Starting a Kids Ministry or taking over an existing one requires a careful evaluation of various aspects. It's about understanding what's working, what's not, and identifying the areas that need improvement. Here's a guide to help you evaluate your Kids Ministry through the filter of Core Values.
Family
Family is the cornerstone of any Kids Ministry. Here's how to evaluate this aspect:
Engagement with Parents: Are families connecting with each other? Are there resources for parents? Do parents serve in the classrooms?
Parent Meetings: Conduct a parent meeting in the first couple of weeks. It's not about impressing them but about understanding their needs and expectations.
Example: In one church, a new Kids Ministry leader organized a casual parent meeting. The feedback was mixed, but it provided valuable insights into what needed to be done to enhance family engagement.
Relationship
Building relationships is vital at every age level. Here's how to assess this:
Connection with Kids: Are the leaders actively engaging with the kids or standing aloof? Do kids feel welcomed and valued?
Friendship Among Kids: Is the current model fostering friendships among the children?
Example: Observing a group of leaders who were more engaged with their phones than the kids led to a training session on the importance of personal connection. The change was immediate, and the kids felt more welcomed.
Experience
The experience you provide can leave a lasting impression. Here's how to evaluate it:
Wow Factor: Is there excitement in the Kids Ministry? Are there hidden talents that can be utilized?
Facilities: What do the facilities look like? Are they inviting or scary?
Example: In three different churches, the first action taken was to remodel the nursery. The transformation not only enhanced the experience but also sent a strong message that the youngest members were valued.
Safety
Safety is paramount. Here's how to assess this critical aspect:
Volunteer Ratios: Are there enough volunteers? What about the leader-to-child ratios?
Safety Policies: Are there clear guidelines for bathrooms, check-in, and checkout processes?
Environment: Does the environment feel safe?
Example: A safety audit revealed that the nursery had insufficient volunteers and lacked clear safety policies. A recruitment drive coupled with a safety training session addressed these issues, creating a safer environment.
Hope
The message of hope through the Gospel is the essence of Kids Ministry. Here's how to evaluate this:
Presentation of the Gospel: Is the lesson engaging? Is God's word being memorized and celebrated?
Beyond Entertainment: Is the ministry more than just a fun center? Is it focused on developing lifelong followers of Jesus?
Example: A shift from merely entertaining activities to lessons that were engaging and centered on the Gospel transformed the ministry. Kids began to understand and embrace the hope of Jesus.
Conclusion: Take Inventory and Grow
When you take inventory, write it all down. Consider seeking an outside perspective, like our Coaching+ package, to identify areas that need work. Prioritize and revisit in six months to see the progress.
Example: A Weekend Assessment by an external coach revealed areas that needed immediate attention. Six months later, a follow-up assessment showed significant improvement, validating the efforts and guiding the next steps.
Evaluating and growing your Kids Ministry is a continuous process. With Fresh Labs Initiate, you have the tools and guidance to make this journey successful and fulfilling. Let's start this week, take a step back, and evaluate. The growth and impact you desire are within reach.
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