiting any warm body in the church. To make the best ministry possible for the kids, we need volunteers who truly care about them. Not everyone is called to children's ministry, just like not everyone is called to youth, senior adults, and other ministries.

Children's ministry is a wonderful place for people to serve. It is also an important place for people to serve. This is a key point that we must remember as we recruit new volunteers. Children's ministry shouldn't be a place where we beg people to participate but one we value people who participate.

Journey Off the Map

It is that time of year again. VBS is just around the corner. Children's ministers and VBS directors are scrambling to get those last minute volunteers to sign up and help out with what is probably one of the greatest outreach opportunities for the church throughout the year. Decorations are being made so the church looks awesome. Snacks and crafts are being ordered in bulk to make sure that everyone has enough supplies. I encourage you to take a quick break though and look at what VBS is all about. That's right for just one second take a break, put down the volunteer recruiter sheet or supplies request list that is in your hand and think about VBS as a whole, not just the workers or stuff you need.

The Message

Of course every year Lifeway seems to come out with an awesome, amazing, and exciting theme for the week. This year is no different as kids will Journey Off the Map in search for God and the amazing truths in His word. This message is great for kids because in order to meet Christ we have to come to know and have faith where we didn't before. We have to come to the realization that Jesus is God's son, who paid the price for our sins. Which means we journeyed into unknown or uncharted territory.

Throughout the course of the week kids will go through stories of Jesus and his ministry, death, burial, and Resurrection. But they will also spend time in Daniel looking into the life of people, who were not much older than them when they made amazing stands for God. This is a driving home point to utilize in showing the kids (especially preteens) that they don't have to wait to become adults to follow God.

The Week

What an important week this is! Hopefully you will see kids come through the doors of your church that never would have otherwise. Family Night might bring not just kids but their parents as well. And this is the time you have to try to reach or connect with them. Don't take that time for granted. Instead be mindful and intentional with the opportunity your church has been given. If you haven't already begin praying for the kids and their families, who will take part in your VBS. Also remember that while now is the planning stage. The week of should be all about relationships. Building relationships with kids, their parents, and your community as a whole.

Now that you've thought about some aspects of VBS as a whole, take a moment to pray then pick that volunteer sheet back up and get ready for what is probably going to be an amazing week.

Kids and conversion

I had the chance to attend a National VBSI training conference this past week. It was great, and I can't wait to take back some ideas to my church and state. But there is one breakout session that stuck out to me. It was titled Kids and Conversion and done by Jerry Vogel of Lifeway. This is such an important topic. A kids salvation is nothing to take lightly. So here are some things Jerry reminded me of this past week.

1. Stay away from "churchy" words.

Now of course those of us, who go to church regularly and have been a Christian for a while, understand what words such as repentance, salvation, and being washed in Jesus' blood mean. But a kid often does not. So be ready to explain these "churchy" words that we have become so accustomed to.

2. Always counsel kids 1 on 1.

This allows the child to speak for themselves. If you get a bunch together there will always be a few that speak up over the rest. Of course if a kid hears the "right" answer they are going to repeat it, because it is right. The question though still remains if they understand the why?

3. Ask open ended questions.

It is very easy to ask a yes or no question. Do you want to be saved? Do you want to spend eternity in hell? But as we counsel children, try and ask open ended question so you can better see where they stand spiritually. Questions like What is sin? Why do we need Jesus to save us? How did Jesus pay for our sins?

This is one of the highlights of being a kidmin leader, getting to see a child come to know Christ! How exciting! It doesn't get better than that. But let's make sure we counsel them in the right manner and let Jesus do the rest.

Keeping up with the times

          I'm sure that most of you can relate, that as a children's pastor there is still a little kid or sometimes a lot in all of us. We can remember what it was like when we were kids too. Who the popular music singers were, the best tv shows, movies, toys. Recently, I came across an article on Facebook about all the different foods that 90's kids knew but were no longer being made today. Man that made me sad. But I learned something through that article. Times change. What was popular even just 5 years ago may not be anymore. But I'm afraid that we often take these memories from our childhood and apply them to kids today. Instead of realizing that today's kids have different sports, music, and movie role models than we did. Even when I go eat lunch at some different schools, kids are amazed that at one time you always got fries or tator tots in the school cafeteria. By placing our memories in their lives this places us, the children's minister, back in time though. Which means we can become outdated and ineffective in reaching today's kids for Christ. So one challenge for myself and for you as well, is to keep up with the times. Find out what is popular currently and what kids go through on a daily basis. As Karl Bastian, the founder of Kidology.org, would probably say we need to become kidiologist. But how can we do that? Here are some ideas I got partly from him and would like to pass on.

1. Never pass a toy store without going into it. This allows us to see what the coolest new gadgets and toys are for kids, not to mention you may find something for yourself too.

