Hey Connectors!
Earlier this week, our fearless leader Pastor George posted a note about growth. He reflected on how the growth at Connections has two sides- the excitement of being part of an amazing Christ-centered movement in this city and also how it also can bring a certain amount of fear. Fear of the unknown or of missing the mark perhaps.
Along with growth, also comes the "growing pains". I would like to ponder the "growing pains" for a moment, in relation to family ministry.
Connections has been blessed with people who value family. We have a booming populous of little Connectors. They bring such joy and life to our church. I don't need to tell you how precious they are or that they are the future lights of this world- right?
At the beginning of this year, the need was so great, that we were able to open a fourth classroom for our 3-5 year old age group. The preschool class has been booming ever since. I believe this past Sunday we had 15 kids in that class alone! You can all guess where I'm going with this....
Here's the math:
- 4 classrooms X 2 staff (minimum) per class = 8 staff (minimum) to lead each week
- 2 to set-up and take down every Sunday morning.
- 1 registration table to staff every Sunday morning.
- 1 person to monitor hallways and classrooms for our kids safety every Sunday morning
In the midst of our new growth, we are experiencing a sort of "reduction" in volunteers in family ministry. We've taken a hit in volunteer numbers because of many factors. People moving and job changes have cut our volunteer base dramatically.
My job is to take care of family ministry at Connections. My job is to ensure the safety of our kids and to have volunteers who want to teach these kids about the wonders of our God and the love He has for us. My job is to help provide a complete family experience at Connections.
That can only happen if everyone at Connections recognizes that it is our responsibility as a whole to bring family ministry to fruition. One person cannot do it. Six people cannot do it. An entire church family can.
I struggled with an idea that was brought to me. The statement was that if you have children who are using a family ministry program and you are an active member at Connections- then you as a parent should have a contributing role in family ministry.
I recognize that not everyone has the capacity or desire to lead a group of kids. But there are many jobs at Connections that do not require a leading/teaching role. Perhaps setting up or taking down a classroom could be your role, taking on cleaning the toys/mats once a month, sitting at the registration desk to sign kids in to their classrooms.
All of these roles are just as vital to family ministry.
I fear that if we do not grow in volunteer numbers and catch up with the growth of the church, the volunteers we do have will burn out (sooner rather than later) and the safety of our kids will be compromised. A church can only keep up its growth if we have a complete program for everyone in a family.
I ask you to pray.
Pray for growth in our volunteer base. For Christ-centered, enthusiatic leaders, for dedicated set-up/take-down people, for kind faces at the registration table and diligent persons to clean our toys and mats.
I hope this is food for thought and that God brings some "pain-reliever" quickly to family ministry.
Blessings to you!
Sarah Devries
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