A Scripture in Psalm Chapter 110 and Verse 3 caught my eye. ‘Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power!’  People who are prepared to volunteer freely?  Without arm twisting?  Without begging?  I had to go to a commentary to find out more and this is what it said:

When the people of God see and experience the victory of their Messiah, they will gladly give themselves to His work. They are willing in the day of His power. Since the Hebrew word power is the word for a host or army, the idea is that the Messiah’s people are gathered together as a willing army.  (Enduring Word)

How wonderful it would be if your Kid’s Ministry had an army of volunteers.  People so in love with Jesus and grateful for everything He has done that they enlist to serve the children in your Church.  How can you support your army of volunteers? They need a mission brief!

Concept of Operations

Every soldier needs a mission brief.  So whether you are a staff sergeant to a squad of volunteers or a captain to a company you need to give them a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Brief.  A  CONOPS Brief will outline your intended strategy and execution plan for your Kid’s Ministry.  Ensure your volunteers have received ‘Safe Churches’ training and are fully cognisant of your Kid’s Church’s policies and procedures. 

Good Soldiering

Your army of volunteers must work as a team.  Unity and cooperation are important in building trust so you can run a successful Kid’s Ministry.  Here are key points towards working as a team…

Purpose and Vision:  Know why you’re involved in volunteering in Kid’s Ministry and be committed to its purposes.  People brought little children to Jesus so that He could place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  Mark 10:13-16

Relationship with God:  Continue to develop a relationship with God as this directly influences the children you teach and the other team members.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:15

Relationships with Each Other:  Get to know leadership and fellow team members.   “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:24-25

Preparation:  Be committed to team meetings and opportunities to expand skills through training.  Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance… Proverbs 1:5

Cooperation:  Success and accomplishing your mission can only happen through coordinated teamwork, individuals working together to achieve a shared objective.  “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”  1 Corinthians 1:10

Humility:  Value the contributions of others.  Draw on the ideas and strengths of others and don’t be threatened by them.  “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”.  1 Corinthians 12:4-7  

Integrity:  Be committed to responsibilities. To the children, the Kid’s Ministry and other team members.  This builds respect and gives your Kid’s Ministry an impact.  For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:21

Care:  Look out for the needs of team members and offer support and help where appropriate, motivated by love and a sense of duty and loyalty to each other.  The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

The Australian Defence Force is highly respected and a capable military force.  Armed with your volunteers I pray your Kid’s Ministry will have combat effectiveness to accomplish everything that God has for you to do!