Quit inviting people to church!

22 Jul

We spend more time in kids ministry trying to get families to come to our events.  I have no doubt the events are great.  I’m sure you gain lots of feedback afterwards affirming how wonderful the experience.  But how long will we continue to compete with every extra-curricular activity offered to families?

Frankly, that’s tough competition.  Between the water park, sports clinics, and arts & craft festivals… families have a plate full.

What if we quit adding to it?

What if we quit competing for their time and gained their attention?  What if we quit changing their schedule and changed their perspective?  What if we quit being a source of activities but became the source of vision for their family and community?

What if families learned to…

  • View their daily activities through a God-lens
  • Look for outreach opportunities on the soccer fields
  • Use basketball practice to teach their kids about the character of Christ
  • Treat their scout troop as a potential small group and pray them into it

We don’t need to offer activities to the community with a ‘christian spin’.  We need to put Christ-followers in community activities.  Quit trying to get them to your church.  Give them a vision for their community then unleash them.

More on the Topic

  • The Biggest Mistake #kidmin Can Make
  • #kidmin think tank
  • Harnessing the Potential

6 Responses to “Quit inviting people to church!”

  1. jonathan 22. Jul, 2009 at 1:02 pm #

    What if you offer activities without the “Christian Spin?” Let’s make some room for creating family-friendly activities. Sometimes our communities spread the family thin, and rarely promote activities that actually bring families together. But I totally get your point.

    And I’m up for the challenge. I wish more moms and dads would be willing to see the community they live and move in as the area they are called to reach.

    Reply
  2. Todd McKeever 24. Jul, 2009 at 7:59 am #

    Enjoyed the post and you will notice we have it posted on Kidology.org blog watch as well.

    Reply
  3. Sharon Sayre 24. Jul, 2009 at 9:48 pm #

    Thanks for this post. This has been on my heart for quite some time and you did a great job in the presentation.

    Reply
  4. Dustin Aagaard 25. Jul, 2009 at 6:45 pm #

    Gina, love the thoughts. Great posts. Thanks! Hope all is well.

    Reply
  5. Jen 12. Aug, 2009 at 2:57 pm #

    I love this. But what does it look like practically speaking? Any ideas on “how” to “gain their attention, change their pespective and become their source of vision?” How do we do this w/out taking more of their extra time? Is this what we do from the pulpit? Small groups? Newsletters? All of the above? Something else?

    Reply
  6. gina 12. Aug, 2009 at 6:40 pm #

    Jen,
    This is an excellent question. One I continue to ask.

    I think it comes from all of the places you mention. And more. I think it must become part of the culture.

    Personally I’ve found there are natural points in the life of a family where they are open to a shift in direction. I.e. new baby, child’s decision for Christ, baptism. These are points I don’t have to manufacture excitement. Parents are naturally looking beyond themselves. They are great entry points to sew in a different vision.

    Joiner’s book, Think Orange, talks about a great vision to put before a parent.

    Just some initial ideas. Would love to hear more!

    Reply

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