RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The Millennials.  They are the 18-35 year olds that are changing the world.  And if you want them to serve in your ministry, you need to know what makes them tick.  Recently, Gallup released some critical information about Millennials that will help you know how to lead them more effectively.

1.  Millennials want a purpose to serve for.  They want to serve in organizations that have a mission...a cause...a purpose.

If you want them to serve in your ministry, then you need a clear, compelling purpose.  Invite them to a purpose...not a position.  Millennials will be drawn to your WHY more than your WHAT.

2. Millennials want to be developed as leaders.  They are looking for opportunities to grow and develop the gifts, talents and passions God has placed in them.  If you create a leadership development culture, you will attract Millennials.

3. Millennials are looking for a coach.  They are not going to follow title alone.  They are going to follow someone who will value them as a person and invest in them.  They are looking for someone who can help them understand and build their gifts and talents.

4. Millennials want real-time feedback.  Their primary means of communication is through texting, tweeting, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.  All of these forms of communication are real-time and continuous.  This is what they are accustomed to and it translates into how they want you to help them grow.  They desire constant, real-time communication and feedback.

5. Millennials don't want to fix their weaknesses...they want to develop their strengths.  Research has shown that weaknesses never develop into strengths, while strengths can develop infinitely.  This means if you want to keep Millennial volunteers, it's critical that you place them in their area of giftedness.  Simply put...don't place them where you need them...place them where they need to be.  Help them find their sweet spot and help them continually grow and thrive in that area.  

6.  Millennials will give their life to something if they believe it in.  When Millennials find a place where they are valued and given ongoing opportunities to grow, they will give their life to it.  When they find something worth committing to, they will be jump in and give their best to it.

Here's some questions to work through coming out of this article.  I would encourage you to sit down with your team and talk through these.

1. Is our purpose clearly stated and expressed?  Do Millennials know why we do what we do?  Are we inviting them to a purpose or a position?  How can we improve in this?

2.  Are we developing Millennials as leaders?  How are we investing in them?  How can we do a better job of this?

3.  Do our Millennial volunteers see us as a coach or commander?  How can we do a better job of offering them coaching?

4.  Do we provide real-time feedback and communication?  How can we get better at this?

5.  Are we placing Millennials in their areas of giftedness?  How can we ensure we are doing this?

6.  How engaged are our Millennial volunteers?  Are they "all in?"  Are we providing them with something they feel is worth giving their life to?  How can we improve this?

Millennials.  They are the young adults who are serving in your children's ministry.  But they can be somewhat slippery to hold onto.

A recent survey says 25% of them plan on switching jobs in the next year and 75% by 2020.  This translates into their volunteerism as well.

This is a red flag because great children's ministries are built by volunteers who are committed long-term.  A children's ministry that is getting the job done is comprised of new volunteers and veteran volunteers.  So...if you want your children's ministry to bear fruit long term...it's vital that you keep your Millennial volunteers.

Here are the 3 big factors that will keep them engaged for the long haul.

#1 - Purpose 
87% of Millennials believe the success of an organization should be measured by purpose.  Studies show that if there is a purpose gap, which is the difference between the purpose Millennials want from your organization and what it offers them, they will go searching for purpose somewhere else.

Millennials want to know they are making a difference.  Constantly remind them of the purpose and how what they are doing ties into it.  Share with them the stories of how they are making a difference in kids' and families' lives.

#2 - Leadership Development
Another big reason why Millennials leave is because they don't see enough opportunities for leadership development.  If you want to keep them...you must invest in them....empower them...and release them to lead ministry.

The great news is this...they're interested in more than just clocking in...putting in their time...and going home.  They want to grow and lead.  Are you ready to invest in them?

#3 - Relationships
When it comes to this, Millennials are like previous generations, they want to serve in community.  Relationship is the super glue that will keep them.  Make sure you create a family culture.  Volunteer teams that play together and hang out together...stay together.

Purpose...leadership development...relationships...focus on these three things and you'll see your Millennials stick around and become pillars in your ministry. 

What sets childrens' ministries apart, the ministries where volunteers love to serve and kids and families' lives are being changed, is PASSION.

Do you want your ministry to be full of passion?  Here's how to build passion in your ministry.

Have something worth being passionate about. 
Let me re-word that. You already have something worth being passionate about...the Gospel.  There is no greater cause.

The key is constantly helping people make the connection between their serving role and the greater purpose.  Pointing people to the purpose will ignite passion.  