2. Read some popular kids books. If there is a popular series coming out that a lot of preteens are reading (like Harry Potter back in the day) then pick it up and read it. This lets you know what kids are being exposed to and gives you something to talk about with them.

3. Watch the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, or whatever TV channel or movie is popular for kids. Not that this is all you watch but spend some time each day trying to watch a show kids do.

4. Watch the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. This easily in a few hours allows you to see who the popular music, actors, and sports stars are in kids lives today.

The main thing to remember is that by staying relevant we can more easily and effectively connect and minister to children today. There are many other ways you can find out what is popular with kids today. If you have any ideas please share them in the comment box below.

Counseling kids

Counseling kids can be an exciting but nerve racking event. There is the excitement that God is doing something in the child's life. But not only is He moving in their life, God is using you as well in this process. It's always a great feeling to know you are being used by the almighty creator. On the same token, counseling a kid can be a very delicate process. As one presents the gospel, they must be certain the child is answering questions on their own, and that they understand.

This past week I found myself in this very situation. A parent had come to me stating their child was asking questions and wanting to be baptized. I of course agreed to sit down and talk with the child. This is a favorite part of my job after all. As we preceded through what baptism means, what sin is and the gospel it became obvious that while the little girl was asking questions it just hadn't clicked yet. I'm so grateful for the Holy Spirit's discernment in times like this. 

This past week reminded me of the awesome opportunity we have to reach kids with the gospel of Christ. But at the same time that opportunity comes with great responsibility. So next time you get to counsel a child I want to encourage you. Pray for discernment and clear words. Let the child answer even if this creates a long pause. Finally, let the Holy Spirit take over and guide you. 

Training Workers

One thing that every children's ministry needs is equipped, committed, and faithful workers.  After all you can't do everything yourself in the children's ministry or at least you shouldn't. But that is a whole different topic. Now i'm sure you have some people like this is your ministry already. There are some people who just naturally are very gifted, even at being a children's ministry worker. I believe that every worker can become this equipped and committed worker though. It just takes time and effort from you, the children's minister, to help aid and equip them for that purpose.

But in today's world it is a fact that people are ever increasingly busy. This presents a problem when it comes to pouring into today's children's ministry workers. At a Conference I went to several months ago only 1 out of 25-30 children's ministers were having a monthly training, where most if not all their workers attended.  This shows us that today meeting once a month at a set time does not always promise a good turnout. Which means that some of your workers are being equipped while others are missing good training points. The majority of the children's ministers had one meeting every quarter or half a year for training. This doesn't give a lot of time to equip those in the forefront battle ground of your children's ministry.

So in order to equip your workers one is going to have to think outside of the box. How can I equip my workers and manage to not ask of a lot of time from their daily schedules? This is a question I have looked into myself. Here are two ideas I came up with. Perhaps some of ya'll have come up with another solution. I'd love to here how others are equipping their workers, please leave your training strategies in the comments below.

1) Training Online

There are several different online training tools available today. My children's ministry is actually in the process of getting all our workers signed up for this as we speak. One benefit of training online is that you can track each workers progress, allowing you to provide different trainings for more seasoned children's ministry workers. These also give you a database of training videos so you don't always have to make your own.

2) CD/DVD

Another thing you could try is making a CD/DVD each month for every worker with videos or audio on it. This takes a bit more work as you have to make and/or compile the videos. But it allows them to carry the training with them anywhere they may go.

Ultimately I believe that a key to equipping today's kidmin workers is making training conveniently available. Whether this is online, through a CD or DVD, people will be more willing to listen or watch a short 5-10 min training if they can listen while driving to work or pull up a video on their Ipad during commercial breaks. The question is how will you equip your kidmin workers?

Starting Conversations with Kids

It is Sunday morning. Your running around trying to get everything together last minute for the kids programs that are beginning. Got to get glue for this craft or some supplies for a game that was found this morning. But you have missed one important thing. . . . meeting and having a conversation with the kids. Instead of worrying about getting everything together that could have been done days in advance, you could be meeting with kids, especially visitors. Establishing a relationship or connection with the kids in your ministry is more important than you think. Starting a conversation with them doesn't have to be tough either, especially if you know some key topics kids pay attention to today. Here are some topics you might want to become familiar with to help you get on their level.

1) Disney. . . .

One of the easiest things you can do to relate to kids is get hooked on Disney. This could be the latest and classic Disney movies, watching the Disney channel, play Disney video games. The list goes on but if you want to talk to kids asking them who their favorite Disney character is an easy way to get started.

2) The latest music

Who is the most popular kids music sensation right now? Not sure. Watch the Nickelodeon kids choice awards each year. Also you could start by asking what a kids favorite song is and then go back and learn about them later for next time.

