We’ve gathered some great advice from children’s ministry leaders who’ve spent years in the trenches, and cut it up into bite-size pieces of info that you can start using today! Here are 10 ways to ensure your ministry is a success:
- Smooth Transitions. Ensure new families feel comfortable as they enter your ministry. Prepare welcome packets that include a welcome letter, sample lessons, sign-up forms, and other important info. And have a time where staff and families can get together and hang out before a service so everyone can get acquainted.
- The 3 R’s. Renew your spiritual batteries by staying connected to Jesus. Read about leadership, children’s ministry, and cultural issues. And reach…go to conferences and connect with other ministry leaders online to get fresh perspectives.
- Engage Your Kids. By keeping your kids engaged, you can solve a lot of your discipline challenges. Keep your material age-appropriate and short enough to stay within kids’ attention spans. And use different styles of learning to keep kids on their toes. A great resource for reaching your unique kids is Group’s DIG IN Curriculum—where you can choose the activities that’ll work best with your kids.
- Write Notes. A simple but meaningful way to reach out is to write notes. Even short notes can still carry the love of Jesus. Write notes to your kids and to your team of volunteers…they need love, too!
- Summer Daze. For ministries, summer can be tough. But, if done right, summer can bring a record number of kids into your ministry. Set up service trips or programs, do a summer series on something unique, go from a small-group format to a large-group format (so kids can get to know their new classmates), and don’t forget to make sure you and your team take vacation as well!
- Reach Out for Male Volunteers. It’s time we challenge more men to step up and get involved in children’s ministry. Make an intentional effort to enlist men, and ask them to lead your boys’ groups.
- Partner With Parents. Remember that parents are called to be their children’s spiritual leaders. Be on the lookout for ways to partner with them in their children’s spiritual journey.
- Know Your Season. As Ecclesiastes says, “For everything there is a season…” Know what season you’re in. It could be a time for planting; maybe it’s a time for pruning; or maybe it’s a time to celebrate the harvest.
- Do Background Checks. Consider the fact that 1 out of every 10 adults who try to volunteer with kids has a criminal history. Make sure your ministry is protected with programs like Shepherd’s Watch.
- Hold Meetings. Staff meetings are a must. Figure out the best time for everyone, plan ahead so you don’t waste their time, include time for prayer and team-building, and review what works and what isn’t working. It will make a world of difference.
If you liked these ideas, you’ll love 100 Best Ideas to Turbocharge Your Children’s Ministry and Preschool Ministry. These 100 sure-fire “how to’s” were developed by children’s ministry leaders who’ve spent years fine-tuning the strategies that bring real success. You’ll be ready to fuel your children’s and preschool ministries to do great things for God! What tips would you share with others to ensure their ministry is a success? Share with us using the comment section below!