Remember passion is caught more than it is taught.  The passion level of your ministry is a mirror of your passion as a leader.  Show your passion...to the point where at times you get very emotional about it.  When was the last time your volunteers saw tears running down your face as you shared your heart for the mission?  When was the last time your earnest prayers echoed through the hallways of your ministry?  When was the last time you fasted for the families of your community?  If you want to raise the passion level of your ministry, then start with yourself.

Surround yourself with passionate people.  When you are passionate, you will attract passionate people.  Surround yourself with them.  There will always be people who feel their calling in life is to throw cold water on the fire.  Be kind to them...but don't let them get close.  If you do, they will douse the flames.  Bring people in close whose passion will encourage and inspire you.  

Fan the flames.  The natural tendency of passion is to wane.  Keep the passion burning by revisiting the purpose often.  Celebrate the passion.  Share stories of the passion.  Honor those who show passion.  

Never be satisfied.  The opposite of passion is complacency.  Keep your passion by staying in growth mode.  Always be reading, stretching, asking questions and seeking God for more. 

When you have passion, you won't have to tell people.  Passion is very evident.  People know it when they see it.

Leadership is about more than making decisions, giving good speeches or coming up with great plans.

Leadership is about bringing purpose. It's rallying people to something that's bigger than themselves.

How do great leaders bring purpose?

They move beyond telling people what to do and help people see "why" what they're asking them to do is worth doing.

They help nursery volunteers see that they're helping parents find Christ.  They help preschool volunteers see that they're investing in kids' lives at the most critical time.  They help greeters see that they're preaching a sermon with their smile and "welcome."  They help elementary volunteers see that they're help kids begin a relationship with Jesus.

Great leaders also bring purpose by keeping people focused on it.  The natural tendency is to get bogged down in the minutia and lose sight of the purpose.  A great leader constantly takes people back to the purpose.

Great leaders bring purpose by sharing the stories.  They show people how the purpose is changing people's lives.

We have the greatest purpose in the world...sharing the Gospel with boys, girls, moms and dads. 

If you want to be a great leader...point people to the purpose, keep people focused on the purpose and tell the stories of the purpose being fulfilled.

As children's ministry leaders our calling is to help bring out the best in our volunteers.  It shouldn't be what you want from them, it should be about what you want for them.

See yourself as a coach, because that's what you are.  And a big part of coaching your volunteers is providing them with feedback.

There is an art to giving feedback.  Done incorrectly, it will bring more harm than good.  But done correctly, it will challenge, inspire and propel your volunteers to new levels of ministry.

Here's 10 tips on how to effectively give your volunteers feedback.

#1 - Establish a relationship with your volunteers.  When a volunteer knows you care about them and want the best for them, it will open their heart to receive feedback.

#2 - See feedback as going on a journey with your volunteers.  Feedback should be ongoing and taking them to a destination.

#3 - Give positive feedback when your volunteers do a good job.  If you only give negative feedback, volunteers will perceive you as unappreciative and petty.

#4 - Schedule times to meet with key volunteers individually and provide them with feedback.

#5 - Give feedback when a volunteer's behavior is negatively affecting the team.  Do this privately.

#6 - Avoid giving feedback when it is something the volunteer has no control over.

#7 - Avoid giving feedback when a volunteer is highly emotional after a difficult event.

#8 - Only give feedback when you can do so in a calm and thorough manner.

#9 - Avoid feedback that is only based on your personal preferences.

#10 - When giving a volunteer feedback about an area he or she is struggling in, come with some possible solutions.  The purpose of the feedback is to help the volunteer move forward.

You can get more tips on how to effectively provide feedback at this link.  

How do you look at your volunteers?

As a teacher?

As a person to fill an empty spot?

As someone who can help you accomplish your goals?

As an awesome worship leader for kids?

As someone who is good at calming crying babies?

As a father figure for boys who come from single parent homes?

As a great leader who can invest in kids?

I want to challenge you to see your volunteers in another way.  Not as above...but as a someone God has called you to disciple.

You are not called to make volunteers.  You are called to make disciples.  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Volunteering is a key component of discipleship.  And when you pour into your volunteers, you're playing a key role in their discipleship.

You are called to disciple the adults that serve in your ministry just as much as you are called to disciple the kids in your ministry.  

When you see your volunteers in this light...it will change the way you look at them.

You'll invest in them not just so the children's ministry can grow...but so they can grow in their faith.

You'll train them not just so they can become better teachers...but so they can love God's Word more.

You'll pray for them not just they'll show up for their preschool class...but you'll pray they will find and fulfill God's purpose for their life.

How are you looking at your volunteers? 

Confidence is David facing Goliath.

Confidence is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego looking into a fiery furnace.

Confidence is Peter stepping out of the boat.