3) Sports

This is a big one with boys especially. But knowing the hottest sports athletes is a big deal. These kids are watching them constantly. And if your in the south you better know how the state college football teams are doing!

4) Pets

A lot of kids have pets. Of course for many people pets have a special place in one's life, but this is even more evident in kids lives. After all they are the only ones I've ever had request for me to pray for their pet.

5) School

I know what your thinking. Did he just list school? Yep, while some kids may not enjoy school the most it is where they spend a big chunk of their week. Everyone has a favorite period (even if it is lunch). Why not ask about where they spend most of their time?

These are just some conversation starters to think about. But making an effort to converse and meet with the kids in your ministry is important. It shows them you care, are a human just like them, and can establish a foundation for a opportunity to discuss the gospel and God's love for them.

Reaching out to kids . . . outside of church

One thing that I love doing is seeing kids outside of a church setting. To me it seems to help everyone relax. I also believe it helps show the kids that you really are the same in church and out of church, you’re a follower of Christ everywhere. Your faith is real. Which is a great example I think they need to see. Here are a two ways I’ve found to connect with kids outside of the typical church environment.

First, you could try to meet them at school. Now I know this is easier said than done in some places. I’ve been in a ministry situation where schools would let me come for FCA and that’s it. I’ve been in a school system that didn’t want me to come at all. I’ve also been in situations where I can come to lunch, morning devotions, and special events to help. Either way it is worth finding out what they will let you participate in. Schools are the biggest single place you can meet kids on their terms and share the message of Christ with them.

One way I get into the schools is at lunch. I have a “Lunch Box” at our church and allow kids to place a ticket in the Lunch Box. Once a week during school I draw a name and eat lunch with that child. Now before you go do this 1) call the schools for approval and 2) I check with the parent of the child I draw each week. But this allows me to meet our kids, bring them a cool dessert, and meet kids that don’t go to our church as well. It’s easily the biggest mission field I have in our community. You could also attend a student’s band recital or play as well. This of course will be after school hours but still shows them you care and you get to meet and connect with the family, not just the individual child.

Secondly, you could go to a child’s ball game. I’d be willing to say that almost all kids play in at least one rec league during their lifetime. You can quickly find out if a kid is playing a sport by just simply asking them. Afterwards talk to their parents and ask when their next game is and if they mind you coming to support the child. You can go support the child in your ministry and sit with their family to connect with them on a deeper level as well. After all, as a children’s minister, we should be partnering with the parents to aid in their child’s spiritual development. That involves getting to know them too, not just their kid. The child will also probably be thrilled their children’s pastor cared about them enough to come to a game.

These are just two ways you could connect with kids outside of church. I’d love to hear of some other ideas for meeting kids outside the church walls! Just post your ideas in the comments section below.

 

Summer Camp

So this year I changed up our summer camp at the church I am currently serving in. For the past several years the kids group has gone to a "big" camp. Now before I continue please understand I am not in any way bashing these big camps. In the right in the right situation, with God's leading, they can be very helpful to a church. Instead though I felt God leading us to go on our own camp. It was definitely a great decision. We doubled our attendance for camp from the previous year. All the kids had fun. We got to do a shaving cream/water balloon war, giant soap and slide, and much more. But these aren't the benefits of doing your own camp. Rather the benefits are so much more. Below are just a few reason I believe God led me to choosing our own camp this year.

1) Your own camp allows you and your adults to connect with the kids.

By being the only church there it allows your kids to focus on you and you to focus solely on your kids. This is a great time to build and strengthen relationships with them. Because you are going from a couple hours a week to being around the kids 24/7 for several days.

2) Your own camp allows for the speaker to connect with the kids more.

This past week at camp, one thing that blessed my heart, was seeing our camp speaker interact with the kids. Now yes this was done during the service, as he spoke and called kids up to help. But he also was there during meals, games, crafts, and more. The kids actually got to know our speaker. He wasn't just someone, who preached to them, but was real and his walk with Christ was evident outside of the pulpit.

3) Your own camp allows you to tailor the week for your group.

By having your own camp you, their children's minister, can tailor the camp to help fit exactly where your children's group is. Do you have a lot of unchurched kids? kids who haven't made a profession of faith? Kids, who are already on their walk with Christ? Younger kids? Older Kids? Of course the answer, is different for every group and could even change from year to year. By knowing where your group is overall, the camp can be tailored to their stage of life. If you have a lot of kids, who haven't accepted Christ, then the gospel should be a constant focus in crafts, services, and more. Perhaps this means also doing more group Bible study so that an adult is clearly relaying the Bible message. If you have kids, who have already accepted Christ, then perhaps doing more small group discussion or personal devotion time would be a good choice. But its your choice, and responsibility to tailor the camp.

