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My thoughts from the weekend:

• We launched a new series in Toon Town called “Scoundrels 2″.  Many volunteers dressed in western gear.  There’s something about cowboy boots that make you strut. 
• Volunteers & kids dressing for the theme is a fun way to make kids a part of the experience.  Not to be done with every series… or you’ll wear it out.  But perfect to pepper in throughout the year.
• I’d rather have a volunteer’s focus for 100% of 1 experience than have their focus for 50% of 2 experiences.  All in or all out.  If I get 50%, I’ve got a warm body.  If I get 100%, I’ve got someone engaged with the kids.  I want 100%
• I taught a parenting workshop.  First one in a while.  I was lit up.  I love encouraging, focusing and equipping parents.
• God’s drawn me back to Joshua  3 & 4 where I’ll form the content for my next parenting workshop.  Launch the 1st workshop this weekend geared toward parents whose kids are interested in baptism
• I don’t like volunteers that are more concerned about talking to me than they are serving those coming through the doors.
• We worked to connect with kids attending a local school where a classmate passed away last week.  I love the fact that I have so many adults in LifeKIDS equipped to shepherd and minister to these kids.
• I hate it when I can’t remember kids names.
• Reality of elementary experiences!  If the adult guys don’t do the dance moves… the boys won’t do them either!  I love all the guys that serve in Toon Town and the Loop.  They’re a critical part of the culture.
• Human signage:  I need human signage.  I need volunteers that simply point the way.  We assume too much.  Because we do it every weekend, we assume everyone knows the process as intuitively as we do.  But they don’t.  Physical signs would be easier but they’re less effective, cost more money and lack the personal touch a smiling face & eye contact provides.

Much to process yet overall a great weekend.

A clear presentation of the gospel…

Check out this video produced by our Content Development team at LifeChurch.tv.  Though I had nothing to do with the making of this video, as a Children’s Pastor I couldn’t be more thrilled to have it.  It specifically walks a child through a simple, straight-forward presentation of the gospel.  A great tool for any kids ministry and parent that desires to solidify this truth in their kids.

The video will soon be available at www.lifekids.tv.

If you’re a parent… watch this with your kids!!

If you’re a ministry leader… feel free to use this tool if it will benefit your ministry!!

Volunteer appreciation is something I believe you can do well on any sized budget.  Particularly in this economic season.  Over the past 9 years my team has used multiple methods appreciate our volunteers.  Anything from exclusive t-shirts & coffee mugs to engraved Bibles.  These are great gifts… and people truly appreciate them.  However, the gift that seems to stick the most is the personal expression of thanks.

1. Written “Thank You”: Our mailboxes are filled with bills, form letters and junkmail.  Imagine being surprised by a handwritten card that says “Thank You” for all you do.  A reminder of how your contribution has significance.  These small gestures are cheap, specific and more impactful than most realize.  I’ve tossed out many of the appreciation trinkets I’ve received as a staff member.  Yet I’ll never part with handwritten cards from my pastor, my peers or my volunteers.  Their words mean more to me than they will ever know.
2. Spoken “Thank You”: The weekend is busy and you’re pulled in multiple directions.  Yet stopping the chaos long enough to make eye contact and express a sincere Thank You goes further than we think.  It can’t be flippant.  It can’t be rushed.  It must be sincere.  And it must come from you.
3. Token “Thank You”: Low budget trinkets are a fun way to make someone feel special.  They’re even more fun when they’re specific.  In LifeKIDS, we have our volunteers complete an “In the Spotlight” form.  Click here to see. With these questions we harvest the most specific ways to express gratitude toward our volunteers.  Anything from surprising them with a Snickers bar, giving them a side-hug, to mapping out a great walking trail simply b/c that’s how they love to spend their time.

There are so many creative ways to express gratitude and appreciation toward our volunteers.  What would you add to this list?