CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (PART 1)

Creating an environment that fosters spiritual growth and reflects God’s love is essential. Here are some best practices to help you cultivate a successful children’s ministry, ensuring it positively impacts the next generation.

I. Building a Solid Foundation:

  • 1. Establish Core Programs:
  • Curriculum: Choose age-appropriate, biblically sound curricula.
  • Interactive Learning: Use crafts, games, and storytelling for engagement.
  • Teacher Training: Provide regular training for effective teaching.
  • 2. Prioritize Safety:
    • Background Checks: Mandatory for all volunteers.
    • Clear Policies: Develop and enforce safety protocols.
    • Open Communication: Keep parents informed about safety measures.
    • Adequate Supervision: Ensure sufficient adult supervision at all times.
  • 3. Recruit and Equip Volunteers:
    • Personal Invitation: Prayerfully identify and personally invite volunteers. Do not only give general calls for help.
    • Volunteer Recruitment Events: Host events to share your ministry’s vision.
    • Mentorship Programs: Pair new volunteers with experienced leaders.
    • Appreciation Events: Regularly recognize and celebrate volunteers.
    • Clear Expectations: Clarify roles, responsibilities, and support.
  • 4. Cast a Compelling Vision:
    • Articulate the “why” and “where” of your ministry.
    • Help the congregation visualize a captivating future.
    • What has God placed in your heart and mind for the children?

Key Principle:

“The aim isn’t to grow children’s ministry; it’s to grow children” in their love and devotion to Jesus.

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Youth Leadership Opportunities

Our synod’s Children, Youth and Family Ministry includes many ways in which youth are involved in leadership beyond the congregation. Contact Coordinator Deborah Poole (deborah@scynod.com) for more information or to suggest names!

The CYFM Cabinet is key in managing the vision and mission of the synod’s CYFM. Click below for an application form:

Youth Ministry Task Force Application – Google Forms

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Resources

VB-Yes: Why Special Events Are Still Important

VB-Yes: Why Special Events Are Still Important – Ministry Spark

VBS Prayer Countdown

DKM-VBS-Prayer-Countdown.pdf

Summer Bucket List

DKM Faith and Fun Summer Bucket List

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Religious Education During the Pandemic: A Tale of Challenge and Creativity

Religious-Education-During-the-Pandemic_April-2022.pdf

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Amazing resources at LIVING COMPASS, including teen and kid resources 

Kid Resources — The Wellness Compass Initiative

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How do some youth ministries consistently connect and thrive? Springtide’s “What’s Working” project uncovered a key ingredient: adaptability. Leaders share how listening, pivoting, and embracing “failures” will transform your ministry.

Effective Youth Ministry Strategies: Adaptability – Springtide Research Institute

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Is Your Congregation Ready?

The Formation Co-Op requires a commitment of time and energy. It’s not about providing ready-made answers but offering a framework for new ways of thinking and being in youth ministry. To help discern if this is the right step for your congregation, we encourage you to use our Congregation Readiness Assessment Tool.

🌱 Formation Co-Op Readiness Assessment Tool.pdf – Google Drive

Each Hub has its own structure and dates. For more details and to apply, please visit our Formation Co-Op Applications page.  Formation Co-Op Applications

Note: Deacon Sandra Holland and Paige Gibbons of St. Andrews, Columbia participated in Group B and are willing answer your questions.  You can listen to their podcast here (#11) Faith Listens.

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How to Plan a Master Calendar for Your Ministry’s Success

Apologies if I already shared this.

How to Plan a Master Calendar for Your Ministry’s Success – Ministry Leadership Center

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Just for June

Father’s Day

25+ Ways To Celebrate Father’s Day – Small Church Ministry

7 Father’s Day Ideas for Churches

Juneteenth

20 Inspiring Juneteenth Activities To Celebrate the Holiday

7 Joyful Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth This Year

Pride Month

30 Pride Month Activities To Promote Love and Acceptance

Churches can engage in various activities to celebrate Pride Month, such as:

  • Hosting inclusive prayer services to support and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
  • Marching in parades behind banners of choice, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.
  • Setting up booths for community conversations and support.
  • Creating welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, offering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
  • Utilizing resources like hymns and liturgy specifically written for LGBTQIA+ individuals to uplift the community.
  • Providing training for participants to ensure everyone feels confident and informed about their church’s approach to Pride events. These activities not only celebrate the diversity of the human family but also help to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families within the church community.