When you think about what people in your church are in need of the most, what comes to mind? For those of you who just internally or externally shouted, “They need Jesus,” we see you, and you’re not wrong. But Divine intervention aside, there are a lot of things that could make it onto that list. People need information, ideas, support, more time, and a myriad of other things. Not to tell you something you already know, but there is a lot going on in the world and in people’s lives, and we all need help. One of the best ways we can help people as they navigate life today is to care for them in a real way. We intuitively know this, and, for some of us, this is what we want to do. But, because of the unrelenting pace of life and ministry, we often don’t slow down enough to care for people in a real, deep way. As children’s ministry leaders, we may need to shift the way we think and consider making tangible changes in the way we lead. Maybe we need to focus a little less on programs and events and more on people and situations. Maybe we need to stop saying yes to so many things and be highly intentional about creating some margin to care for people well.
If we narrow our focus to parents, we have to recognize that they need care on so many levels because of all the issues they and their kids are dealing with. Not only do many of the parents in your church and community struggle to know how to engage in good and healthy conversations with their kids, but they often don’t slow down enough to pay attention to what is happening to both them and their families. Some things we can do as children’s ministry leaders are to take the time to pay attention to the parents around us, get to know them, and be intentional with creating opportunities to engage in open conversations with them. It’s through these intentional actions and offerings of our most coveted things (our time and our attention) that we can begin to know what is happening emotionally, relationally, and spiritually with the parents and the families around us. Once we have a better understanding of these parents and their felt needs, we can better care for them like the shepherds we are called to be.
In this month’s Coaching Video, we want to offer you and your team some thoughts about how you can increase your focus on caring for the kids, parents, and families in your church. Providing care should be a centerpiece of what we do as shepherds, not an afterthought that gets attention after the program planning has occurred.
Click the image above to watch the video or click HERE!