Change our way of thinking                                                                

The International Bible Society — indicated that 83% of all Christians make their commitment to Jesus between the ages of 4 and 14.  The Barna Research Group surveys demonstrate that American children ages 5 to 13 have a 32% probability of accepting Christ, but youth or teens aged 14 to 18 have only a 4% probability of doing so. Adults age 19 and over have just a 6% probability of becoming Christians. By these numbers, Children should be the priority program of the church, but most treat the children’s ministry as an add on.  There is usually no budget, no paid staff, no resources. etc

With Covid-19 our ways of keeping the children safe is paramount. This may be done by adhering to your states requirments.

Wear masks. Ask the children if they have been around anyone that has Covid-19. Ask if anyone in their family has Covid-19. Do they have a fever?

What should a children’s program do.

Meet the needs of the kids Spiritually and Physically  and create a place they will come back to.

                Physically 

Eat, Sleep and Play, Be Safe

a. Food / the standard thoughts for children is feeding every 2 hours

b. Activities     crafts/games/outside games

Children are different so the needs of each child is different. You will have children that are athletic, creative, scholars etc. You will have to fill each of those needs in a curriculum.

c. Family Life  bring in the family with activities and services

                Spiritually

a. Loving children create a welcome environment. They have to know that the church is a safe place.

b. How to connect with God? Have curriculum and activities that relate to connecting with God and Jesus.

b. Teach them who Jesus is and how Jesus applies to them. Bring them to the knowledge of what it means to be a sinner and being saved. Teach them their responsibility in evangelism.

c. The attributes of the Bible. The attributes of the Bible are overlooked much of the time. Simply reciting the books of the Bible enhance their knowledge of the Bible itself.

d. Teach the children to worship. Music is key in a children’s ministry. Teach the children how to worship.

Teachers / Helpers

The standard rule of thumb for safety is 2 people in the classroom. This allows for the someone to take a child to the bathroom if necessary, or to take a child out of the classroom .  This may be because of an unruly child, an upset child, a child who wants to be saved etc.

a. rotation   Teacher helper rotation is dependent on the needs of the church. One month on and a month off year round. A nine month stint corresponding to the school year. A complete fiscal year meets the needs of some churches.

b. curriculum   There are many curriculum programs. The Holy Spirit will show a teacher what He wants if the teacher is reliant and asks the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Time frame

Determine what you want to accomplish in the time frame you have available.

Budget

Sometimes there is no budget for churches. God will provide.

What can the non Children’s Church Person do?

Get to know the children, greet them at the church,  sit by them at potluck etc.

Prayer for the children

Food Preparation

Games Person

Help in the classroom