Comments on: Children’s Ministry-Children=?

By: Monique Thompson

Monique Thompson — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:54:59 +0000

I think you all bring to the table some really valid points. Acknowledging a child and letting them know you care is critical. I have received feedback from parents about kids that were once very shy and timid, and through acknowledging and encouraging them, they are now the ones who raise thier hands first, and want to help lead. It is so awesome to see kids lives changed like that.
I agree that it is important that front-line volunteers interact with the kids. Sometimes in my church I have a tough time finding people to get involved, especially since we are so small. I pray that God brings those who He wants involved in the children’s ministry, and that He equips us with the skills necessary.

By: ana shaw:)

ana shaw:) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:28:45 +0000

the things i hear elementary age kids say that matter to them most, especially the younger kids, is that “so-and-so took time to acknowledge me!” time and love and action go a long way. we are all guilty of this at one point or another but we must remember when we are standing in the back chatting it up that our kids are longing for what we have to give! every peice of the puzzle is important from the person who picks up the trash when the kids leave right on up to the one who has been entrusted with sharing God’s word. you are correct in reminding us that we are not at church to mess around. we are at church soley for the purpose of glorifying God and teaching others to do so as well… by example! their is a war out there for the souls of people. it’s time to get serious!

By: Evan Doyle

Evan Doyle — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Hey all, Evan here. I wanted to clarify what I said in the post. Like Laura said, there are many volunteers who do many valuable things in our ministries besides working with kids. Kids Ministry couldn’t exist without those people. Those aren’t the kind of people that I am talking about in this post. What I’m really trying to talk about are the leaders who say they want to work with the kids on a close basis, then stand in the back and talk.

Set builders and snack people are important! Don’t think I’m denying that. The thing to watch out for are the people who work with kids because it’s “noble” or “their duty to God”, but don’t love kids. Those set builders and snack makers may not be called to minister to kids, but indirectly they can touch their lives in ways they can’t imagine.

Thanks Laura for bringing this up. I wouldn’t have thought of it that way otherwise.

By: Laura Carr

Laura Carr — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:10:31 +0000

I also agree to a point. I have also redirected volunteers who feel obligated, but don’t have the passion or skills to build relationships with kids. The unskilled volunteer can be coached, and I have had some good results with that.
However, I also have a group of non-children children’s ministry volunteers that I couldn’t do with out. These are people who want to be a part of the ministry, because they see God working. These are my set builders for Sunday School and VBS, and my snack makers for VBS. These are people who will help prep craft materials or sew costumes.
These volunteers contribute is a real way that is vital to the ministry.
Laura

By: Glen Woods

Glen Woods — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 06:07:08 +0000

I think you make a valid point. I have had these kinds of folks come through the children’s ministry I lead. For some of them, a little redirection is helpful in terms of giving them specific tasks which need to be accomplished. Yet there are some that seem only to be interested in fellowshipping with other adults. I would graciously direct them to other ministry expressions better suited to their temperaments. During the recruitment interview process I try to screen folks, determining their suitability to work directly with kids.

Thanks for the blog and the article!

Blessings,

Glen Woods