3 Elements of a Successful Children's Ministry

I've been asked recently what I would consider a successful children's ministry, especially when it comes to parents.

There are a lot things to do in kids ministry.  Sunday morning programing, Wednesday night, VBS, Egg Hunts, fall outreaches, small groups and so much more. It's easy to get overwhelmed with what you need to do next and what needs to be the top priority.

These three things are not an exhaustive list, but if you can do these 3 things repeatedly over time, you will have a successful ministry regardless of what programs your running.

1. Safety

In today's world safety has to be your top priority.  I'm one of the ones that thinks the best in people and truly believes that nothing is really going to happen.  That may be naivete, but I do know that not everyone thinks this way, especially moms.  They're first question, especially if their leaving their children with you is "Are they going to be safe?"  They want to know that everyone is background checked, you have a solid checkout system, first aid kits are well stocked and people are trained in CPR and first aid.  If you can afford it, even having a police presence is helpful. 

All of this sends the message that you care about their kids safety and that they will be as good or better after your care than they were before.  I list this first because if the parents don't think you're safe, they won't leave their kids and they won't stay at your church.  Take some time to think through your safety procedures and train your team to be prepared in case of emergency.

2. Fun

The first question a parent will ask their kid after they pick them up is, "Did you have fun?"  For kids fun is work.  If they're not having fun, they're not going to want to come back and if they do they can be disruptive or rebellious to those in authority.

So, what do you do?  Go through every element of your service and ask yourself how can we make this fun.  From the time they get dropped off to the time you're waiting for them to get picked up they should be enjoying themselves. 

I'm not saying that you can't have serious or calm times.  When giving the gospel message, it's essential. However, if you want the kids to engage with your message they need to have had fun before.  If they can have fun with you, your team and/or their friends they will know that you care and are far more likely to listen to what you have to say when the more serious times come.

3. Discipleship

I've gone back and forth on this word for some time, but the central theme here is that your kids are leaning about Jesus and how to live as like Christ.  This is what sets you apart from Chuck E. Cheese and Disney World. 

We have the greatest message to share and it's important that we share it with excellence so that kids not only know the scriptures but how to apply it. Safety gets kids in the door, fun gets them to stay and engage, and discipleship builds a lifelong authentic faith.  

Regardless of how busy you are or what you're doing or what curriculum you're using, you have to have these 3 things.  They undergird everything you do and set you up to have a lifetime a fruitful ministry.

What do you think?  Should I add something to this list? Take something away?  Let me know in the comments!