GinaMcClain.com

Equipping parents for spiritual conversations with their kids is one of the most important things we can do in kids ministry.  Easter weekend is particularly a great time for this.

In the kidmin world, Easter weekend prep starts in February.  We spend a great deal of time and energy making sure we have the volunteer schedule stocked, curriculum is  ready to go, materials are purchased and environments are pristine in preparation for the mass of kids and families.  It’s a weekend where we take more care than normal to ensure the message taught is that much more compelling.

Knowing it’s a key opportunity to capture families that have never been to our church (or retain the ones that haven’t returned since Christmas!) the need to make sure every detail is in place is critical.  But one item I’ve missed in the past is equipping parents for the aftermath conversations.

Don’t get me wrong.  We’ve always had something to put in the child’s hand to serve as a conversation starter.  Something that prompts them to talk to mom or dad about what they learned.

But what have I put in the parents hands to help them?

On Easter weekend (just as every other weekend), kids are going to hear the Truth… digest the Truth… and hopefully respond to the Truth.  If the message accomplishes what I pray it does, then kids will be processing long after they leave the church.

So, who’s most likely to be the one helping them process?  Parents

And if mom or dad is the one most likely to respond to the questions kids have about the gospel then what easy to use resource can I give them to help?

When I consider the parent that has just responded to the gospel message themselves, I cannot assume they are prepared to walk their child through this decision.  They barely grasp it themselves.  So, what tool can I put in their hands to lead them as they lead their child?

February is coming to a close.

Easter weekend will be here soon.

This is the question I’m asking.

Thoughts?

As I’ve walked through the past two weeks getting acclimated to my new role at Faith Promise Church, it’s been a great reminder as a leader to understand the rhythms of culture.

Every church has its own culture.  And culture dictates a lot of decisions.

Coming from an organization like LifeChurch.tv, I’m accustomed to a culture heavily reliant on video as a method of teaching.  Much of what I know about structuring & equipping volunteers is centered around utilizing video elements as tools to teach and connect with kids.

Entering an organization like Faith Promise, I’m learning a culture more influenced by performing arts.  Faith Promise has a vast base of talented staff & volunteers that create powerful live drama elements for their worship experiences.  This is as true in kids ministry as it is in adults.

So, as a leader, it’s my role to adjust what I know about kidmin systems, volunteer recruiting & leadership development to fit the culture in which I’m leading.

The venue is different, but the principles are the same.

Last week during…

we discussed the 5 essentials to the Orange Philosophy.  My friend, Cathy Heitzenrater, asks a great question.

Hey Gina – How are some ways we can implement more orange strategy in churches with an Uber Simple Church structure?

This is an excellent question.  One to which many of you could contribute some excellent ideas.

So, who’s game?

How would you respond to Cathy?

Leave a comment and let’s offer up some great ideas together.

BTW… I met Cathy at the Orange Conference last year.  She’s fun.  If you want to talk to her out on Twitter, click here or friend her on Facebook, click here.  If you want to meet her in person… you have to come to the Orange Conference 2010.  You can click here to sign up.  She’ll be there.  She’ll make you smile.