Dear Ministry Leaders,
What a wonderful opportunity you have to create a welcoming place for children and their parents as well as the volunteers who serve them.
The only problem is – people are involved. Grin.
Seriously, we know that you have a very tough job.
Serve the Children. Love the Families. Guide the Volunteers. Sounds simple in words, right? Implementing is a whole different picture.
There are so many factors that go into creating vibrant ministry for children. God’s Word needs to be presented consistently, truthfully, and enthusiastically. It is vital that you keep the children physically safe. You are committed to sharing the gospel and inviting the children to know Jesus. You want the parents to feel confident in leaving their children. Training, shepherding, discipling, and loving volunteers is high on your agenda as well.
Wouldn’t it be nice if each individual felt enveloped in a warm blanket of love and belonging? Because it involves people, ministry is messy. You may have poured time and effort into the most well developed plan for each gathering time but still – things do not go according to plan.
What are you to do? Pray. Listen. Extend grace. Huddle up for support.
- Pray.
The first line of defense is prayer. Bring every goal, every task, every effort to God. Lay your ministry at His feet. He is waiting and ready to fill you up with all you need for life and godliness.
Pray for every individual whether they be a child, a volunteer, or a parent. There are more circumstances and situations in the lives of those folks you are serving than you will ever have wisdom for on your own. However, God is not surprised by their struggles and life scenarios. He also has appointed you for this time to be involved in how He proves himself faithful to them. Did you know that you were handpicked for this? You are positioned to be His vessel.
- Listen.
After you bring all of the tasks and people to God. Pause. Listen. Is there a nudge that you are getting from the Holy Spirit to help you know how to proceed next? Are you feeling a sense of peace over a decision that you have made or a sense of stress? Are you consulting the Bible? He wants to talk to you through the pages of His Word.
- Extend grace.
If you have been at this for any length of time, you know there are frustrations and problems to solve around every corner. At times, you will be misunderstood, misquoted, misrepresented, and scolded. Take a deep breath. Remember the bigger picture. Our natural bent is to defend ourselves. Take a minute to ask God to help you look at life from their perspective – even if they make you crazy – even if you know they are so wrong – and even if they are right. (Ouch.) Purpose to extend as much grace as you can. This will not be easy. It will not be natural but supernatural ability is available to you through the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just stop and think of the grace that has been extended to you through redemption, through second chances, through protection, and provision.
- Huddle up for Game Plan. Get informed and supported.
You don’t know what you don’t know. You may never have dealt with the challenge that is before you. Find people who have more experience and consult with them.
Remember that we are here for YOU. We have worked with lots of different challenges. We have learned from others who have had experiences and have gained wisdom that we didn’t have. We are delighted to schedule a free phone chat or Zoom video chat with you. We are happy to communicate with you through a series of emails or messages.
You are not alone. You do not have to figure it all out by yourself.
Do you serve a child who:
- hides when encouraged to do an activity?
- talks constantly?
- is hyperactive?
- elopes?
- hesitates to engage?
- constantly needs something to eat?
- shows anxious behavior during music time?
- is showing difficult behavior toward the other children or leaders?
Do you have a volunteer who:
- is distracted from focusing on the children each week?
- is determined to run Sunday morning groups like school?
- spends more time on their phone than interacting with the children?
- is always late?
- favors one or two children over the others?
- feels the need to make a diagnosis of children and share those thoughts with parents?
- is inclined to tattle – telling parents every single thing they feel the child has done wrong that morning?
- feels that any children who have any challenges should not be in their group?
Are you struggling with parents who:
- expect more from you than you can deliver?
- are reluctant to share information about their child that would help you serve them better?
- want you to favor their child over the others in the room?
- cannot seem to follow the safety protocols set in place?
If any of these situations ring a bell or if you would like support for another challenge, get in touch with us.
We want to serve you. If you think a conversation or email communication would be helpful to you, we invite you to contact us at champions4parents@gmail.com.
Much love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: www.Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s book at www.HeartReCHARGE.com
