by Chase | Kid Min, Leadership, Student Min
Every church leader I talk to has the same frustration: People are too busy to serve at church.
It’s been this way for quite some time, so we started rotations to help convince busy people that serving is doable. The aim was to make ministry more manageable and volunteer friendly. But over the years, we have created a dangerous culture that values volunteers more than actual ministry.
Nearly every church has a rotation of some sort within their church. Within family ministry (my context is babies through college), volunteer rotations run rampant. Volunteers have the option of serving one out of four (or more) weeks in an area.
Seems harmless enough, right?
Over time, I believe this system leads to volunteer burnout, frustrated parents, and kids who aren’t ministered to effectively. Here are a few unintentional issues we have created within the family ministries with volunteer rotations.
The 9 Pitfalls of Volunteer Rotations
(This applies to both kids and student ministries. I use the word “kids” just to keep some consistency through the post.)
Your Leaders Are Not Rested
One of the main reasons for rotating volunteers is to give leaders flexibility and rest. But the truth is that many volunteers are on multiple rotations (nursery, welcome team, kids worship, etc.) and rest never actually happens. They end up serving in more areas of the church because it’s “just one Sunday out of every four.” They probably serve just as much as your leaders who serve every week in the same area, but they end up with multiple areas of responsibility, more than one set of procedures to learn, and lots of people to know and minister to.
Elevates Leader Preference Over Kid’s Needs
Is rotating teachers best for the adult leaders or the kids? Rotations cater to the needs of the volunteers. Kids need consistency, relationships, and mentors. Rotations can communicate that we value adult’s schedules more than the kid’s spiritual needs.
Administratively Exhausting
Pastors dread the words, “Can you find me a replacement?” Trying to get new leaders on the fly when the volunteer for that day cancels, doesn’t show, forgets, or is sick is a nightmare. How do you find a replacement? Can you get them extra curriculum? Does the new person have a background check? Constantly finding replacements and continually reminding people that it is their week to serve is administratively exhausting. It is much easier to have a few substitutes ready when needed than to recreate your entire volunteer roster every week because it’s summer vacation season or a holiday.
Kids Do Not Know The Leaders
If your Sunday school class had a new teacher each week, how would you get to know them? Honestly, most kids simply don’t. Sure, they may know Ms. Heather’s name, but they don’t really know her or feel secure with her. There is too much transition and newness to create safe environments. I’ll say it again, kids need consistency, relationships, and mentors. They don’t need a new adult with a new way of doing things every week.
Leaders Do Not Know The Kids
Working in kids ministry is more than teaching a lesson – it is about knowing your kids, their hobbies, and their families so you can connect with them and minister to them. Rotations make it impossible for a leader to develop relationships with kids. If you only minister to a kid 12 times a year, you have not made a lasting impact.
Parents Do Not Know The Teachers
When parents have questions, it is hard for them to navigate which teacher is the main teacher. Who is the contact for the upcoming summer camp? Who knows the details about the family campout? Who puts names on the list for baby dedications? More often than not, a teacher on a rotation has no idea. And from a parent’s perspective, it is difficult to learn four leaders’ names. The less connected the parents feel, the fewer opportunities you have to minister to their kids.
Inconsistent Teaching and Styles
When four teachers rotate in one room over four weeks you essentially have four teaching styles, four schedules, and four routines for the group of kids to experience. The more leaders you add to the equation, the more inconsistent each week is (even if they are using the same curriculum).
Lack of Policies
The less a worker is in the room, the fewer policies they remember. This isn’t to say the worker isn’t a great person. Volunteers have the right intentions. But when you serve once a month, it’s easy to forget child protection policies, checkout processes, what needs to be cleaned, and how to handle discipline problems. If you serve on more than one rotation, you have to remember the procedures for even more areas.
Lack of Ownership
Whose job is it to minister throughout the week if leaders only work once per month? The hope is that all the volunteers in an area are praying for the kids and their families, thinking of ways to connect with them throughout the week, encouraging kids to grow in their faith, and more. But is that realistic? No. Ownership of that ministry area fades when you see your role as a once-per-month commitment only.
