I’m such an OG I had to look up what an OG was!

I first heard this term on a television cooking competition.  The eldest contestant who had returned to compete in a new season of the show, and who was the first winner of the competition eleven years previously, was repeatedly referred to as the OG.

At first I thought there was something wrong with my hearing.  Then I noticed the expression was used all over the place.  So I looked it up.  Formally it was the abbreviation of ‘original gangster’ with links to Al Capone.  But in pop culture it has come to mean ‘original’ or ‘old school’.  OG refers to old girl and OB refers to old boy.  I feel so OG now.

As I head closer to my 60^th year, there’s no doubt an OG is staring back at me in the mirror, even though inside I feel as childlike as ever.  I am no longer in the front line of Kid’s Ministry but have a supportive role in supplying free resources.

You’ll find over 100 free Bible Lessons here:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/bible-lessons/

It’s true I started a You Tube channel a year ago.  I feel like learning to use an editing program in my late fifties has been a wonderful accomplishment.  I mean, computers weren’t even in homes and classrooms when I was growing up!   I’ve loved the challenge but I know my teaching style in, even in video format, may still be considered old school by some.  My modus operandi has always been to get free resources into the hands of Kid’s Ministries everywhere and they can take it from there!

You’ll find Cooee Kid’s Ministry You Tube channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@cooeekidsministry7589

The fact is OG’s and OB’s have a lot to offer Kid’s Ministry!

So many kid’s churches rely heavily on their youth and young adult departments for volunteers.  Well, the young ones have the energy and the influence.  They’re trendy.  I mean ‘fire’ (amazing and on point), or GOAT (greatest of all time), or Gucci (good, cool).  Oh dear.

There’s still a place for OG’s and OB’s in Kid Min.  We are an amazing asset.  But if you are a millennial Kid’s Pastor, or more probably a Gen Z Kid’s Pastor, there are some things you need to know about us.

• Communication is important to us so please respond to text messages.
• Some OG’s and OB’s don’t use the internet so be prepared to telephone the landline, or speak to them in person.
• We like a plan/roster/schedule, on paper or digital, we just need to know when you need us and what you need us to do. And please supply the resources so we can get it done!
• We need clear guidelines. Discipline and behavior expectations are different today.  So we don’t look askance at a child’s behavior, or become outraged at perceived disrespect of authority, give clear rules, and have policies in place on how to handle things like discipline and appropriate interactions.  Remember, supporting volunteers means supervising us, at least until we understand how things are done.  We will need training but keep it simple.  We want to feel successful not frustrated.
• If OG’s and OB’s are volunteering it means we understand how important children’s ministry is and are still passionate about serving. Your job is to work with our abilities and match our skills to a task.  In my day, our church ran an annual national conference so we had to run a conference for the delegate’s children alongside it.  It was hugely satisfying but an incredible amount of work.  We had a team of OG’s who handled morning teas and lunches.  That was it.  They prepared, served and cleaned up.  Similarly, a group who loved arts and crafts handled that part of the program.  Those volunteers took a huge burden from our shoulders, allowing us to focus on other aspects of the conference.  They loved the children and were happy to serve them and be a part of the conference teams.
• OG’s and OB’s have time.  Probably less so now that many of us look after grandchildren but there are always people who have no family or at least none close by.  We love to be a useful and recognized part of God’s family.
• We love to be appreciated so don’t forget to say thank you as a reward for our dedication. (We are a very dedicated bunch!)  It can be a text, a note, or small gift at the end of the year.  A thank you meal or an Awards Ceremony.  We may even sign up for volunteering another year, and bring our friends!

And a word to my fellow OG’s and OB’s.  We can learn a lot from the younger generations, too!  With all of us working together in unity, our Kid’s Ministries will be lit.  If that’s still a thing.

God bless you,

Deb Wassenberg