Promiseland's Values

Once a ministry possesses a clear mission that states what it will do, the next step is to establish core values that guide how it will accomplish ministry. Consider adopting or adapting the following six values for your ministry:

1. We are a child-targeted ministry.

It's amazing how easily this value can get turned around. Because we work with adult volunteers, it's easy to start doing the things that please adults instead of focusing on our target audience. We need to be very clear that we are trying to reach children! Just as missionaries immerse themselves in the culture of the people they are trying to reach, we want to immerse ourselves into and know the culture of children today. We will do what we need to in order to reach this generation for Christ. We need to plan activities that are age-appropriate and engaging to children. The decor in the classrooms needs to communicate that children are treasured. Songs and Bible lessons need to be taught in ways that will best reach and teach children. We must look at everything we do through a child's eyes to create a ministry that reaches, teaches, and loves that child. Our commitment to be child-targeted is absolutely non-negotiable.

2. Lessons will be relevant to today's kids.

Every lesson, example, and activity must be relevant to kids in their life today. We ask, "How does this lesson apply to our culture and world today?" and "How can the Bible truth be relevant in the life of a child today?" For both Christian kids and seeker kids, relevancy is an important key to moving them across the line of faith in Jesus and growing them up into fully devoted followers of Him. Three questions to ask about every lesson will ensure that children discover the relevancy of the Bible.

Know what? The goal is for kids to know the Bible story presented.

So what? Kids must understand the Bible truth in the story.

Now what? Kids must leave with a relevant and personal application of the Bible truth taught.

For example, consider the story of David and Goliath.

A young boy with neither weapons nor sophisticated battle strategy trusted the Almighty God to conquer one huge, insulting giant while frightened adults ran from the task. When the story is over, kids ask, "So what?" They are helped to discover that David knew God was on his side, and with God, all things are possible. That's the Bible truth. But then, we take it a step further. The kids are now faced with the question "Now what? Exactly what does the story have to do with me? How does it relate to my life?"

We can help them answer the "Now what?" question. Kids discover that when they have a giant problem—like when they can't memorize their math facts fast enough to pass the time test at school, or when Mom and Dad are facing giant problems at home, or when a giant bully hassles them at the park—they can know, just as David did, that God is on their side and, with His help, all things are possible!

Being relevant means helping kids see that God's Word is written for them and can be applied to every one of them.

3. We will teach the Bible creatively.

In order to keep pace with the various learning styles of children today, we need to vary how we communicate our lessons each week. The biblical message is so powerful and effective—the same yesterday, today, and forever. But in order to teach in a way that's relevant to our target audience, we often must update our methods of presentation. Set a goal for children to become so fascinated with the Bible stories that they wanted to learn more.

To do this requires a clear understanding of our children's world. Watch their favorite television shows, observe the places they like to eat, play, and learn, and study the ways children learn best. Then put all that information to use in preparing an hour that teaches the Bible lesson creatively through realistic drama sketches, video clips, creative storytelling, contemporary music, or other effective teaching methods. Try surprises, games, and fun activities that vary from week to week. Since we have the most incredible message to tell about the incredible God of the universe, we must never allow the hour to become boring.

4. We will intentionally shepherd children through Small Groups.

Intentional shepherding means modeling Christ to a group of children. Volunteers in a prevailing program will strive to creatively provide important biblical information that is relevant to a child's life. They also understand that building a relationship with a child may be the most effective teaching tool of all.

We have the incredible privilege, as authentic Christ followers, of representing Jesus and modeling what it means to be a follower of Christ to children each week. Kids are greatly influenced by adults who believe in them, encourage them, and guide them. So, volunteers who commit to stay with a group of children to care for them, know them, and disciple them will help them become more like Christ.

5. We will keep children spiritually, emotionally, and physically safe.

Church must be a safe place for children, knowing that safety and security are among a child's highest needs. Children cannot learn well in an environment where they are afraid and don't feel safe spiritually, emotionally, or physically. As children arrive each weekend, they need to feel a genuine warmth and immediate comfort level with the adults who are responsible for them. We need to assure parents and children alike that we have their best interests as our top priority at all times.

What does it mean to offer a spiritually safe environment? Children are in different places spiritually. Kids who are new to church need to have a place where they will not be put on the spot to "know" the Bible or understand a Christian living concept. They can not be coerced into making spiritual decisions that they are not ready to make. Allow them to move in their spiritual journey one step at a time. All kids, seeker and Christian, need to have a safe place where they know that it is okay to ask hard questions about faith.

Emotional safety occurs as leaders who are positive, welcoming, and sincere surround children. Kids are accepted and affirmed for who they are. They are nurtured through kind words and actions by all volunteers. Studies show that kids grow best in environments that are positive!

Physical safety is reflected through having room environments with age-appropriate equipment, background checks and interviews with all volunteers, security tags for all volunteers and staff, name tags on all children, registration processes outside of the Promiseland rooms, and the enforcement of check-in and check-out procedures.

6. Our ministry will be FUN!

A goal is to have our children come back week after week because they enjoy their visit so much they can't wait to return. When kids keep coming back for the fun, we can accomplish our mission by continuing to nurture and teach them spiritually. In order to make our children's ministry the best hour of a child's week, we have to remember to add the fun! And remember, fun affects adult volunteers, too!

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.