Family Ministry

Ministry Growth: Start Here First with a Solid Foundation

As you turn your focus to ministry growth, take some time to lay a solid foundation and watch your group flourish!

Share in the comments below! What are your thoughts on growth and where is your ministry headed?

Get Clear

Clarify what you mean by growth. First, consider the types of growth that are possible. Often in our churches, we associate growth with numbers. This is one form of growth. Maybe that is the growth your group is primed for.

But, ask yourself and your leaders: What other ways is our group longing to grow?

Perhaps your group needs to grow in vulnerability. Or maybe your group needs to grow in service. Maybe your group needs to grow in biblical literacy.

When we become focused on one form of growth, we lose our ability to see what other invitations to growth are present. And the exciting thing is that one type of growth will affect all the others.

For example, when we grow in numbers, the depth of relationships will be more difficult to maintain. Then, a new form of growth is necessary for finding new ways to connect within a larger group.

You Matter

Often we talk about how our unique gifts prepare and guide us. This is so true. We are equipped with a specific fingerprint, so to speak, that colors our work. Let’s go a step deeper to where your beliefs reside. After all, it is our beliefs that influence the way we use our gifts.

What do you believe and feel about group size? Without any judgment, ask yourself this question. Do this assessment, because whatever you think and feel about group size impacts how you interact with your group’s growth.

For example, imagine that a leader believes a small ministry is better because it’s unique, higher quality, distinctive, and more deeply connected. That belief will limit the possibility of the ministry to get larger.

On the other hand, a leader may see a small ministry as embarrassing, sad, pathetic, and pointless. If numbers start dropping, shame and fear will begin to drive leadership in their decisions. And shame and fear will never lead to health in ministry.

Either/Or

It’s easy to get into an either/or mindset. But, the truth is neither small nor large is better. Lean into the faithfulness of God to be already at work no matter what the numbers are. There is no wrong direction. Large and small ministries both have their value and gifts.

The small ministry, for example, does make for more natural connection in the group. You, as a leader, get to know the families and kids on a more personal level. Coordinating events and trips is often more straightforward with a ministry on the small side.

A larger ministry offers more possibility in terms of programming. The momentum and size give it social currency, especially when kids invite their friends. And kids who want to be a part of something but don’t want to be too noticed can feel more comfortable.

Let Go, Remain Open

What do you believe about your own ability to lead? If your group is currently small and you wish it was bigger, think about this: do you think you have what is necessary within you to lead a larger group of kids? If you don’t think you’ll be able, you will find ways to minimize growth to stay in the safe zone.

Growing a ministry can feel like a big responsibility. And there are a lot of plates to keep spinning, especially in the stage of growth. There are several reasons for this. One, during growth, most churches haven’t yet invested the funding for a larger group. Two, enough leadership is hard to come by when the church is used to doing very little. Three, the ministry head is responsible for doing most everything.

So, wondering if you have what it takes is a good question and one worth asking. If you believe you can’t lead a larger ministry than you have now, an increase in numbers will be difficult. On the other hand, if you think you are prepared and able, growth will happen more easily.

If you find yourself limiting the potential of your ministry because you’re afraid of growth, what would it look like to let go of expectations and fear? How about finding motivation in the purpose of your ministry rather than an external indicator of success, such as numbers.

And if breaking into smaller groups from one larger group is where you’re ministry is at, follow that path. What if we all let go of the fear that change won’t work or that one size of group or another is worse?

Follow the Spirit’s Leading

Without judgment, get still and ask God where your ministry is being called. The Spirit’s leading doesn’t always align with our rational mind, so be open and ready to follow. Where we end up heading isn’t always what we assume. And remember it isn’t either/or.

Size is not the point, to be entirely honest. God is moving always everywhere. Be open to where you’re heading, but stay present to what is. Enjoy the beauty and gifts that are held within your group now. Invest in those, because they will help your group flourish no matter the size.

And don’t forget! We want to hear from you. So, share in the comments below. What are your thoughts on growth and where is your ministry headed?

6 Colossally Meaningful Ways to Inspire Creation Care this Earth Day

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

The Earth is a masterpiece of God’s artistry. Invite your kids into practices of creation care to celebrate this on Earth Day!

Oh, lord, there are times when habitat destruction, pollution, and death can feel like almost too much to take in. So, let me offer you some hope this Earth Day. We are not powerless. Let’s inspire our kids to be a generation that takes creation care seriously and brings about change!

