As newlyweds, my husband and I stayed in a luxurious hotel in the city.  My husband had been to a work function on the top floor of the hotel and said I had to see the view and the pool.  ‘I know a shortcut,’ he told me, taking me by the hand.  We got trapped in the stairwell and had to pound on a door until a cleaner let us out!  So very soon in our marriage, we learned that we are not a short-cut couple.  Any alternative route that promised a faster way of doing or achieving something ended with us in what we laughingly refer to as a ‘trapped in the stairwell’ situation.  I know there are fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants types of people who use their instincts to achieve things without plans, skills or experience.  However, when it comes to Kid’s Ministry and the lives of children, you need to plan.

You Need an Effective Plan!

Effective planning leads to the implementation of the best program you can offer your kids.  Everything from the room setting to the take-home activity sheets should be supported by a plan so that their time with you is meaningful and has maximum value.  I know, every week is different.  Some meetings go to plan and others don’t.  But a plan will at least provide you and your fellow volunteers with the best opportunity to teach kids about their Christian faith.

What an Effective Plan Needs:

• To explain what you and your volunteers are aiming for in the long term and the short term.
• To be simple so every volunteer can grasp it and get on board.
• To be clear so there are minimal misunderstandings.
• To be comprehensive so it includes everything necessary.
• To be flexible so the plan can be modified due to circumstances.
• To be economical keeping in mind your budget.
• To meet standards, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• To be coordinated, especially if you have to consider other departments.
• To be practicable so you and your volunteers can apply it.  The plan may look wonderful on paper, but if it’s not achievable it will leave everyone frustrated.

Benefits of Effective Planning:

The benefits of an effective plan are many!  Your volunteers will be proactive and empowered and therefore stronger.  Everyone will be focused and know what to do.  An effective plan also minimizes risks and reduces stress.     

Improvisation

Improvisation is not a shortcut.  Improvisation is something that is created spontaneously and without preparation.  And really, it works best when there is a supportive network or plan in place.  Improvisation is creative and playful, and both are necessary and fun in Kid’s Ministry. Improvisation may take place during a praise song, or when you are teaching the Bible story, or acting in a skit. Improvisation is great when you’re teaching a Memory Verse. Kids enjoy an improvised moment!

The Holy Spirit

Effective planning is crucial for your Kid’s Ministry but don’t forget about the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  He is your helper and your guide.  He teaches you and gives insight and inspiration.  He will lead your kids closer to God and Jesus Christ.  Pray with your volunteers and ask for the Holy Spirit to be a part of your meeting.  Ephesians 1:3-14 tells us that the Father planned our salvation (now, that’s what I call an effective plan!), Jesus purchased it and the Holy Spirit preserves it.  

If you don’t have an effective plan in place for your kid’s ministry, start mapping it out now. You don’t want to be metaphorically trapped in a stark stairwell!