Confidence is Paul sharing his faith with King Agrippa.

Confidence is Esther walking into the king's court.

Confidence...is courage at ease.

Confidence...is knowing God is in control.

Confidence...is faith that leads to achievement.

Confidence...is something that will help you lead well in Children's Ministry.

People will gravitate to and follow someone who is confident.  Not cocky...but confident.  Not arrogant...but confident.  Not prideful...but confident.  There is a difference.

Do you have confidence?  Do you want to improve your confidence?  Here's some ways to gain confidence and show it as a children's ministry leader. 

Spend time with Jesus.  Ultimately your confidence must emanate from your personal relationship with Christ.

Depend on God...completely.  This leads to Godfidence.  Which is the best form of confidence.

Know your strengths and use them.  When you are operating in your sweet spot, you will naturally feel more confident.

Take care of yourself physically.  Exercise and eat right.  When you are healthy and in shape, it gives you confidence.

Walk straight and tall with your head held high.  Your body language is key in communicating confidence.

When you make eye contact with parents and kids, always smile.  Smiling shows confidence.

Use good posture when you sit.  Don't slouch.  Sit with your back straight. 

Learn to maintain eye contact when talking with someone.  Look directly into the eyes of the person.

Have a "can do" attitude.  A positive attitude speaks confidence. 

Take the initiative and introduce yourself to people.  When you walk into a room, be friendly and greet people instead of waiting to be greeted.

Dress sharp.  Your clothes do make a difference.  This doesn't mean your clothes have to be expensive, but it does mean you dress your best.

Always sit up front in meetings, services, etc.  Confident leaders gravitate to the front of the room.

Remind yourself of your successes instead of dwelling on your failures.  Make a list of your successes.  This is not to brag to others, but to remember that God is with you. 

Don't compare yourself to others.  God did not create you to be copy of someone else.  He created you to be you.  Confidence comes when you know who you are in Christ.

Know God's calling and purpose for your life.  When you know you are living out God's plan and purpose for your life, it instills a deep, abiding sense of confidence.

Prepare...prepare...prepare.  Walking into something prepared helps you walk in with confidence.
Practice makes perfect?  No...but it does make you confident.

Your turn.  What gives you confidence?

Children's Ministry is a marathon...not a sprint.  In a marathon, it's pretty easy to be motivated for the first mile or so.  But with each passing mile, you have to be more intentional about staying motivated.  It's in mile 18...20...23...24...25...26  that you need the most motivation.

So how do you stay motivated in Children's Ministry for the long haul?  How do you keep your passion and dedication fresh and new?

Prayer.  Nothing will keep you motivated like spending time with Jesus.  When you feel your motivation waning, (which we all do at times) get alone with Jesus.  His presence will fill your motivation tank up.

Pause.  Many times our motivation wanes due to physical or mental tiredness.  Take time to pause and rest.  Pulling away for rest will renew your motivation.  You'll come back ready to conquer the world.

Praise.  When you get discouraged, you'll find your motivation dipping.  When that happens, start praising God for His blessings.  Think about all the good things He has given you.  Dwell on the victories.  I have a folder where I keep cards, notes, letters, and stories from people God has helped through my ministry.  When I get discouraged, I pull out that folder, start reading, and begin praising God.  It doesn't take long before my motivation returns. 

Positive people.  If you want to stay motivated, surround yourself with people who are motivated.  Negative people will slowly drain your motivation.  Be kind to them, but don't spend much time with them.  Your motivation level is directly tied to the motivation level of the people you spend the most time with.

Purpose.  Your ultimate motivation must come from the purpose God has for your life.  His calling on your life is what will keep you motivated through the ups and downs...the good times and the bad times...the happy times and the sad times.  Always remember why you are doing what you are doing.  It's the call God has placed on your life.

What are some other ways you stay motivated?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.   

What do volunteers really want?  A position?  Applause?  A place to connect?  

What volunteers really want is purpose.  They want to know what they are doing truly is significant.  They want to know what they do really does matter.      

Invite them to the purpose.  Move beyond just inviting them to a program...invite them to the purpose.  Before you invite them to a role, invite them to the purpose.  Precede the invite to a task with an invite to the purpose.

People are starving for a purpose.  Invite to the purpose and you will assemble a dynamic team fueled by the purpose.

Infuse the purpose continuously.  Put the purpose in writing so everyone can see it.  Talk about the purpose when you have training.  Keep the purpose at the forefront of everything you do.  Keep refilling the purpose tank...keep it topped off. 

Include stories.  Share stories that demonstrate the purpose is being accomplished.  Celebrate evidence of the purpose being fulfilled.