Preschool Ministry – It’s Not Just Toys & Goldfish!
Monday, July 27, 2009 5:00
We had our first Preschool Leaders Meeting preparing for the fall today. I think the Preschool leaders are the unsung heroes in Children’s Ministry! There is not much recognition or many accolades given to those who toil in what is too often an overlooked ministry. Thanks to the people at ReThink and First Look for helping everyone see that you can really make a difference in this age group with some focus and planning.
One of the first things we wanted to do this fall is define the WIN. I think too often it is considered a win if there is no “Ouch Report” and the child’s claim tag matches the parent’s receipt. While both of those are good things I think we are shooting a little low if that’s the goal. Preschoolers are like a sponge constantly learning all the time. We have the opportunity to pour into those little hearts and minds, molding their character and their first impressions of God. We know that society is constantly pushing information down to younger and younger ages and we as the church need to be actively communicating God’s message to the youngest of our children.
For our Preschool Ministry here is how we have defined the WIN:
Kids feel safe and loved.
Kids are engaged in the small group, Bible story time, worship, and prayer.
Kids are participating in the small group activities.
Kids are having fun.
Kids leave able to say the lesson’s ‘Bottom Line.’
Kids feel connected to their leader and the other kids in the group.
Essentials to WINNING in the Preschool Ministry:
Build meaningful relationships with the kids.
Learn kids’ names and their parents’ names.
Interact with every child in your group.
Interact with parents when they pick up their kids.
Pray for the kids in your small group.
Connect with your kids outside of Sunday Morning.
Remember birthdays and celebrate special events of your kids.
Spend at least 20 minutes preparing each week for your small group lesson.
We have a great group of dedicated Preschool Leaders who understand both their opportunity and their responsibility. Our continued prayer is that God will draw more and more committed adults ready to invest in these little lives.
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