RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY: ministries

Showing posts with label ministries. Show all posts

Are You Letting Kids Lead in Your Church?

8:22 AM Dale Hudson

"The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David." But the leaders were indignant." Matthew 21:15

Guess who led worship last weekend in our adult service? Kids.

Guess who helps greet people as they walk in our church doors each weekend? Kids

Guess who does outreach in our community? Kids

Guess who helps feed families during our Thanksgiving meal distribution? Kids

Guess who helps run sound and tech each weekend in our church? Kids

Guess who raises thousands of dollars for mission projects each year in our church? Kids

Guess who shares the Gospel with others? Kids

Guess who invites people to our church? Kids. Last year a lady came to our church for the very first time. When asked how she heard about the church, she told us she's a crossing guard at a local elementary school. One of our kids invited her to come while waiting to cross the street.

Guess who serves alongside their parents in various ministries in our church? Kids

Kids are eager and ready to serve. Are you giving them the opportunity?

Why You Should Focus on Quality of Programs Instead of Quantity of Programs

7:01 AM Dale Hudson

When I first started out in ministry 25 years ago, I was taught to have as many ministries, programs, events, etc. as you can.

The thought process was this - the more ministries, programs, events, etc. that you have - the more people you will reach.

Over the years, I have found the opposite to be true. It's not quantity of ministry that reaches people but quality of ministry.

The more ministries you have, the less quality you will have. Every time you add another ministry, program, or event - the more watered down the ministry as a whole becomes. Volunteers and funding when stretched too thin are not effective.

Less truly is more. Focus on doing a few things...really well. You'll discover that the less quantity you have the more quality you'll have. And when that happens, you'll begin to reach people.

What do you need to cut? What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to let die so something else can become great?

7 Ways to Help Volunteers Avoid Burnout

8:07 AM Dale Hudson

Make sure they attend the service. Watching online doesn't count.

Don't ask them to stay over and serve an extra service. Even if you are in a bind.

Don't let them serve in multiple ministries. The "S" on their Super Christian shirt will eventually unravel and fall off.

Give them time off. Maybe even the summer off.

Make sure they are in their sweet spot. Nothing leads to burnout faster than serving in a position you are not gifted for or passionate about.

Put them with someone they enjoy serving with. People who serve long term normally have close relationships with the people they serve with.

Say thank you every week. Many volunteers have never heard the words "thank you." They feel like no one cares whether they serve or not. With words and actions, show them that they highly valued. Let them know they matter. Remind them that they are making a difference.

What are some other ways we can help volunteers avoid burnout?

Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.

10 Things I'd Change In My Ministry If I Had a Time Machine

7:34 AM Unknown

Hard to believe it's been 23 years since I started in Children's Ministry. There's been a lot of joy along the way. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

But knowing what I know now, there are some things I would change if I had a time machine that enabled me to go back 23 years and start over. Here are 10 of them.

I'd rest more. I'd make sure I took all my days off and used up all my vacation time. I've discovered the hard way that you are at your best when you rest.

I'd narrow my focus. I'd focus on doing a few things well instead of trying to offer a buffet of ministries. I've realized that less truly is more.

I'd spend more time developing the unique ministry God has for me instead of trying to be exactly like other ministries I see as successful. Yes, I'd learn from other ministries. Yes, I'd go to conferences and bring back ideas. But I'd balance learning from others with staying true to the unique culture I am in. A copy is never as valuable as an original.

I'd recruit through vision instead of need. I'd invite people to join me on a mission that is bigger than any of us alone.

I'd ask people to show me my blind spots. I wouldn't wait for a "year-end evaluation." I'd actively ask my friends to be brutally honest with me and help me grow as a person and leader.

I'd stop trying to keep everyone happy. I'd acknowledge that no matter what you do...not everyone is going to like it...and that's okay.

I'd spend more time developing leaders. I'd block off more time for pouring into others and releasing them to do ministry.

I'd slow down when making changes. I'd make it a process instead of a surprise. I'd take more time to bring people along instead of running past them.

I'd spend more time ministering to parents. I'd invest more time, energy, and resources in equipping parents to be the spiritual leader of their child.

I'd collaborate with other departments instead of competing with them. I'd knock down my ministry silo and reach out to other departments, knowing that we are stronger together.

The good news...you can't go back in time, but you can make changes now. Go for it so you won't look back with any regrets 20 years from now.

What would you change if you could go back and start over?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Who's On Your List?

7:43 AM Unknown

John Maxwell talks about how he made a list as a young leader. It was a list of leaders he wanted to learn from. He called each of them and asked if he could meet with them individually. He gained wisdom and insight from these people. It was a catalyst for him as a young leader.

Do you have a list?

Make a list of leaders you want to learn from. Call and see if you can meet with them or at least schedule a phone conversation with them. Don't think they have time to talk with you? You'd be surprised. You have not because you ask not. When you do talk with them, be prepared with a list of questions.

Make a list of churches and ministries you want to learn from. Go and visit at least one a year. Spend a weekend there. Meet with their leaders. Observe. Ask questions.

Make a list of books you want to read. If you need some suggestions, here are some I recommend. Always have a list of books you are working on.

Make a list of blogs/websites you are going to read. Subscribe to the updates. There are so many growth opportunities waiting for you on the web.

Lists don't create themselves...they are created. Be intentional. Making a list is a great first step toward becoming a better Children's Ministry leader.