January is when we begin planning the year for children’s and family ministry outreach. Last year, this planning felt so ordinary and perhaps even boring – until it wasn’t. As we enter 2021, how do we plan our spring and summer events? How do we cross the bridge of uncertainty to make sure family ministry continues to reach students and parents?

First, remember the church’s mission has not changed since the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Evangelism and discipleship remain our great mandate. Because Jesus has guaranteed the success of The Great Commission, you can trust in the sufficiency of God in your portion of this work. The Sovereign Lord has placed you in this position for such a time as this. God has already given you the right abilities, the right people, and the right resources. Be assured that this is the right time – the kairos time – all pre-ordained by God.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for calling me to serve you and help build your Church. By faith, I believe that since you called me, you also equip me to do the work. Infuse me with fresh encouragement, new ideas, and wisdom to spread your great message of salvation and hope to this generation of children in the contextual challenges of 2021.

Second, plan the best you can following current local and state conditions.

Winter restrictions are likely to be more constraining than next summer but prepare for the ‘worst-case scenario’. If you live in a state with few COVID-19 restrictions (that do not require masks and social distancing), include a “Plan B” accommodating for social distancing needs. When a vaccine is administered, and conditions improve, you can always return to more familiar ways of running VBS. Until then, plan and stay flexible.

Prayer:

Father God, your plans for us have never changed. You have plans for our well-being, plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). While my circumstances may change, you have promised that your Kingdom will grow no matter what difficulties or opponents might come. Help me to plan well. Please lead me, guide me, strengthen me, and give me courage.

Third, don’t wait.

Start now to assemble your team of leaders and other volunteers. Ask new people to help by speaking with them individually. It’s a perfect year to bring in new ideas and try something different. Procrastination never helps, so start early. Do whatever you can now, including choosing your VBS theme, determining your budget, and forming your team.

Prayer: 

Jesus, this virus was no surprise to you. You have unique and specific plans for our church, our families, and the kids you bring to us. You also want to bless many in our church community by allowing them to serve you by serving others. Bring more volunteers with cheerful hearts that they may have the joy of using their skills and talents for your glory. Help us bond together in a spirit of unity, work well together, and solve problems together.

Fourth, keep your “joy factor” high.

My grandfather had an old saying, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” We ‘catch’ more volunteers to help, and we ‘catch’ more souls for Christ when we have joy, hope, and a positive outlook. Thankfully, joy and hope are not contingent on our circumstances. Remember that the same power that lifted Jesus from the grave lives in you (Romans 8:11). Further, Jesus promised that even the gates of hell would not prevail against the work of the church. You are destined to THRIVE, not merely survive because God is on your side!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to see the joy in small victories. Open my eyes to see the little things that are going well to see more clearly how you are working for good in this church, in our ministry, and in my life as a leader. The joy of the Lord is my strength! I choose joy – today, tomorrow, and every day. I ask for your grace to help me live Philippians 4:8 in very practical ways.

Fifth, communicate clearly with your pastor and with families.

Schedule your event dates and let people know in advance. If you need to limit the number of students in attendance, perhaps you can reserve more time on the church calendar to accommodate one week for each age group rather than all ages together. Also, let families know that plans are subject to change depending upon future circumstances.

Prayer:

Lord, you are the Good Shepherd. You feed your flock, carry the lambs in your arms, and hold them close to your heart (Isaiah 40:11). Please grant me the grace to care well for your sheep no matter their age or stage in life.

Sixth, learn from local educators.

Teachers and school administrators have learned so much about handling COVID-19 and state-required restrictions, particularly for children. Ask them to educate you. Talk to the principal of a local Christian school or connect with public school teachers whom you know.

Prayer:

Father God, I need wisdom. Your Word states in James 1:5 that if I lack wisdom, I should ask you for it, and you promise to give it to me in abundance. So, I am asking. Lead me to people who can help me, who can provide me with wisdom for the practical parts of holding successful summer ministry while keeping children and volunteers healthy and safe. I ask this in faith, knowing that you hear me and will answer me (1 John 5:15).

Seventh, stay connected with families and children all year.

Send postcards and birthday cards, make a phone call, bring a single flower to each household, deliver Lent and Easter activity packages at doorsteps. A simple text lets people know you are thinking about them and praying for them. You might be surprised at how much it means to people to hear from you. You may also have the joy of knowing that the Holy Spirit prompted you to connect with someone precisely when they needed encouragement.

Prayer:

Lord, your love never stops! You never sleep nor slumber, and your love never ends (Psalm 121). I pray for the families in our community to know you deeply care for them and are always with them. Lead me, Holy Spirit, to encourage the right person at just the right time so that they will feel your compassion at work through me.

