I was recently checking in and getting a guest name tag at a hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
We were there visiting my father-in-law who was having open heart, triple-by-pass surgery. Needless to say, we were tense and not in a happy, smiley mood.
The lady at the check-in desk was writing our names on the tags.
As she was writing out our name tags, my brother-in-law, who is a prankster to start with, asked her to write "favorite child" on his name tag. He has an ongoing joke with my wife and sister-in-law, that he is my father-in-law's favorite child.
When the lady at the check-in desk responded and wrote that on the name tag, it brought down the stress level of all of us and brought a smile on our faces.
That got my thoughts swirling and I had an idea. What if we started doing that for the kids in our ministry? What if we wrote 1-2 words on their name tag that would encourage them and make them feel loved and respected when they are at church?
Here's the idea:
When kids check in, have your pen or Sharpie ready.
After the name tag prints out, take a second to write one-two words of encouragement on the name tag before handing it to the child. (if families check themselves in without your help, you could have the teacher of their class, small group leader, etc. write it on the name tag as they are checking in at the classroom or environment door.
Here are some sample word(s) you could write on their name tag:
Awesome
Cool kid
Smile maker
Difference maker
I matter
I believe in you
Proud of you
I shine
Always loved
You make me proud
Faith in you
Capable
Powered by God
Good friend
God's champion
I'm important
Loved by God
Child of the King
Kingdom Kid
Good Leader
Keep dreaming
Amazing helper
God has big plans 4 me
Game changer
Sunshine maker
Joy spreader
Amazing kid
Super Hero Kid
Greatness in the making
Want to take it to the next level? After you write the word(s) on their name tag, take a few seconds and tell them why you wrote that on their name tag. It will impact them big time.
I would encourage you to print out this list and get it in the hands of your check-in team so they can start doing this. I believe it will make a big difference for the kids in your ministry.
Your turn. What are some other ways you encourage and inspire kids? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.
