Showing posts with label complexity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label complexity. Show all posts

Simple Children's MInistry

8:32 AM  Dale Hudson  

Let's define simple children's ministry.

Simple children's ministry...
  • has a focused, clear strategy
  • thinks discipleship steps instead of programs and events
  • keeps ministry areas aligned with the strategy
  • does a few things with excellence
  • eliminates the unnecessary
The simple strategy works.  Look into the business world and you'll see that the top brands keep things simple.   They cut through the clutter and deliver what customers want, when they want it, without hassle.  They simplify the customer's experience in a complex world.  Here's some examples...
  • Google
  • Netflix
  • Publix
  • Amazon
  • Chipolte
  • Zappos.com
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • Burger King
  • KFC
  • Pizza Hut 
When children's ministries build a culture of simplicity, they can provide families with a great experience.  When families have a great experience, it leads to growth.

When growth begins, the tension of complexity will resurface and come back into play.  The natural bent is to move toward complexity.  It takes hard work to remain simple.  As you grow, you must remain very intentional about keeping processes and steps simple.  You must be committed to saying no to "good opportunities" that are complexity in disguise.

How do you create a simple children's ministry model?  Here's a blueprint.
1. Define who you are as a ministry.
2. Define what your discipleship goals are for kids and families.
3. Create simple steps they can take to get there.
4. Let the steps dictate your ministry calendar and programming.
5. Build your staff and volunteer team to support the steps.
6. Say no to anything that is not part of the steps or strategy.
7. Constantly evaluate the effectiveness of the steps you have in place.  Tweak and adjust as needed.

Look across the country and you'll see the most effective children's ministries follow this simple model.  If you feel like you're spinning your wheels, it could very well be due to the complexity of your ministry.  Remember...less truly is more.  Simplifying can be a catalyst for children's ministry success.
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Kill the Complexity of Your Children's Ministry

6:07 AM  Unknown  

"But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."  
2 Corinthians 11:3

Complexity is the enemy of simplicity.  And the natural slide is toward complexity.  It takes intentionality to keep simplicity at the forefront.

Kill the complexity of your calendar. 
Be very strategic about what you put on your Children's Ministry calendar.  Make your goal an effective calendar instead of a full calendar.  Measure outcome, not activity.

Kill the complexity of your communication.
When kids and parents are given too many messages, they receive no messages.  Fewer words are more potent.

Kill the complexity of your curriculum.
Narrow your teaching down to the essentials for kids.  They can learn about the beasts of Revelation later in life.  Right now they need to be taught the simple, foundational truths.  You've only got so many weekends with them.  Make them count.   

Kill the complexity of your challenges.
When you challenge kids and families to grow in their faith, provide them with simple, easy-to-take steps.  The steps should be simple to communicate and easy for people to participate in.
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