There is nothing more frustrating than finding out you could have made one small, timely change that would have made things much better throughout a curriculum unit or ministry season! That's why evaluation is a key to success. But don't just evaluate after completing a unit or season. Good evaluation requires an ongoing process—which will lead a program to maximum effectiveness. You can do that by:

• Evaluating as a team for a few minutes at the close of each week, while impressions remain fresh. Ask "How did we do?" and "Is there anything we can be doing differently to be more effective?"



• Having the whole team (or at least several team members) participate in problem solving when issues arise.



• Doing regular check-ins with your volunteers to see how different portions of the weekend program worked. Consider posing the same questions to parents.



• Asking kids what they like and what they don't like about the service. That's where you'll get the most honest feedback of all!



• Tending to little problems right away—when they come to your attention—before they become too big to control.



• Being willing to make changes for the sake of the children in the program. Something may sound like a great idea in the planning process, but does not turn out as expected. Be willing to let go! Holding onto something that isn't working frustrate everyone—even the kids.



• Being willing to regroup. If major problems arise, then you need to go back to the drawing board to plan. Outline your major problems and what's causing them. Are you trying to do too much in too little time? Have you set your sights too high or not high enough? Do you need to pick up the pace, or slow it down a little? Do you have enough volunteers to be effective? These are all factors that can cause tremendous stress on your program. But don't fret. Just be willing to deal with them early on, make the necessary changes, and move on!

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Operations'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.