1. Fun
This is the language of children!
If it’s not fun, it’s boring and if it’s boring it doesn’t matter what you teach, it’ll be putting children off church! That doesn’t mean it needs to be a session full of entertainment but it is important for them to enjoy it. Make sure you enjoy it with them, if you’re having fun, then they probably are too!
2. Connect
Find out what’s important to them!
Keep it relevant and always seek to explain anything they may not understand. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve included small group times.
3. Prayer Led
Prayer makes a difference!
Be prayerful in the week approaching. Also make sure you take the time to gather the group of volunteers beforehand. It’s important to model prayer in the sessions so be sure to pray with the kids, it helps to create heart knowledge instead of just head knowledge.
4. Safe
Children are parent’s most treasured possession!
In assessing your environment, volunteers and activities you should conduct a thorough risk assessment. Make sure you get CRB disclosures and references from volunteers and ensure that you implement every precaution with games and safeguarding the room before each session (www.ccpas.co.uk is a useful source of information). Safety first!
5. Surroundings
Create a space children look forward to!
Sometimes children’s ministry is done in the most inhospitable environment: somewhere cold, dark or smelly. If you can try to avoid this! Find somewhere warm and safe with space and nice lighting. There may be a few things you can do beforehand to make it more child friendly (a few colourful rugs, several beanbags, a couple of lamp stands). Also think about the stage area or from where you are going to lead. Perhaps use a sofa, which can create a nice, relaxed feel ... just make sure you don’t sit down for the whole session!
6. Volunteers
Every volunteer is different!
There will be a full range of talents and skills in the people who volunteer. Take time to think through which area they would be best suited to lead. Don’t be afraid to delegate and yet don’t be too hasty either, be prayerful. Sometimes it can be hard to recruit for children’s ministry, don’t forget to ask older teenagers and if you can’t make up the numbers you need, consider asking some parents to volunteer on a rota. Make sure you’re not alone and that you have at least one adult to every eight children.
7. Older Children
Older kids love to feel responsible!
There’s a big difference between a 5-year-old and an 11-year-old. Try to give responsibility to the 9–11 year olds; one simple thing you can do is to give them responsibilities. There are some uncomplicated roles that you can give them throughout the session, e.g. handing out refreshments, clearing up, registration, welcome team. Be creative, it’s something they often love doing and also helps to create a good environment for the younger children.
8. Welcome
Make sure you start well!
In the first few minutes, children are orientating themselves with the new surroundings and some parents may be around checking to see if their child or children will settle. Many of the kids will be fine but some children, especially those for whom it’s their first time, may not be at ease so make sure you allocate people to help with this. It’s so important to make every child and parent feel welcome and relaxed. (This could be an area where you get some of the older children to help out.)
9. Preparation
Failure to prepare is to prepare to fail!
Spend time before the session making sure you understand the teaching and all that you’re expected to do. Check the volunteers know what they’re doing also and check that everything you’re planning on using works!
10. Fair
Children have a very strong sense of justice!
So in choosing volunteers try to keep it varied. In the games, keep it fair; don’t buckle under any strong pressures! In the discussions give everyone an opportunity to talk. Make sure you’re in charge, not any of the children!
