A month ago, we paid a repairman to tune up our furnace. As winter approaches, our furnace faces an extremely busy season—it makes sense to tinker and fiddle during the calm, low-use time.
One week ago, we called the same repairman because one portion of the system stopped working as it should. Based on the description I provided over the phone, he knew which new part to bring. When he arrived and looked at our system, though, he immediately discovered something quite different than he anticipated.
Less than 10 minutes later, the system worked fine. No new part needed, just a minor adjustment. I felt relieved when he told me I saved a small bundle of money by not needing the replacement switch. When I reached for my checkbook to pay for the service call, he told me that the fix went so easy and fast there wouldn’t be any charge. Just a couple of bucks for gas.
My feeling of relief turned to a feeling of delight. “Give me a call whenever you need anything,” he said.
Call him again? You bet. Such a pleasant surprise, such integrity—makes me want to invite this infrequent visitor for Christmas day with our family. Sing carols around the fireplace. Have our picture taken. Become a regular guest in our house. You know what I mean.
So how does this experience relate to ministry? Let’s take a closer look at four elements of the repairman episode.
First, a busy season approaches. Specifically, Christmas. So it makes sense to tinker and fiddle with plans and preparation now while everyone’s calm. Many ministries plan (or purchase) their lessons in advance, but what about all the other moving parts? That brings us to the next point.
Second, keep in mind that families will arrive at church anticipating Christmas as usual. Some décor. Volunteers wearing holiday sweaters. Lessons and music about baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and don’t forget the angels and animals. All good stuff, of course. So your challenge becomes this: How will you surprise them with something different? (Live animals is overdone and not worth the hassle.)
A guitar player and two vocalists, maybe all high school students, in the hall singing Christmas music. A backdrop for a photo op before the service, and pick up the pix after the service (moms will love you). Free coffee outside your check-in and check-out points (now dads join the lovin’). An activity where kids make cards that tell Mom and/or Dad “I love you, thank you for being a great parent.” I’ve seen all these work well because they’re easy, fun, and surprise families.
Third, remember that many infrequent visitors attend church at Christmas. As such, they will form an impression about your ministry in the first couple of minutes upon arrival. Data shows that people decide whether or not to return in the first few minutes they spend with you. And the first few minutes of children’s ministry are spent in the hall, stowing coats, checking in, and other non-lesson activity. So make that impression immediately, rather than waiting until later.
Finally, remember that the upcoming season offers a unique opportunity for you to impact the rest of your ministry year. How? Whether we like it or not, attendance around Christmas spikes. When you delight people in ways that capture their attention, they might decide they want to return. And you serve people well when you help infrequent visitors become regular guests.
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. —1 Corinthians 9:22-23, NIV
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David Staal, senior editor of Today’s Children’s Ministry, serves as the president of Kids Hope USA, a national non-profit organization that partners local churches with elementary schools to provide mentors for at-risk students. Prior to this assignment, David led Promiseland, the children’s ministry at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. David is the author of Words Kids Need to Hear (2008) and lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, with his wife Becky, son Scott, and daughter Erin. Interested in David speaking at your event? Click here
©2010, David Staal
