Children's Ministry Trend #3 - Bottom Lining

These days children's pastors are having to face the trickle down effect of the economy. For many of us it did take a while because we were protected by serving in Churches where there are many faithful givers and they have a high value on children's ministry.

The other day I was informed that a friend who serves in the mid-west was "let go" due to the "bottom line". I am sure that there are several contributing factors to this decision and there was no doubt in my mind that it wasn't easy for this local body to come to that conclusion. However, this creates many new questions for us today. Questions like:

Is the Church going to have specialized leaders in the future?
Will there be a move to greater emphasis on lay (non-employee) leadership?
How will this impact the ministry of the local Church that is now too large for all lay leaders run.

In no way do I have all the answers for us nor do I suggest giving up. I merely am starting this conversation for the sole purpose of reminding us that Jesus is the Hope. We need to keep that on the radar....in our focus. Despite this new trend of downsizing and job loss we need to keep our attention to what the Lord wants to teach his followers at this time? What new demension of God love and grace does he want you to experience?

This week I had the opportunity to meet with some Church leaders at the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, KS. There I was sensing the discouragement due to this very trend and the looks on their faces of uncertainty. For me it seemed a good idea to talk about hope.

I reminded them of one of the 20th century's hope warriors.....Corrie Ten Boom. Out of the pain, tragedy and hardship of WWII, the persecution and the Jewish Holocost in Europe I was encouraging to remember what people would say about the barracks that Corrie and her sister Betsie lived in...."Stay away from that barrack. That is the crazy place.....where they hope."

Maybe, just maybe that is what your office, department or even Church is suppose to be known as....the crazy place where people hope.

Just thinkin'.....

Andy

Another change I have been observing (and living) is the amount of conflict resolution I have been required to be apart of. I have found myself surrounded by a growing number of volunteers and parents who are simply stressed out. As many of you I work in a place that preaches “love and acceptance”. That is a wonderful thing and Christ wants his Church to be that hands down. However, what come along with that is the baggage that is in tow when your volunteers serve and your parents and children come to your ministry area.

Just last weekend I found myself confronting a team leader who was having one of those Alexander – no good, really, rotten, bad days……times 10. This person had been hurt by another volunteer the night before, running late due to bad weather, had late volunteers and a new volunteer being shown around by your truly. So after this team leader exploded and then clamed down I gently pulled her a side and said (team leader’s name), I am listening. First she resisted but then let it out. You could feel the temperature going down as she let it out. If I had not confronted her she would no doubt created more damage in her path, resigned or worse detached herself from her team and the Lord.

Remember that there will be times when you have to confront. Do it privately and gently. If you are not familiar with conflict resolution, the cycle conflict or how to disarm anger consider getting in touch with a Church member who has background in human resources that can help you read up and help you gain information on how to deal with conflict. Some books to consider reading….

The Power of Nice – Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval
5 Dysfunctions of Team – Patrick Lincioni
How to Deal with High Maintenance Relationships – Les and Leslie Parrott

Andy
 

Chairman’s Note: Welcome to My New Chairman’s Blog. Here I will be writing a weekly blog about stuff that is on my heart and what I am seeing going on in ministry as I network with other children’s pastors. This series is about looking at the things that have radically changed in the last 5-10 years in children’s ministry. I will explore a different changing current each week for 10 weeks.

Dude, have you wondered why you feel like it has been hard to get a clear understanding of what exactly you are suppose to do at times? Have you ever had one of those moments in your office where you sit there and look around you and go “What am I doing here?” Well, I have had those moments over the years. They occur to the best of us. Regardless of how organized you are or how well you plan ahead, children’s ministry will often feel like an out of control amoeba that is in a constant state of change.

Often when a children’s pastor begins his or her ministry in the local church, the job description that they are handed is extremely vague and could fit on a napkin. The reason for this is simple. Churches want it all rather than seeing the value of focus. Years ago you were looking at 2-3 lesson preps a week and some budget administrative tasks and two musicals and VBS. That was the basic work load. Now with the growth of programs in children’s ministry, church leaders want you to do it all. May I suggest that many people in the church have contributed to this role identity crisis rather than promoting clarity and focus.

Solution? Assess your children’s ministry. Bring a friend in who understands children’s ministry and let them critique and evaluate you and your ministry. This person could offer suggestions on how you could focus on three plans or strategies for one year and then help you evaluate your strengths and have you place more energy and time into it. From that write a job description for yourself. Even if you never give it to your leadership, you have it to help you focus. Look at it periodically to self-evaluate what you have done and where you have put your time and talents. You may discover that you are off track and need alignment.

The currents of today require children’s pastors to have a strong understanding of what their vision is for their ministry and stay focused there. Some things may have to die and that is ok. Remember, after a volcano or fire – growth comes. Perhaps you need to burn away some programs and activities that are not bearing good fruit or good growth. From time to time there must be weeding in the King’s garden. Keep growing!

Your Friend,
Andy