Now What?
Do you only have rotating volunteers for your ministry? If so, how can you secure more consistent leaders?
If you have consistent teachers from week to week, how can you encourage them to keep serving faithfully but also provide rest for them?
by Chase | Student Min
Do you remember how long high school seemed when you were in 10th grade?
It seemed like you had an eternity left until graduation day. There was little momentum. There was little excitement.
Unfortunately student ministry can unknowingly create the same atmosphere. Think about it, when a 6th grader enters your student ministry they will walk through seven years of camps, events, and worship services with you. If your calendar lacks variety and creativity then this 6th grader will walk through the same stagnant schedule. After five or six years a student will stop attending because there isn’t anything new or exciting.
Your ministry can become stagnant: cold, motionless, stuck, static, dead.
If you have tons of middle school students but are loosing high schoolers you may have a momentum problem.
The best way to fight against stagnant student ministry it to create anticipation. I’m not talking about sending out another flyer or FB ad – I’m talking about creating authentic excitement about what is to come in your ministry. This doesn’t have to be expensive or drastic changes in your current programming but you do have to be intentional.
4 Ways You Can Create Momentum In Your Student Ministry
Limit Annual Events
Just because the event went well doesn’t mean you have to do it every year. Your ministry needs very few annual events. Trust me, it is harder to end an event that you have done for four years. Free your up your calendar and creativity and allow for new events each year. If you have an awesome idea that worked you can always come back to that in a couple of years. Your best attended and most spiritually transforming events should be annual – everything else can be mixed in every few years to keep your ministry out of a calendaring rut.
(Side Note: I make sure that annual events happen around the same time each year so parents are conditioned to know when camp fees are due and to have students asking about the next kickball tournament.)
Separate Camps For Middle and High School
Our student ministry heads to Panama City Beach every year. The students have been going long before I came on staff at VG. This is an amazing camp we attend with FUGE Camps but I have noticed that our high school numbers have dropped because many of them had been to the same camp setting for five or six straight years. There wasn’t any momentum. There wasn’t excitement. We have started offering a middle school only retreat and next summer will have two separate summer camps (one for middle and one for High school). Going to the same location annually is easier for the leader but it kills momentum for the ministry.
Give High School Students Leadership
High school students want a place to belong. For years student ministries thought that meant students wanted their own cool space to worship. Student centers are needed, but the investment is deeper than that. High school students want a place to invest and be invested in. They desire significance. We (like most student ministries) have a student leadership team for high school students. They take the lead in planning middle school midweek worship, designing event shirts, picking theme nights, and planning events. Let’s go beyond the leadership team. How can you encourage high school students to serve at your church, join the women’s ministry bible study, or serve with the Sunday morning tech people?
Separate Middle and High School Midweek Worship
This is not an easy transition to make nor does everyone need to attempt it right now but many groups are healthy enough to make the split. Before you start switching calendars you need to discuss, cast vision, and pray with your student leaders and parents. We worry about the numbers to split middle and high school, but we never worry about the numbers to split preschool and elementary. We understand the gap is too big to have 3rd graders with 3 year olds. The same is true for student ministry. The gap between 12th grade and 6th grade is too big. As you start this conversation I wouldn’t worry about the numbers as much as how many leaders you will need to pull it off. When you make the divide it provides another transition that builds excitement and momentum as students grow up in your program.
Now What?
The first step to fight stagnation is start the conversation with students and volunteers. What areas of your student ministry has become stagnant? How can you create a sense of anticipation in that area?
by Chase | Kid Min
There are plenty of myths when it comes to working in ministry. Often people believe they are too old to be a contributing member of the kids ministry team (this is completely false, by the way). Others start to think of reasons why people can’t do specifics types of ministry.
The truth is that the way we do ministry (read: methods) is constantly changing as we aim to share the unchanging truth of Jesus. When we focus on all of the seemingly significant reasons as to why we can’t do ministry, we lose focus on how we are able to lead our kids to the next level and experience Jesus like never before.
