GinaMcClain.com

Communication is critical.

Good communication is clear, simple and concise.

Communication is not restricted to verbal exchange.  We all know that communication is a series of verbal & physical cues.  But people are not the only things that communicate.  Physical space communicates, as well.

In the kidmin world, physical space communicates more than you realize.

• It speaks to kids… setting the tone for the kind of experience they’ll have.
• It speaks to parents… defining the level of care their child will receive.
• It speaks to volunteers… the expectation you have of their investment.

A clean, organized, crisp environment sets the tone for kids, parents and volunteers.  It plays a significant role in keeping the bar high.

Never underestimate the impact of your physical environment.

The pic above comes from Grace Fellowship Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  You can find a list of ‘must see’ kidmin environments at ColdWaterCafe.  The list is a few years old, but still worth the look.

I received a gift today.  One that I could easily have missed in the busyness of Children’s Ministry on a Sunday morning.  But I’m in a predominantly “absorption” mode right now as I settle into a rhythm at Faith Promise Church.  And a big part of that absorption is listening.

Listening to volunteers tell me what they love about their role.

Listening to my leadership as they relate their vision for Faith Promise Church.

Listening to the Holy Spirit as He prompts & directs.

Today I listened to a volunteer as she told me the story of a group of people that took a big risk 15 years ago.  She talked about their shared desire to start a church that was different than most churches in Knoxville.  Her knowledge of the history of Faith Promise Church was vivid… because she lived it from the beginning.

She recounted the fears, the excitement, the realities of planting a church.  How she went from volunteering in a large church where resources were readily available to pioneering a church plant where the only resources available to kids ministry were a few rooms.  No tables.  No chairs.  No crayons.

Inside of 20 minutes she walked me through the journey of children’s ministry at Faith Promise Church.  Though she never mentioned the amount of time or money she invested personally, it is apparent that sacrifice is a core value she’s willing to exercise for this church.

That conversation was a gift.

Looking ahead, I’m seeking God for where He is leading this Children’s Ministry and the role it plays in the overall work God is doing at Faith Promise.

I want to build upon the foundation that was laid.

I want to honor the blood, sweat and tears shed to get where we are today.

I want to bring glory to the One that moved in the hearts of a handful of people 15 years ago.

At that time I doubt they had any idea Faith Promise would look like it does today.  But I have no doubt they are amazed.

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?