Being a small church can seem like a large problem. We have good relationships with the people, but we can't do all the ministries we want - those we see flourishing in larger churches. In fact, sometimes we limit ourselves by the feeling of limitations. How small is small when it comes to ministering to children? In checking www.dictionary.com for the meaning of the word "small," I found several definitions that do not apply to small churches (for example, none of us want to be "trivial"). But the two definitions that do seem to apply are "being below average in size" and "not fully grown." So "small" is a relative term. We are a small church if we are smaller than other churches or if we are not as large as we expect to become. Churches with an average attendance of 30, 50, 100, or 200, or more can be considered "small" if they want to become larger. And as long as there are unreached children, there is room to grow.
Why worry about it?
Children need nurturing and equipping to become joyful, purposeful adults who see his or her spiritual life as a first priority. Their futures and the futures of our churches depend on success in ministering to these children and their families now. Yet in small churches, quality preschool and children's ministry is often the area that gets the least attention.
How do you get a ministry for children started?
Begin by deciding what you want to accomplish in the next 6 to 12 months. Then, in everything you do, keep your vision in focus. We want kids to have a great time, and we want them to learn. But ultimately, we want to see children and families walking with God as a result of where we spend our time and efforts.
Here are some tips on creating a healthy children's ministry in your church"
Be ready to accept God's call on your own life and enlist prayer warriors.
Prepare for the families who will come to your church. Are there enough teachers and space for the growth that will come?
Begin building relationships with families and children.
Plan family-gathering activities.
Plan time just for kids.
What are the obstacles and how do we overcome them?
Obstacle 1: No Passions
Solution: You can become that person of passion. Perhaps this is your invitation to join God in the work He wants you to do with the children in your community.
Steps to take:
Pray for yourself and for the children in your church and community.
Enlist prayer warriors who will faithfully pray for you and this ministry.
Volunteer to fill this gap.
Look for seminars that will help. Check with Lifeway or your state office for opportunities.
Browse www.lifeway.com/kids for articles and resources that will help.
Find a mentor who will offer advice and encouragement. Many state conventions have consultants who jobs are to make you successful. They may suggest someone nearby who can help.
Obstacle 2: No Teachers
Solution: Ask others to join you for short-term projects.
Steps to take:
Start with parents who have a commitment to their children and may be willing to help with some of the activities.
Look at the hobbies, careers, and general skills of church members. Combine these with simple Bible study lessons and you can reach more than the children in your church.
Watch and see which adults attract children. They will be smiling, talking, and stooping down to the child's eye level. Invite them to enjoy the children with you at the next event.
Look around for people on the fringe. My friends call me a "vacuum" because I'm always "sucking" them into some activity. It works!
Obstacle 3: No Money
Solution: As you plan, write down everything you need. Even if you intend to provide it yourself. That will make next year's planning easier.
Steps to take:
Submit a budget to the finance committee this summer for next year's activities. Even if they are unable to allocate money, it will help them understand what is needed.
Plan some no-cost events. Does someone in your church have a large yard that would make a good kickball field? Also, many community events are free and can be attended as a group.
Expect some activities to be self-paying events, but be aware of those who need financial assistance.
Look for benefactors and scholarship providers. Ask an adult Sunday School class or those on the finance committee for help.
Obstacle 4: No Kids
Solution: Ministry has a cost! 1 Corinthians 9:15-27 will challenge you to pay the cost to build relationships - not potential converts - and that's a time cost for you.
Steps to take:
Look for places to develop relationships with families.
Go to a ball game or another activity where you will meet families.
Develop a business-card-sized promo piece and ask members to give them to neighbors and friends. Lead the church to host an event for the whole town where you might meet families.
Brainstorm what talents your church members have and see if they can be used to meet families.
Hold an event on neutral ground. A local park can be less threatening than a church building.
Ask kids to bring friends. Then ask those friends to bring friends.
Obstacle 5: No Ideas
Solution: Use the internet, the library, and friends to come up with fresh ideas. Then watch for teachable moments when you can weave bible truths into the conversation while engaged in a "non-spiritual" activity.
Steps to take:
Plan for holidays and seasons. Christmas and Easter are easy, but a President's Day costume party might be fun, too.
Choose a theme for a central focus, such as a basketball or gardening party. TeamKID is a good resource for blending spiritual content with other events. Choose an appropriate lesson and adapt it to the situation.
Educational field trips such as a museum or zoo with draw children and parents. Historical events or a literature theme can be fun, too.
Watch the community calendar and ask yourself, "How can I use this to enhance my children's ministry?"
Don't forget that children love to have fun together while serving others.
So...get started!
Accept God's call on your life and enlist prayer warriors.
Get space and teachers ready for the families who will come to your church.
Set a focus for the next 6 to 12 months of your ministry.
Plan for the children you already have in church.
Begin looking for relationships with new families and children.