Here are a few myths I have heard as a family pastor. There are definitely more myths than these, but my hope is to expand our response past the typical “we can’t do that” reaction.
7 Myths About Serving In Kids Ministry
“Kids Have Short Attention Spans”
You cannot convince me that this is true. I have two children under the age of four, and I assure you that their attention spans are not short. Young kids have the ability to watch the same show 10 times in a row while middle schoolers are able to play the same video game for five straight hours. Kids’ attention spans are not short, but you do have to captivate their imaginations and engage them.
“Kids Are Unable To Understand Deep Truths”
Typically this statement really means, “I am unable to communicate God’s truths simply enough for a kid to understand.” Every Bible verse can be simplified to a main point and applied to our lives. Don’t put the bar too low, kids will always surprise you.
“Rotating Leaders Doesn’t Hinder Spiritual Growth”
Kids need consistency with leaders and schedules. Each volunteer has a unique way that they lead. Rotations leave the kids wondering who their teachers will be from week to week. The best way to minister to kids is through consistent weekly volunteers.
“Parents Will Be Upset If You Implement A Check-In System”
I have found that the exact opposite is true. Parents are used to check-in systems at the doctor’s office and their children’s schools. At my church, parents warmly welcomed implementing a check-in system. It communicated that their children’s safety mattered to the staff.
“Preschoolers Are Too Young To Learn The Bible”
Parents know that kids are learners. Kids are constantly picking up habits, phrases, and ideas from the outside world. True, a preschooler might not be able to read the Bible, but I guarantee that they can listen to you read to them.
“If It Was Good Enough For Me, Then It Is Good Enough For Them”
This doesn’t make sense in any other area of life. Are outhouses still acceptable? Are carriages the best mode of transportation? Of course not. Technology has improved, and those who ignore the changes will miss out on opportunities to reach today’s generation.
“I Can Just Show Up And Share What I Know”
False. Kids need routines, schedules, and consistency. This all takes planning and prep. If you just show up you will end up with 1.5 hours of unprepared playtime – not Bible study.
Now What?
I hope that you and your ministry team are able to overcome some of these thoughts and start focusing on what God can do through kids ministry. Your role as a kids leader is vital to encourage and equip families to serve Jesus.
What thoughts are hindering you from leading at the next level in kids ministry?
by Chase | Kid Min, Student Min
Doesn’t everyone love summer camp?!
I may be biased towards the awesomeness of camps because it was during camps that I became a Christian, accepted a call into pastoral ministry, met my wife, and lived as an assistant director for several years.
During my ten-year tenure with camping ministry I was able to minister to 60,000 people who came up for summer camps, weekend retreats, and to serve on mission trips.
Even though I have transitioned into a role in the local church, I still believe that camp is the most influential ministry tool that parents can leverage to spiritually impact their kids. There are thousands of camp settings: traditional weeklong wilderness camps, student conferences, mission trips, or weekend retreats. The possibilities are endless!
As a family pastor I understand the investment that comes with sending your kids to summer camp. The camp fees are expensive. Camps are often out-of-town. Packing is always a nightmare for middle school students. On top of that, you miss your kids when they leave for a week.
So why send them to camp?
Camp is a perfect spiritual investment to make in your student’s life. Because camps are unlike anything kids can experience at home. There is something powerful when we step outside of our schedules and contexts to focus on Jesus for a short period of time. Camp has the opportunity to impact your student unlike any influence they have in their sports or extracurricular activities.
Here Are 7 Reasons You Should Send Your Student To Summer Camp:
(These reasons work for kids of any age. I am just choosing to use the word “student” to describe them all.)
He Will Grow Relationally With The Group
Are they having trouble making friends? Camp is for them! This is the perfect, non-threatening way for your student to build deeper friendships with the other youth group students. Don’t let them play the “I don’t know anyone going” card. If they truly don’t have a friend attending, talk to their best friend’s parents and get them both to attend.
