You’ve found out Mrs Jones was a Missionary for 40 years.  Wonderful!  You’re planning a morning about Missions.  How good would it be if she came and shared her first-hand experiences with the children?  But times have changed since Mrs Jones taught by a river in the depths of a rainforest.  As she talks ‘at’ the children, not a visual aid in sight, they become restless and distracted.  Ten minutes in, two or three children ask to go to the toilet.  Mrs Jones is displeased and says that in her day, misbehaving children were thrown in the river to the crocodiles.  Felicity, the sensitive child with the highly strung mother, bursts into tears.  Snap!  Your hopes for the much-anticipated Missions morning of being a success are crushed. 

Okay, so that’s an exaggeration.  But I hope it highlights the need for you to give any visiting speaker guidelines to make their visit to the Kid’s Church a success.

Visitors:

You don’t have a lot of time…

It’s hard for children to sit for long periods.  A lot depends on the age group you are talking to.  A four-year-old can sit for four minutes, and a ten-year-old can sit for ten.  Mostly.  Of course, there are exceptions, but you need to keep your teaching to the point and make it clear and engaging. 

Give the kids something to look at…

Children need visuals.  If you have photographs to accompany your talk, put them on a USB for the leader, so they can put them on a computer and project them larger than life.  Bring along non-breakable souvenirs like hats, clothing, instruments and objects that will interest the children.  Demonstrate their use with the children as models.  Put them on a table out of reach until you’ve finished talking, then invite the children to come and look and touch.  You might like to teach a simple song.  Bring the words to be displayed. 

Let the Leaders handle the behaviour…

Our Leaders and volunteers are trained to redirect children’s behaviour.  They will be watching and will attend to the children appropriately.  They know the children very well.  Don’t let anything put you off, ignore distractions, and keep on going.

Keep your talk child-friendly…

Children come from very different families.  What some children are allowed to watch on television could cause other children to have nightmares.  Children are still largely ruled by their emotions, and stories impact them deeply.   So keep your talk G-rated.   Use suspense and enthusiasm to keep the children focused, but don’t put fear into them.

Safety!

Every Kid’s Ministry has strict policies in place.  Everything from identification to toileting.  The Leaders will direct you.  Please respect and follow the procedures.

Make Jesus the hero of your talk…

Everything comes back to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  How did He help you?  How did you know He was with you? Him?  Did others give their life to Jesus?  You may like to have an altar call, or hand over to the Leader to hold one.  Discuss this beforehand. 

What Can the Children Do?

There may be a child listening who will be called to the area of ministry you are sharing about.  Your visit will plant a seed.  How can they prepare spiritually and practically? 

Building Faith

Are you still in touch with people you ministered to?  Is there a way the children can support them practically?  Do they need funds, medical supplies or clothing?  How about prayer support?  What can the children do to help now?

Have Fun!

Ministering to children is the best!  We know you and the children will have a wonderful time.

A Couple of Things for Leaders:

After the Talk

Always thank a speaker for taking the time to visit your Kid’s Ministry.  Present flowers or chocolates and a handmade card from the children.  Organise a short thank you speech from one of the children and a round of applause.  Show your visitor you appreciate the time they have given in preparation and visiting.  You may want them to come again. 

Bonus!

It’s also great advertising when your speaker gives a good report about how wonderful their Kid’s Church experience was.  It may encourage other people to visit or volunteer.  Linking Big Church and Kid’s Church in any way you can is beneficial to the whole Church. Don’t succumb to that ‘them’ versus ‘us’ mindset that creates embittered Kid’s Church leaders.  You don’t want to end up like Mrs Jones! 

Be sure to download our free ‘Missions’ Curriculum Framework here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Missions.pdf