Enjoying the silence…sort of

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

This week, our children are enjoying time at the beach with some friends of ours.  Over the weekend, there was a flurry of activity to get them ready to go:  laundry, shopping, packing, checking packing lists, shelling out spending money, bickering (over who got to take the larger suitcase), and checking packing lists again.  Then, Monday afternoon came…silence.  With two teenagers in the house, this is extremely rare.  But the house is a little too quiet in my opinion.

I am trying to enjoy the silence, though.  On the upside, I have had a little time to think about some future projects that I’d like to tackle, my husband and I have enjoyed eating out (the stove burners are also on vacation this week!) and I’ve had some good, undistracted prayer time.  On the downside, the silence has been a little awkward.  I realize how much our children are an integral part of our family and their absence makes the dynamics of our family change in a weird way.  I already knew that, but sometimes, it’s good to be reminded about the things that matter most–family and relationships.

Until next week, I’ll enjoy the silence…sort of.

One of the Worst Recruiting Strategies

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment

I have a few pet peeves about recruiting for Children’s Ministry but one that ranks up at the top of the list is when leaders say they need to “fill holes”.  Every time I hear that, I get chills up spine.  Think about it.  What message do you think that philosophy sends about a ministry to a prospective volunteer?  I don’t serve, I just filled a hole.

I believe that the way in which a volunteer is recruited is directly related to the way that they serve.  If someone is recruited by a leader who shares the vision and mission of a ministry, that volunteer’s potential is unlimited.  They will have a vested interest in the ministry and are more likely to serve longer and take on more leadership roles.  If someone is recruited to “fill a hole”, they will likely not even know or care about where the ministry is going and are likely to serve a much shorter time.

Let’s show potential volunteers how passionate we are about what we do and recruit them as a ministry partner, not a “hole-filler”.

Now that VBS is over…or is it?

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

Our VBS (or Summer Bible Camp–SBC) ended yesterday and boy what a week it was!  We hosted over 300 children on an adventure to Babylon.  It was a great week!  As a family tribe leader, I got an up-close peek at how the children related to Daniel’s adventures and what God was doing in their lives.

Now that our week has concluded, it’s time for me to wear my other VBS/SBC hat…as Follow-Up Team Leader.  I have never done this job before but it was one that I volunteered to do because I feel that personally connecting with those who attend our church or events should not be overlooked.

As I began to think about how we’d follow-up with our camp attendees and their families, I identified five (5) categories that they would fall into:

  1. Participants who attend our church
  2. Participants who attend another church
  3. Children who accept Christ during SBC but have no church home
  4. Children who accept Christ who attend another church
  5. Families who indicate they have no church home

Here is how we’ll follow-up with the children and families:

All families will be invited to attend our SBC Celebration Sunday that takes place the Sunday following SBC.  The children will attend one of two services and lead the congregation in worship (singing songs they learned during the week).  A family and seeker-friendly sermon will be preached and refreshments will be served afterwards.

Participants who attend our church or another church will receive a letter or email, thanking them for coming and providing suggestions on ways that parents can continue the learning at home.

Children who accept Christ during SBC but have no church home were provided an age-appropriate Bible and discipleship materials to get them started on their spiritual journey.  They will also receive a personal invitation to our Sunday morning programming.  Their parents will receive a letter from our Senior Pastor inviting them to a Sunday service as well as information about various ministries within our church.  Families who indicate they have no church home will also receive a letter and information from our Senior Pastor.

Parents of children who accept Christ who attend another church will be encouraged to follow-up with their church staff about their child’s decision.  We will also send a note to the Children’s Pastor of their home church to allow them to follow-up.

Our follow-up team will meet this Wednesday morning to pray for the children as well as begin the follow-up efforts.

What have you done to follow up with children who attend your VBS?

Off to Babylon!

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment
Next week, 315 children will join me for an adventure to Babylon.  Not really, of course…it’s our theme for this year’s Summer Bible Camp.  For the past 5 months, we have met to plan and execute a fantastic Summer Bible Camp experience for all of our campers and teen & adult leaders.

Here’s what the children will learn:
Day 1:  When things change, God is with you.
Day 2:  When you need help, God is with you.
Day 3:  When you’re afraid, God is with you.
Day 4:  When you’re lonely, God is with you.
Day 5:  When you’re thankful, God is with you.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week!  Here’s my prayer for the week:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity that we have to share Your love with the children that You will bring us next week.  I pray that You will touch their hearts and prepare them to receive what they will hear.  I pray that You will allow them to experience You in a way that they have not before.  May many children will begin their lifelong relationship with You as a result.  We are so thankful for all that You will do and the lessons that You will teach children and adults alike, for Your honor and glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next week, I will share our strategy for following up with Summer Bible Camp attendees and their families.  Have a fantastic week!