To be transparent, it has been a constant tension for me over the years. I have to be very intentional about getting in the adult service on weekends. You see, every kidmin leader needs to be a part of "big" church.
Here are some reasons why kidmin leaders don't attend "big" church:
- Lack of volunteers. Don't have enough volunteer leaders to supervise the rooms when you are out.
- Lack of delegation. You do everything yourself during the service. Many times this is fueled by control issues.
- Lack of empowerment. You haven't empowered leaders to lead and take on key roles that will free you up to be outside the room.
- Lack of a plan. You must be very intentional about getting in "big" church. When you don't have a rotation plan for you, other kidmin staff, and volunteers, attending can fall through the cracks.
- Guilt. You feel bad about going into the adult service while other adults are volunteering in kidmin.
- Tyranny of the urgent. You plan on attending, but something "pops up" that changes your plans.
- Love for kidmin. You love doing kidmin so much that you really don't have a desire to attend "big church." You are so used to the kidmin environment that you have a hard time sitting still and paying attention in "big" church.
But as kidmin leaders, we all need to attend "big" church on a regular basis. Here's why:
- Big church helps you see the big picture. It takes you out of your silo and helps you see the overall vision of the church. It enables you to more effectively align with the direction of the church as a whole.
- Big church brings big spiritual growth. Faith comes by hearing the Word. Hearing the Word of God taught will help you to continue growing spiritually.
- Big church brings big spiritual renewal. Corporate worship and corporate prayer will refresh your soul. It will pour water on your parched passion, energy, and joy. If you're going to go the distance in kidmin, you must keep your spirit renewed. A big way this happens is by attending "big" church.
- Big church models a big value. Hopefully you require your volunteers to attend big church. When you also attend, you are amplifying the value and importance of it.
- Big church can give your kidmin big exposure. Anytime you can get in front of the congregation it's a big win for your kidmin. It might be making an announcement, leading a prayer, or even bringing a message.
- Big church can lead to big connections. Need more adult volunteers? Go where they are. Hang out before and after the service. Meet adults. Build connections.
- Big church can be a big boost for your family. If we are not careful, we can get in a pattern of not worshiping with our own family. When is the last time you worshiped with your spouse? With your kids? We must not to sacrifice worshiping with our family for the sake of kidmin. Weekends such as Christmas and Easter can be extremely busy in kidmin. But make sure you carve out time to attend a service in "big" church with your family. Don't look back and regret not attending worship with your family.
What are some other reasons kidmin leaders don't attend "big" church? What do you do to make sure you attend? What are some more benefits from attending "big" church?
Posted by Dale Hudson
