Ministry Idea Studios

In the path of life in ministry there are stepping stones. Some closer than others. The ones in close proximity are easy to see with no real effort to reach. Other times you must strettttch to reach the next stone. And if you ‘ve been on the ministry path for awhile you wonder if there are no more stones to reach for. That’s when you must again declare your dependance on the Path Maker. It’s all about faith and trust. He’s got your area of ministry in His hands. As a leader, your job is to look and listen to the Path Maker.
Ministry is a series of ups and downs on a path, but keeping one foot in front of the other is paramount in moving forward in improving ministry. If your stones are a bit stretched right now, bring others to your studio table and talk about it. It is foolish to think you have it all together. We need each other to pray and help see the next steps to take. Including valued team members to problem solve is a one of the best choices we make. Proverbs says that wisdom comes from many counselors (my paraphrase) Get wisdom. Get guided counsel. Those stepping stones that God is stretching us for will be celebrated better as a team.

I’m cruising down the road listening to a favorite music CD mix that is like a good friend. I was mulling over ways of purposing to be ready to receive guests in Children’s ministry at churches. Music artist Sara Groves echoed the answer in my car. “All the thirsty who heard about living water need a way to the well.”

A way to the well. That’s it. We have guests who are spiritual thirsty parents and kids who cross our ministry. How are they met? Forms, administrative stuff, waiting game? Are we REALLY poised and ready each week time, at each service? Have you purposefully made room at the well with regards to ease and flow? We’ve got to remember what an opportunity is presented when new folks visit. We’ve GOT to keep it simple.
Jesus told the woman at the well that whoever drinks from the living water He offers will never thirst again. Finding Jesus is everything as a ministry goal. It’s THE goal. Registration and greeting families is their first step towards stepping up and making room at the well. You get to make a first impression but once. MAKE IT COUNT. Make it smooooth! Is yours Children’s Ministry over the top friendly and engaging?
Put the top people friendly folks up front. Strong happy people! It’s too important NOT to prioritize who these volunteers are. Walk people through a simple overview to assure them of safety and security. If it was your first time, your kids- what would you think? Impart how valuable their children are to your team.

Parents love it when we love on their kids. They want to know we care. From arrival to dismissal they are watching what’s going on. Instill this in your volunteers. Will you pass the visitor test? Make their entire experience from arrival to dismissal a PRESENT with good PR skills at the forefront. It’s what separates us an average child care to MINISTRY to parents and kids.Get someone to come and experience your ministry and give you feedback on how their experience was. Make it a high priority to change whatever necessary asap to improve your operations in guest relations. They need a way to the well.

As I sit at the Idea Studio table today I am thinking about vegetables. Wait. Hear me out.
Even in my adult life there were ‘keep away” signs on some veggies I knew others enjoyed. But after watching the food channel I was perplexed. What’s up with that? Humans who enjoyed sprouts from Brussels, asparagus and spinach actually exist?
What was wrong with these people?
Well, it turns out the joke was on me. I put my game face on. I endeavored to prepare a few of these veggies just like Rachael Ray- and was pleasantly surprised. I am proud to say that even I have grown to love these veggies. So, what changed? The delivery.

Let’s dialogue. The idea studio table always has a chair for you to jump in.