Of course, I would urge any children's minister to consider taking your kids to a camp of their own. There are so many positives to it in my mind. But ultimately there is really only one thing that matters and I was reminded of that this week. Are we reaching kids for Christ through the camp. Whether it is your own camp or a big commercial camp, if the gospel isn't being presented, if kids aren't growing deeper in their walk with Christ. Then something needs to change and a serious evaluation should be made. Yes, camp should be packed with fun, but even more so camp should be packed with Christ!

Starting a new school year

Well it's hard to believe but summer is actually starting to wind down. To me it seems like summer just started. Maybe your preparing for the last "big" event of the summer. Perhaps your just trying to make sure programs get through the summer or your recovering from the summer already. Either way this can be an important time in ministry. Here are a couple things to help you transition into the fall.

First, finish well. After all summer isn't over yet. There is no need to throw in the towel or enter cruising mode. There are still events and programs in the summer that need to be done. But not just thrown together. These need to be carried out with excellence, just like the rest of your children's ministry. Make sure that you finish the summer as strong as it began. 

Secondly, look forward. The fall is coming so what's happening in your ministry? Fall festival, family nights, maybe a big children's event. Start looking ahead and planning now. That way your not scrambling last minute. 

Thirdly, get involved. Schools soon will be back in session, so how could you get involved? Maybe it's first priority, eating lunch with the kids, helping one of the ball teams, or even just bringing some snacks for the teachers. Anyway you can meet with the kids outside of church is a plus. 

 

Do I really need to be prepared?

Weeks sure are busy aren't they? You have to prepare for all the programs and events. Look ahead to keep the calendar moving. Of course there are weekly meetings as well. Sometimes things are just so busy that part of the ministry gets neglected or not done as much. I think that often times the aspect that is first neglected is preparing beforehand for those weekly activities or events that seem to repeat every year. This is in part because they have been done before. You know the typical order of your children's church service or Sunday School lesson. So is it really all that important for you or a Sunday School teacher, or any other volunteer in your children's ministry to come in prepared? Absolutely, and here are just a few reasons why.

1. Being prepared allows you to connect with the kids before hand.

One of the best times to connect with the kids in your ministry, on a personal level, is by going around and talking to them before your weekly programs. This cannot be done though when you aren't properly prepared for the day. Make sure your prepared before instead of running around looking at your lesson plan or trying to set up a game. Just a few minutes of talking to a child could create a personal relationship, enabling them to listen to the gospel your about to present.

2. Being prepared shows the kids they are important.

Now I know what your thinking, and I've even had another minister tell me, the kids won't know we are winging it. But I must admit, I disagree. Kids can tell when your not prepared or coming up with things on the fly. And it shows them that its not important enough to take time before hand. Not to mention that kids are going to be more likely to bring a friend if your program is exciting and well planned, instead of thrown together at the last minute.

3. Being prepared allows you to connect with your workers.

Yes, before an event or program you should be visiting and connecting with the kids. But also make sure to stop by your volunteers. Let them know how much you appreciate them or just simply get to know them. A volunteer, who is invested in, is much more likely to stay in the long run. Which allows you to train and develop positive, strong leadership.

4. Being prepared allows you to include others.

If you are throwing together a lesson plan, or service order it is a lot harder to include others because everything is last minute. Instead by preparing, you can include other workers in leading a game, craft, music, etc. This helps develop solid workers, and ensures the program will be well ran when your on vacation, or a conference.

Expanding your horizons

So what is one thing kids love? Yes, they love candy. And yes, video games, sports, and the disney channel are very popular. But one thing I see kids always getting excited about is something new! It really doesn't matter what it is, if it's new that brings excitement, and anticipation into their lives. 

Yet, often times I've also seen ministries and ministry workers get into a rut of doing things the way they have always been done. Now this isn't all bad. It provides structure and a sense of what to expect for the children. But if every once in a while we, as children's ministry volunteers and ministers, would expand our horizons, step out of our comfort zones and try to do something new, the way kids view our ministry, events, teaching, and even us could drastically change. By changing a teaching style Sunday school can go from normal to exciting, especially for the child that is not just a verbal learner. Learning a new skill could take your children's church to a level of awesomeness not yet reached. But it takes time, effort, and a willingness to try something new.   

This is something recently I've been faced with in my ministry. But not because things have become typical or old news but rather because of God's leading. I have begun to attempt learning to juggle and use a diablo (Chinese yo-yo). To me this is something drastically new and will take a long time to form a "routine" and get comfortable with it. But when the kids at my church see a Chinese yo-yo in a object lesson, I bet they listen because it's something new and exciting. 

 

The question for you is what new skill or trick could you learn? Maybe it's a magic trick, using art, or utilizing the kids to tell a story. The possibilities are almost limitless. 

 

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.

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.

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