Thanksgiving has passed, and Christmas is swiftly approaching. Then we will welcome the new year along with its expectations and promises of new beginnings found in those lovely resolutions we hold so dearly for, well, at least the first 10 days! Here are five resolutions to consider for your 2020 children’s ministry.

Thanksgiving has passed, and Christmas is swiftly approaching. Then we will welcome the new year along with its expectations and promises of new beginnings found in those lovely resolutions we hold so dearly for, well, at least the first 10 days!

Here are five resolutions to consider for your 2020 children’s ministry:

  1. Ask your leaders to check their emotional “pack rat-ness” at the door and have a “hard clean” day that refreshes and makes your teaching space more inviting to both guests and church members. Are there four years of old curriculum piled in a closet or on a shelf? Are there crayon nubs and dried out markers languishing in a plastic shoebox in some forgotten corner of the supply closet? Do all the toy cars have four wheels, and are the baby dolls dressed and coiffed for home-living play? If your resources and equipment looks tired and worn, can you update them or begin planning for replacements in the new year’s budget?
  2. Plan training for yourself and your teachers and leaders. TELL children’s ministry conference is an inexpensive way to receive great training for everyone in your children’s ministry. There are breakouts for Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, special needs, Hispanic ministry, safety and security, classroom management and more. A leadership track has been added this year!
  3. Parents have been called by God to be the primary disciple-makers in the lives of their children but often feel ill-equipped for the task. Consider ways you can equip and resource parents for the challenge of effectively discipling their children. For more help with this important job, consider bringing your staff and leadership team to Scorecard.
  4. Review your ministry’s safety and security policies and procedures. Today’s parents come to your church with the expectation that you will protect their children. Is there clear evidence that you have planned for the safety and security of their children? Are your written policies enforced? Is everyone on the same page? Check out the safety and security resources on ncbaptist.org/children.
  5. Remember your job as a leader is to do what others cannot do. Equip and train others to do the rest. Exodus 17:8-16 recounts the story of Moses’ need for help to lead an important battle. Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms so that Israel could win the battle against the Amalekites. Who are your “Aaron” and “Hur” that can come alongside you in leadership?

These resolutions may seem overwhelming, but is there one resolution you can make your own for the new year? If you need help with first steps, contact Cheryl Markland. Let’s begin this new year with a new purpose!