Kid’s Ministry conferences can be dangerous!  The last night of a national Kid’s Ministry conference I found myself in the middle of a mosh pit.  A mosh pit is the area in front of a stage where very physical and rough dancing takes place.  I had responded to the call of renewed dedication to Kid’s Ministry and the worship leader decided to end the evening with a celebratory and exuberant rendition of Real Love by Hillsong Young and Free.  The only problem with that being there was no transition time for older folks to get out of the way of the young people who were, well, young and free!

I was hemmed in by a mass of bodies all throwing their heads and shoulders forward, then straightening up, and throwing their heads and shoulders forward again, repeatedly to the beat of the music.  It quickly became clear to me that if I did not move in unison with the mob, I would likely suffer concussion.  I laugh about it now but at the time it was a teensy bit terrifying for a Nanna who is only 153cm tall!

Any ‘Kid Min’ conference you attend you are going to see most of the auditorium filled with youthful attendees.  Where would Kid’s Churches be without young people?  They are a wonderful asset.  And children admire them.  The way they dress, the way they appear free of parental constraints, the license to drive a car.  All these things are attractive and admired by kids in middle childhood and early adolescence.  Many youth are confident, energetic and proactive, and see themselves as the heroes of their own lives.  But when they volunteer in ‘Kid Min’, they need your guidance…because they are confident, energetic and proactive and see themselves as the heroes of their own lives!

5 Tips on What Volunteering Means for Young People

Your Church will have volunteer policies in place to instruct your young people but here’s some quick tips to keep in mind.

1.  Volunteering means commitment.

You may need to teach your young volunteers to bring their all to Kid’s Church every time and on time.  Most youth are passionate and enthusiastic but they can be guilty of over committing trying to do too many things in too short a time.  Some will be independent while others still live at home.  Some will drive while others will rely on public transport or lifts from friends.  Let them know what is expected but if they are juggling work and study they may need to be rostered on fortnightly or for holiday programs.

2.  Volunteering means reliability.

Your young volunteers must be trustworthy and consistent.  They are being watched by the children!  And your children’s safety and welfare is paramount.

3.  Volunteering means training.

While young people can be confident they lack experience because they are young.  Invest in them by offering training that is well presented, fast paced and includes some light hearted moments.  Make them active participants to keep them motivated…then end the training with food!  Kid’s Ministry conferences are invaluable.  Great for networking and inspiring and building your team.

4.  Volunteering means fun!

Fun for them but fun for you, too.  Enjoy the company of your young volunteers.  Use their knowledge of popular culture to make your Kid’s Ministry relevant whilst still adhering to your Biblical world view.

5.  Volunteering means serving.

Your young people are being taught to put aside serving themselves to serve others, to the glory of God.  Learning to be a servant of Jesus Christ will benefit them their whole lives.  (Luke 9:23)

Yes, I know.  There is a so much about volunteers, especially young ones, which means work for leaders.  However, I’m sure you had role models and mentors that invested in you so you could be ministering today.  Like Timothy, you are being a good minister of Jesus Christ.  (1 Timothy 4:6)

If you are blessed to have young people serving in your Kid’s Ministry, make the most of their energy and enthusiasm.  They are an awesome resource. I have found they’re spectacularly committed to special events like Super Sundays that involve dressing up, drama and games!

You’ll find 20 Super Sunday programs for your Kid’s Ministry here:  https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/super-sundays/