Finally, the power of the gospel, our prayers for healing and miraculous divine help, our faithful service as ambassadors of light and love in this world can all bring change to our communities. At this moment in history, many are overwhelmed with worry, fear, and burdens. Hearts are yearning for security, safety, and significance. Jesus still has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He still sits on His throne, and His plans for the children and families in your church will come to pass at such a time as this. Those whom He calls, He also equips!

Be encouraged, friends.

Maryl Darko
Senior Product Editor
Christianbook.com

The post Family Ministry Planning Tips for Another Uncertain Year appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest post by Katie Mason, Children’s Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Maryland.

In September of 2019, the staff at Abundant Life Church in Glen Burnie, MD gathered together to plan the year 2020. Little did we know all those plans would evaporate faster than water on the hot summer concrete. Like most of you, ALC Kids has had to adapt, change, and rewrite plans last minute to try to minister to kids in a helpful way during the chaos of coronavirus and quarantine. And then of course, there was the looming question of VBS. Do we cancel VBS? Try to have it in person? Do we move it online?

At first, we began to plan for an all virtual VBS, but no one was in love with the idea. Screen fatigue was real, and our kids were less engaged with our video calls each week. As the cases in Maryland went down, we thought about trying to have a modified in-person VBS, but none of us felt comfortable with the risk factors involved with the kids, volunteers, and older members of the congregation. And then a foghorn sounded across the misty cloud of 2020; what if we did both? We’d have the large group portion online in the morning. Then kids could meet in their small groups of ten or fewer outside at different times during the day. And so the hybrid of a virtual and in-person VBS was born.

By moving our large group worship services for preschool and elementary online, we are able to limit the amount of exposure our kids would have to others and limit their ability to spread Covid-19 to others should they unknowingly be carriers. Our kids are used to online worship services as we moved all of our ALC Kids worship services online in March to help limit the spread of the virus. Thanks to the digital age, we were able to worship and learn about the Bible together safely from a distance. Still, we knew our kids were desperate for some safe in-person interaction.

We knew that if we could manage to do at least part of our VBS in-person, we’d have greater interest from our kids as well as the kids in our area who didn’t have a church home. Yet, we knew that whatever we did had to be safe for everyone, which is why our small groups will be meeting outside in groups of ten or fewer in a tiered system that allows no more than two small groups on church grounds at a time. Additionally, we are offering an online small group option for children who are high-risk or live with people who are high-risk. Kids who choose this option will be able to pick up a box of supplies for their crafts and games. We want everyone to feel included.

According to the CDC, the main way the virus spreads is through prolonged person to person contact. By limiting the amount of people on church property at a given time, we vastly limit the ability for the virus to spread, but we are also able to provide kids a time to enjoy being with one another and their small group leaders. There is no way to eliminate all the risk, but we are doing our best to be wise and give kids hope and joy during this difficult time.

Throughout the entire planning process, my team and I have asked one question: How do we give kids hope this summer? It has often been a difficult question to answer, but it is one that we come back to time and time again. We believe that VBS provides a time of fun, joy, and learning that kids can take with them as they grow and learn. This year, our goal is to remind our kids that God is still good, and there is still hope and joy to be found, even in 2020.

Guest post by Katie Mason, Children’s Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Maryland.

Follow at @alclivemd on Instagram

The post Creative Solutions for VBS 2020 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Article by Holly Trewern, Product Editor at Christianbook

Dear Church Leader:

I know what you are thinking, “How do we get through the next few weeks (months) as a church without in-person services?” Our current global pandemic has so much changing at a fast, fluid speed – information can change by the hour and there’s never been a more important time to be both flexible and prepared for the ‘what if’s.’ We are not fearful or panicked. We choose to lead our lives and those we influence from a place of rest. Rest that is anchored in the goodness and peace of God, not on our circumstances.

I’ve been reminding myself often, ‘God is still God. He is still good. He is not surprised. He will continue to build his church.’ My family and I have been reading Psalm 91 every night together. The Word of God is powerful and life giving. I think I’ll forever be in wonder at what happens to my spirit and mind when I read the truth found in Scripture.

I’ve also been asking myself as a believer and as a church leader – ‘God, what do you want to do through this?’ Yesterday it was made really clear to me that the American church relies A LOT on our buildings for church. And while corporate gatherings are good and important for the edification of the body of Christ, I wonder if this might be an opportunity to rethink our responsibility. To not just go to church but to BE the church.

