Some thoughtful words from Amy...

As Children's Ministry leaders we all know that safety and classroom management go together.

It is most important in children's ministry to keep our kids safe. A large part of keeping children safe is maintaining control of our small group environment. I realize that this can be a challenge because not all kids want to sit still and listen. Some seem to look for every possible way to be loud, or seem to find a way to throw whatever you give them, or get physical with whomever they are next to.

Some of the best ways I have learned to prevent this is to get to know your kids and figure out what they like, keep them busy and show them they are important. If they like to help, find ways to let them help (pass out supplies, be the first to find the verse in the Bible and show everyone else where it is, or be a friend to the new visitor). Show up on Sunday prepared to lead.  Read over your curriculum and check over supplies before the children arrive. This lets you go straight into the activities when they come to small group and allows for very little unstructured time for them to get distracted or out of control. Create a small group environment where they all know they are welcome, cared about and respected. We know that each child is loved and created by God, and you may be the only person all week that shows them this truth.

Relationships with each other as leaders, and as the church to visitors, attenders and members alike are important too. We should all be conscious of how we treat and respond to each other wherever we are.

I read a blog this week by marketing guru Seth Godin, and I want to share it with you. It is from a business perspective, and I realize as leaders and followers (not fans) we are not exactly marketers but I was struck by how much this does apply. I know I have had this experience, in business as well as in church. Unfortunately, I have been the reason someone else has had this experience too.

"I don't like that guy," she said.
"Why not?," I wondered...
It turns out that she had done some business with him years ago and it hadn't gone well. When pressed, though, she couldn't actually recall what the problem had been, or how much financial or project damage had been done. All she remembered was that she didn't like him.
That's the way it usually is.You read those letters to the complaint columns in the paper or online, and the actual facts are often pretty trivial. What we remember isn't the financial hit, we remember the injustice, the disrespect, the way we felt at the time.Your accountant might care about the facts. You, the marketer, need to care about the conversations and the memories.

As leaders we should focus more on the relationships (conversations and memories) with our kids and their families, fellow leaders and whomever God puts in our path. We are not just communicating words and rules, we are communicating love and life to them! We have less than an hour, once a week to do so. Being able to keep order alone does not win hearts and minds for Jesus, and He is why we do what we do.

Grace and Wisdom in Christ,
Amy Gieger
Children's Ministry Director