She Will Grow Spiritually With God
Camps are an opportunity for students to unplug from their smart phones and gaming systems and focus on God. The emphasis of Christian camps is for students to meet Jesus. Many make a decision for the first time in their life to follow Jesus and countless others turnover their habits, expectations, and plans for Jesus to direct.
The Week’s Focus Is All About Jesus
Everything from schedules, meals, studies, and games all point to the theme of the week – meet Jesus. Where else in their community will they find an emphasis like this? Pastors and camp directors spend thousands of hours planning the details to make sure your student is able to meet Jesus throughout his day.
It Is A Safe Place To Ask Spiritual Questions
AS students study God’s Word they will begin to ask questions about faith, life, and God. Camp is a safe place where students can voices questions and feel a part of the community. They realize that other students are dealing with the same issues, questions, and situations that they are struggling with.
He Will Realize That He Is Not Alone
Regional camps allow students to meet other students. As they share their stories they meet others who are walking through the same phase of life, just a few states over. Adults understand that there is nothing new in the world, but students are still trying to figure this out. You know how lonely, shutdown, and reclusive students can become. Camps are a place where students can meet others who understand their struggle.
She Will Take Ownership Of What Her Student Ministry Could Be Like
Camp staffers are highly creative individuals. Seeing these awesome worship environments gets students excited about reaching more of their friends once they return home. Camps have a unique way of giving students ownership of their ministry.
He Will See Other Students Worship
The cool kids, the athletes, and the brainy students are all one body worshipping Jesus each evening. There is nothing more powerful than realizing that Jesus loves everyone regardless of his or her popularity, family situation, or shortcomings. Students who worship at camp gain a better picture of the love and forgiveness that Jesus has for humanity.
Now What?
Camp is a perfect opportunity for your student. Camps aren’t just a fun event. They have the potential to be a life-changing event.
I challenge you to talk with your student or children’s pastor about summer opportunities. I know camps can be expensive, but churches are full of people who have been impacted by camps and are willing to anonymously help support students attending camp.
by Chase | How To, Leadership
I love reading and spend a significant amount of time each week consuming various blogs, books, and news outlets to keep me focused. And, depending on who you talk to, I might be addicted to buying books. My office might be covered with books… The struggle for shelf space is definitely real though – I am having to start stacking them on random flat surfaces! The question has become, “Do I keep the picture of my kids during our beach vacation or use that space to stack books?”
Sadly I feel like the minority when it comes to reading. Too many people are quick to dismiss disciplines because of their daily demands. Learning is a discipline that is developed and maintained. As I talk to people it is clear that they value the idea of learning and reading, but can’t find time to invest in their own personal development. Strong leaders are learners regardless of how busy their schedules become.
I am in no way an expert in time management but here are a few hacks I have used to fuel my hunger for learning.
Life Hacks To Help You Learn Throughout The Day
Start Listening To Audiobooks and (Quality) Podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts are a great resource to utilize during your commute, while you are mowing the yard, as you complete your morning workout regimen. When you start adding the time you waste listening to talk radio or pop music you can spend significant time absorbing to new ideas. Each week I am able to listen to four to five podcasts on current events, sermons, or leadership ideas by simply listening while I workout and mow my yard.
Read One Chapter Per Day
For some the thought of reading a book is overwhelming. An easy way to read a book is to break it into manageable chunks. I aim to read one chapter of a book per day. At that rate I can read through a book in a couple weeks. If this is too much, cut it back to a chapter every three days.
Study One Topic Per Month
Since I am a pastor I spend significant time preparing sermons, bible lessons, and talks. One way I focus in on my study is to spend one month researching, praying through, and learning about one doctrine, idea, or person per month. Over the course of a year I am able to develop a deep grasp of twelve biblical doctrines.
Follow Local and National News Outlets on Twitter
If I had to guess I bet that you do not have a daily newspaper subscription. Print media has taken a hit since the rise of the digital age, but news outlets have figured out how to share stories on social media. Twitter will show you the most recent posts from those your follow. Add in a few news accounts and your Twitter feed will deliver you the top stories in real time.
Now What?
How are you setting aside time to learn in spite of your busy schedule?
