Forget the flashy programs and expensive "special effects." Let's simply affirm and utilize the natural talents and gifts God has given both leaders and children.My church's Pioneer Clubs program has grown by leaps and bounds this year. A key catalyst has been the creativity of the club coordinator. She and her husband come up with lots of little things that make their weekly meetings fun and unique.
|
|
One is the introduction of new club members and visitors. During the opening session, anyone who is new or visiting stands while the coordinator introduces him or her. The entire group cheers and claps to welcome the child. I've watched each new child beam with pleasure as his or her name is mentioned and the crowd cheers.
One neighborhood parent brought his daughter for the first time and, to be sure she was going to be okay, stayed for our opening session. I saw him smile proudly as everyone cheered, clapped, and called out his little girl's name. I think this is one dad who went home knowing his child was in a group that cared about kids. And more importantly, cared about his kid.
My church's club also held a talent show this year. It was so much fun! Each small group in the club planned a skit or song, but individual kids were welcome to share a talent, too. I was amazed at the talents club members demonstrated--a piano solo by a first grader, a stand-up comic routine by a third-grade girl, a delightful hymn solo by a third-grade boy, and some very funny skits by the fifth and sixth graders.
But the highlight of the show was the debut of a new club theme song. It was a rap, complete with foot stomping, hand clapping, and full body movement. The boys in first and second grade put on this show-stopping performance under the direction of their college-student leaders. It was pure delight to see these boys singing proudly about their club experiences and what they'd learned about Jesus.
As I reflect on this club's special touches, I realize that, for the most part, they were pretty simple and easy to pull off. The newcomers' welcome needed no props or flashy (or expensive) media. The talent show offered five-star entertainment without the glitter of lights and cameras. We didn't even have a stage! But in the simplicity, children learned to appreciate one another and develop some healthy self-esteem. Both are critical needs for today's youth.
Source: Christianity Today | Today's Children's Ministry
Judy Bryson is president/CEO of Pioneer Clubs®--a church-sponsored midweek ministry for children, ages two through middle school. Pioneer Clubs is a relational ministry that helps children come to faith in Christ and learn how to live daily by his Word. The ministry slogan, "Christ in every aspect of life," is the foundation for all that is done in club.
