Over the next few days, I’m going to use my favorite topic (Starbucks!) to discuss some things that Starbucks has figured out that most children’s ministries haven’t. I’m dividing it up into three parts, this post right here being part 1.
What they’ve figured out #1: Train, train, train. Then keep training. Train until you’re blue in the face.
Starbucks obsesses over employee training. Partners (not employees, it’s a way they make employees feel more dedicated to the company) learn intricate details about coffee, equipment, experience, customer service, product quality, and company history. Massive regional training centers ingrain the “Starbucks gospel” into their managers. Periodical checkups are done on every corporate shop. They’re even closing their stores on February 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM to do product quality re-training. Training is so key, they sometimes spend up to $3000 per employee just on training.
Continue reading ‘What Starbucks has figured out and children’s ministries haven’t, part 1′
This morning we used a new DVD for our pre-service spot as kids were coming in to Kids Church. It’s new from Integrity. Shout Praises Kids! I Am Free is an awesome DVD. The graphics are very fresh and culturally current. These songs really grabbed their attention.
Oh, one other cool thing. The songs are already formatted as MPEGs and are ready for Media Shout or Sunday Plus. All the geeks like Evan and I are smiling.
The two most powerful words in the world are yes and no. These words shape your future. Stop and think about the power and impact of yes and no.
Two years ago I said no to golf. I enjoyed playing every week but the game was keeping me from reaching goals and maintaining certain priorities in my life.
Here’s the beautiful thing about the word no. It doesn’t mean never. It can mean “not now”. Who knows? I might pick up my golf game again sometime.
Carefully choose how you use the words yes and no. Develop the discipline of controlling your yes and no’s. Don’t let them control you. Your life and ministry hinge on it.
Twelve ways I found that can make your Children’s Ministry better:
1. Give your Children’s Church or Children’s Ministry a name & develop a logo
2. Have a goal or vision for every class. (Make a list of everything you want kids to do as an adult. - If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.)
3. Develop a plan to see your goals met. People follow people with a plan
4. Put your plan in writing
5. Build a structure around you. Identify everywhere you can use a worker
6. Master Time Management
7. Teach the word visually always (Don’t get in a rut)
8. Make time for ministry time, & prayer for needs.
9. Involve Kids in Ministry (Allow the to serve)
10. Update your music
11. Plan socials and activities to get to know kids
12. Keep developing your leadership skills. Choose to be a lifetime learner.
As I mentioned in my last post, the number one reason why we burn out is because there are needs in our lives that aren’t being met.
The second reason why we burnout is because we have wrong philosophies about success in the ministry. There are four models of success that will set you up for burnout.
#1: The executive model measures success by the size of the children’s ministry, the complexity of the organizational structure, the size of the staff and budget.
#2: The Donald Trump Apprentice model measures success by the number of sales the children’s pastor makes. Let’s get practical. The number of kids in weekend worship, baptisms, new classes, new volunteers, etc.
#3: The president of the corporation model measures success by how effectively he can keep the stockholders happy. This children’s pastor runs in circles trying to keep peace and make sure everyone is happy.
#4: The crowded calendar model measures success by a full calendar and tons of activities.
So, what proactive steps can you take to avoid burnout as a children’s pastor? Check back tomorrow and I’ll tell you the way I see it.
16. Care enough to confront. I realized as a parent I confront my kids because I love them, so if I love my volunteers I’ll confront them when their actions need to change or improve. Confront in kindness always.
17. Ask for ideas and opinions when appropriate. You can give out solutions all by yourself or involve others in the solution process. It’s still your decision but volunteers stay put when they are listened to.
18. Promote and entrust. Turn over more to those with ability. People stay put when you recognize their abilities. Continue reading ‘Volunteers that stick…part 6′
There are several reasons why children’s pastors burn out I suppose. I’ve been a CP now for 10 years. I’ve had several people over the years come to me and say, “Ryan, I need a break, I’m burnout.” I just got an email last week from a children’s pastor in Texas who feel like she is at the end of her ropes. She told me that she’s burning out. If you’re feeling burnout, there are two reasons why.
First, there is a need in your life that is not being met. Few people in the Bible every burn out. There were several that burnt up, but very few that experienced burnout! Elijah probably came the closest. His problem wasn’t burnout. His problem was that he thought he was all alone. Jezebel was on his tail and he thought he was the only person left serving God. As soon as he found out that he wasn’t alone, he marched on.
If you experiencing burnout, examine your heart and ask, “What need do I have that is not being met?” Is it a friend? A closer walk with the Lord? A conference? A vacation?
Write this down and seal it in an envelope: Burnout means there is need in my life that is not being met.
The next time a volunteer tells you that they need to take some time off because they are burning out, go deeper and try to help them see that there is a need in their life that needs attention. Their problem is not the class or the kids.
There’s one other reason why children’s pastors burn out. Check back and I’ll tell you what it is. This is the way I see it.
11. Set goals for growth. Don’t allow people or ministries to stay stagnant or stuck. Help volunteers come up with goals to improve and grow. If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time. Goals are a good thing but you’ll never know where you are toward reaching them without constant evaluation. Evaluation is usually the missing link and should go hand in hand with goal setting.
12. Communicate on a regular basis. No relationship can exist without communication. Communicate with more than meetings. Use every method possible. Let your workers know what they need to know to excel and they will. Continue reading ‘Volunteers that stick…part 5′
Tina Houser (K! Magazine contributing editor and friend) just brought a gift to my house tonight. It’s her new book, hot off the press from Thomas Nelson! It’s called “Building Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide”. It has a beautiful cover and is jam packed with 200 pages of great tips. Jim Wideman and I had the opportunity to write the endorsements on the back of the book. Don’t wait, get your hands on this book now. I just bought 20 copies to give the leaders in my church.
Great work Tina! Keep writing!
My friend Kal Oatis (featured in the January/February issue of K! Magazine) just finished her new family service set at her church. It sure looks cool. Check out the new K.I.C.K. (Kidz in Christ’s Kingdom) pictures by clicking here.
