When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius
This week I heard that school started in July in the Atlanta area. Where did the summer go? I still see VBS programs going as I travel, but I know that most schools/churches have started the back to school planning and programming. As you start the new school/church leadership year I thought about a few things you might consider as you begin the process of orienting your teachers/leaders. My recommendation would be to start with a strong program in training new staff. Below are some ideas and opportunities for you to consider. Know that I will help in any way possible and will be praying for you.
Childhood Ministry Basics
by LifeWay Kids Ministry
Building a strong childhood ministry takes time.
Five areas need to be addressed: job descriptions, screening policy, hygiene policy, enlisting leaders, and a training strategy.
Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Write job descriptions for your teachers and directors that clearly define what is expected of them.
Develop screening procedures for all volunteer teachers. (We use Shield the Vulnerable @ shieldthevulnerable.org)
Develop hygiene policies to protect leaders and children.
The task of enlistment is a continual process with no quick fixes.
Start with prayer and start early.
Develop a leadership training strategy that includes age-group information, your vision or philosophy for childhood ministry and your hygiene and security policies.
Check out this Leadership Opportunity:
*August 19 & 20, 2016 FREE Creative Ministry/Go Fish Adult Leadership Certification Training @ Forest Lake SDA Youth Center Upper
Contact Judy Smith to Register and for more information.
Calendar Updates:
August 5-7 Single Parent Retreat @ Camp Kulaqua ***** Please pray for all those attending this event this coming weekend. Registrations still available.
September 2-5 Family Camp @ Camp Kulaqua *Register online at Camp Kulaqua Events Page
September 24 Go Fish @ South Point, Jacksonville
September 30-Oct2 Adventurer Camp Out @ Camp Kulaqua
2 Great Family Worship Ideas:
Read Genesis 1.Talk about the world fresh from the Creator’s hand.What do you see?Feel?Smell?Taste?Hear?What do you think God was asking human beings to do when He gave them dominion over the earth?You may want to look on the Internet for the amazing story about the ivory-billed woodpecker’s comeback from extinction.
Identify at least two spiritual gifts you think God has given to each of your children.Find something to symbolize these gifts and wrap each individually with beautiful gift wrap and ribbon.Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and give each child their gifts, affirming evidence you have seen that God has bestowed these gifts upon them.Give each one a chance to think about how they will enjoy these gifts and use them to share the Good News about Jesus and in service to others.
Continue to look to the Lord for guidance in all you do. Please remember to encourage one another daily and above all lift each other up in prayer.
I hope to see you at some of the upcoming events. Contact me if you need anything or want to schedule an event with me.
I will be on a short vacation next week so I may not get a weekly letter out.
Until next time.