What are you doing with your kids this Earth Day to celebrate God’s beauty and bring healing to creation? Share with us in the comments below!

Using Our Power

Getting honest is important, even and especially when it’s uncomfortable to do so. We need to be real with ourselves about the state of things. It doesn’t help any of us if we avoid and deny.

Our holy texts tell us that “The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.” Yikes! We’ve been on this path for a long time.

But, we have the power to make change happen. We do not have to live as victims, overwhelmed. God is with us, faithful and gives us the strength to protect, restore and create the world in partnership with the relentless Divine Force of Life. So, in turn, we might flourish along with her.

Creation Care with Your Kids

Support struggling animals. There are several animal species currently on their way to extinction. We can come together and help! We are all a part of God’s creation and deserve the best opportunity to flourish. And our lives will be drastically affected. On the other hand, we have the power to make a difference in our future.

Pick up trash. Head to the coast or to the sidewalks. Bring a bag, gloves, and help clear the land of waste. This helps our animal and plant brothers and sisters. Additionally, it increases our health. Lastly, it will make your community more beautiful to live in.

Clear your garage and pantry of pesticides. The fact of the matter is that these harmful chemicals are decimating insect populations. Why does this matter? Pollinators are something we CANNOT live without. So, we need to stop killing them off inadvertently.

Plant native plants. Dig in the dirt with your kids! First, this increases beauty. Second, you will use less water to keep them alive. Third, the insects will benefit from having plants they are designed to ingest and pollinate.

Create your own Act of Green. Earth Day Network is launching a series of major campaigns to bring about global collaboration. Support the effort by creating your own Act of Green — and helping them reach 3 billion. These acts are anything from quitting smoking to using fabric bags.

Switch to non-plastic bags and wraps. Zero waste alternatives include beeswax-infused fabric wrap, stainless steel and glass containers, silicon storage bags, and so many more. Some of these are easy to make at home with your kiddos, too!

Don’t forget to tell us what you’re doing with your kiddos to celebrate Earth Day in the comments below!

Earth Day Prayer

I leave you with a prayer from St. Basil the Great. As you celebrate Earth Day this year may you feel deep connection to the Earth where we find our home and our peace. And may you find joy and purpose in caring for Her.

O God, enlarge within us the sense of
fellowship with all living things,
our brothers/sisters the animals to whom thou
gavest the earth as their home in common with us.
May we realize that they live not for
us alone but for themselves and for
thee, and that they love
the sweetness of life.

3 Intergenerational Easter Activities for the Young and Young at Heart

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

This Easter, bring together young and old with these intergenerational activities to celebrate the risen Christ.

Reflect together on God’s power to bring life from death, hope from hopelessness. Any of these activities can be adapted for the home or the church. Get creative and relish new life that is all around us as spring comes into being fully once again.

Share with all of us how you’re celebrating with your kids this Easter in the comments below!

3 Easy Intergenerational Easter Ideas

We hear from so many of our customers their desire to cultivate intergenerational connection in their faith families. This brings me joy because this approach to ministry is so spot on. Yet, having been in ministry for almost ten years, I know how difficult it can be to find activities that will serve a wide range of ages.

I hope these ideas make intergenerational connections easy this Easter in your community! Let’s jump right in. Learn how to facilitate spiritual growth, relationship building and theological discovery for you and yours with these simple ideas.

Color together. We’ve got some really fun Easter coloring options this year. Looking for something super easy and relaxing to do? Snag some of our coloring sheets or posters! Use them in the home, during Sunday School or in worship. Consider putting together some discussion questions or pull from an Easter resource. Kids, both in body and heart, will enjoy this time together.

Go on a hike. Hiking is a fabulous intergenerational activity. Get outside together and search for resurrection in the natural world. As winter lifts and spring arrives. the Earth bursts with new life. It may be fun to collect the dead foliage and use it to make an art project. In doing so you’re giving new life and beauty to that which has ceased living.

Plant flowers. Gather seeds, cuttings or potted plants from a nursery, especially those that attract bees. Choose a location and dig in the dirt together. Do this at the church, in your neighborhood, at the homes of the elderly. Gardening is a wonderful intergenerational activity to welcome spring and give life. Discuss the Spirit of God at work in giving life to all of creation as you welcome spring together.

Easter Blessings

We hope you have a beautiful and rich Easter this year. And we hope that these three easy ideas help you form memories together while reflecting on the mysteries of God. And don’t forget! Tell us what you’re planning to do this Easter with your kids.