Expectations?

I've been talking to a lot of you lately about what your experience has been with our kids. What do you love, what drains you, and what can we do better? The feedback hasn't been what I expected. In fact what is expected? seems to be the key thing a lot of you are wondering. The vision is indeed huge and can be overwhelming as we often feel not up to the task. I mean, it's beautiful and I believe in it and "you guys" are doing a great job. But me? I have no idea how I fit into this. I have little to bring to the table, what are you guys expecting from me?

Here is the CHILDREN'S MINISTRY FOR DUMMIES guide for you. :) For all of you who have wondered what we expect from you as we talk passionately about our vision, this is for you!

First - our vision & philosophy of ministry. Read it, absorb it, let it overwhelm you... Then read the rest of this. It's on this blog on the left...click and read.

What are we hoping for as you work with our children, their parents, and all the people that serve with us?

1. Let it change you
1. Every encounter with a child or parent ought to rock you somewhere deep if you allow it. An African child's drawing about what community is to her. A mom beginning to cry as you tell her for the 2nd time that month that her child didn't behave well - and she shares that things have been really hard at home. A typically withdrawn child praying and holding hand with another person for the first time, you find yourself peeking just to see if it's really happening (he's not leaving....he actually wants it!)! A child you don't know and have never seen wrapping themselves around your leg and grinning as they are so excited to see you.
   
2. Fight hard not to get sucked into the details and busyness of the short time we have with the kids. Challenge yourself to share with your friends or your spouse something that you saw or learned today by being with the kids or the people you serve with and WHY IT CHANGED YOU. Let it in. It is there, with children it's always there. Cry, smile, put your hand on someone's shoulder, ask someone to listen. There is nothing so immature and childlike about the gospel that should tune you out. If the lesson is Jesus walked on water - well then hey, HE WALKED ON WATER!!!! Talk about it all day with the people you know.
   
2. See and advocate for the kids and people you serve
1. Today a teacher told me about one of our kids in her class that plays the violin - proficiently. I didn't know this child even played an instrument. How would I? I can't know all the children. But through you, I do. As teachers and helpers and leaders in and around the classrooms you know things about our kids that no one else does. You know things like: Isaiah does NOT like paint (too messy), Joshua is a crazy serious reader way beyond his grade level, Anna not only loves to sing but has a beautiful voice. Keep noticing and listening to all these personality traits and passions of our kids! It's the beginning of us recognizing and affirming as a faith community how God has designed them and gifted them. So post something on z-loop about the things you notice in the kids you encounter. Write an email to your teacher or coach about what you see. When you hear a leader ask if anyone knows kids that would be interested in doing a reading in the services, being part of worship, or a family that would be willing to help a single mom - VOICE IT. You are the people that advocate and voice for our kids and parents.
   
3. Do it as a team
1. As with most things in life it's more fun to do it with someone than go solo. Every position we have in our ministry is part of a team. There aren't any exceptions. So check out your z-loop and figure out who your teacher or coach is! These are the people you ask for clarity and help from. These are the people that really want to know what you are experiencing, how it is changing you (or how you wish it were), and what you see in our kids and parents.
   
2. Invite members on your team to be part of what you are in your life.
   
3. Host a bbq for everyone on your team and just go around and hear each other's stories.
   
4. Have a brainstorm session where all you do is talk about what could be.
   
5. Throw a party for the kids just because, and plan it as a team before the staff ever has a chance to think up the idea first.
   
6. Point is...don't volunteer for a Sunday slot alone. There are people on every team that would love to have someone be interested in them and trade thoughts with. Try not to wait for someone to come initiate with you - go to them and find out who they are and what part of the team they play in.