Click to Read 17 Bible Verses for Church Leaders

What happens outside the 4 walls of church buildings matters. I’m 36 years old and have been in church since I was born, I’m a former pastor’s kid & missionary kid and now I’m a pastor’s wife & pastor and raising pastor’s kids. Since my entire teen and young adult life, it seems that the evangelism strategy of the church was to ‘invite people to church to hear the gospel.’

Hear me out, I’m not discounting the importance of a personal invitation to church and the impact it can have, but a personal testimony shared because I have relationship with someone – that is powerful and cannot be replaced! I can and should invite people to come to church with me. This, however, cannot replace inviting people into my life. Inviting people to my table for a meal. Inviting people into my heart.

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As I lead and talk with people in church, I’m aware we haven’t done the best job discipling people to share their story. To share what God has done for them, to share who God is to them, to share what God is teaching them. But you know what? It’s never too late to start. Maybe this is an opportunity to lead our churches to truly own their faith and share their story in the blessing of community; to not just go to church but to BE the church.

As churches around the world move from buildings to living rooms, from in-person life groups to virtual hang outs – what will God awaken in our hearts? Will distance make the heart of the church stronger? I think it can. Let’s seize the moment and lead intentionally, with confidence that God has already gone before us. The challenge the church is facing right now could be our greatest opportunity. And as unknown as tomorrow is, it is KNOWN that if we…

lean into Jesus,

lean into His grace,

lean into His voice,

lean into His strength,

lean into His power,

lean into His peace,

lean into His joy,

He will lead us.

So, dear church leader, take heart. You are not alone. I’m joining you in prayer for creative solutions to complex problems. I’m joining you in faith, that while church will look different for a few weeks, it may just lead to a great awakening. I’m joining you in hope, that the best is yet to come. You are not alone… we are in this together.

If you find yourself at home with extra time for reading, I’d like to recommend my top 5 Christian books. All 5 have impacted my understanding of who God is, His love for me and His desire for me to lead a life that is centered on Him. These titles aren’t related to sharing my God story, yet the truths uncovered in these books have really help me discover and define my God story. The natural consequence of that is that I share what God is doing more.

Happy Reading!

The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure From Fast Faith by Alicia Britt Chole

Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong by Leslie Vernick

Article by Holly Trewern, Product Editor at Christianbook

The post Coronavirus: Will Distance Make the Heart of the Church Stronger? appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

There’s nothing like a couple of kids and a week of VBS. Something magical happens when time is set aside to creatively engage kids of all ages, pointing them to the story of Jesus. I’ve seen nothing but good things come out of doing VBS. Not only are kids impacted but parents see the effects. Conversations are sparked in the home centered on Jesus. Curiosity is created in kids to ask questions regarding faith and how it relates to themselves. The wonderful volunteers that help to run the show are as well impacted by being a part. They get to be in the discussions and work to form relationships with the kids. It is so satisfying for volunteers to teach kids about their Creator and have a blast while doing it.

When I first helped to direct a VBS I was rather overwhelmed. There is so much work involved in accomplishing a big feat such as VBS. From creating the coolest games that engage kids to preparing the snacks for each day to coordinating with every volunteer making sure they know what they’re doing, VBS is quite the task to take on. Amid getting everything accomplished it’s easy to get lost in the details and the deadlines and forget the reason why you started it all in the first place. The countless hours put in at the church and with the help of many volunteers, we were able to complete it all in time.

Need help selecting your VBS? Click here to discover FREE resources and helpful guides!

Once the first day started, I quickly remembered all the hard work was for a purpose. The excitement in the kids mixed with all the activities we plan for them and the incredible truth we get to teach is magnetic. By the last day I was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and utter fulfillment giving all I had to this special week. To hear the feedback from volunteers on how impactful this one week had on them was rewarding. The volunteers made special connections with kids, other leaders, and saw the importance of investing in the next generation.

At our church we call VBS Kids Week and we look at it almost like a summer camp experience without having the kids overnight. We get the kids for the first half of the day and by noon they are ready to be picked up. We have different themes for each day so everyone can dress up like crazy hair day. The last day is always water day, a day everyone looks forward to. We play all the games outside and the kids get soaked. It’s a day full of sunscreen, snow cones, and laughter.

I love to create exciting moments for kids and then tie it all back to Jesus. When you love on kids, they’ll listen to what you have to say. It’s through relationship where transformation takes place. And that’s why I love VBS because it helps to create genuine relationships for kids. Most importantly their relationship with God is better understood and then they make connections with others which gives them someone to further their growth in faith with.

I can’t wait to see what this year’s VBS has in store.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

The post Why I love directing VBS appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.