Xstream Top Tips

Each quarter, this page will be updated with new Top Tips from Angela Grigson, the editor of Xstream...

October – December 2011

In the usual struggle to find enough volunteers for its children’s work, it is easy for a church to overlook the needs of those volunteers. In his book Mega Top Tips on Offering the Best Children’s Ministry, Paul Butler considers how best to equip hands on volunteers – and how to encourage everyone in the church to be involved in children’s ministry.

It is valuable for everyone engaged in work with children to have some kind of simple role description. What will they commit to? What and who will they be responsible for? Who will they be accountable to? What training and support will be given? What reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses will happen? Proper simple training, ongoing in nature, should be part of everyone’s expectation. This can be done as separate sessions, or a regular half or whole day. Small pieces of training can be included in leaders’ meetings. Training alongside people from other churches, whether organised locally, or by a denomination, or ‘churches together’ group is invaluable.

All ages should be encouraged to help with working with children – older leaders, well into retirement, should be encouraged alongside the development of young people. Everyone should review their involvement on a regular basis, but be well aware of the value of a long term commitment in terms of building relationships. The most critical question in raising and developing leaders is this: ‘Do they like children and want the best for them?’

Then, for those in church who do not see working with children as part of their calling, recruit them as prayer partners. Have every group and its leaders prayed for by people in the whole church. Have individuals pray for specific children by name on a regular basis. Aim to have every church member committed to prayer for children.

For more information, see the Scripture Union Book ‘Mega Top Tips on Offering the Best Children’s Ministry’.