Children’s Church Ideas for Smaller Churches (cont.)
L: Laugh!
One key characteristic of any children’s ministry is fun. When kids and adults have fun together, everyone’s engaged. And if what kids are engaged in is meaningful and purposeful, then they’re learning in a way that positively impacts their lives.
But don’t let your attitude sour when few kids show up. I remember feeling frustrated when the number I expected didn’t materialize. Instead of focusing on the kids who were there, I’d focus on those who weren’t. That attitude took the fun out of the experience for everyone. So have fun with the kids who attend. Don’t minimize their attendance by thinking of the no-shows.
Only a few kids may attend. But S.M.A.L.L. thinking leads to flexibility, relationships, engaged kids, and laughter that strengthens your ministry—on every scale! That’s why children’s church ideas for smaller churches are so important.
Big Things About “Small”
Church culture today tends to attach a negative stigma to the idea of being small. After all, if you’re “small,” you must not be doing something right. You must not be as effective or as attractive. If you’re small, you must not be as good…right?
WRONG! Nothing could be further from the truth. Small is good. In fact, small is great! More precisely, “small” is the norm in most places. And in children’s ministry, that can be a wonderful thing.
In Energizing Children’s Ministry in the Smaller Church, Rick Chromey shares these positives about children’s ministry in smaller churches:
• Significant Impact – Smaller churches can make significant impact on a child’s faith because they can often offer greater focus on each child.
• Parent Ministry – Small churches have great potential for effective parent ministry and involvement.
• Family Ties – Small churches offer a close community of Christians. Children have more opportunities to get to know other adults and kids more personally—and letting them see other Christians live their faith.
• Service Avenues – Small churches typically offer kids more opportunities to serve and lead.
• Exploration – Small churches offer the flexibility to try new, innovative ideas. That way, children can experientially develop their faith.
Your small church is uniquely positioned to have a big impact on children. You have flexibility and face-time with kids that bigger churches don’t. Your small church is a force to be reckoned with on the front lines for God. So apply these children’s church ideas for smaller churches today!
