GinaMcClain.com

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?

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.