Tag: Church

How You Should Craft A Children’s Ministry Director Job Description

How You Should Craft A Children’s Ministry Director Job Description

How You Should Craft A Children’s Ministry Director Job Description!

Crafting a compelling Children’s Pastor job description requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the specific needs and goals of your church. Therefore, here are the essential steps to create an effective job description:

Job Title and Overview

Begin with a clear and concise job title that reflects the role’s responsibilities. Provide a brief overview of the position in church ministry. You’ll want to highlight the importance of nurturing children’s spiritual growth, fostering a safe environment, and managing volunteer teams’ responsibilities. A Children’s Pastor in a church ministry typically works with children from infancy through fifth or sixth grade.

Responsibilities

Outline the primary responsibilities of the Children’s Minister. This may include working to prepare curriculum and age-appropriate bible learning activities, overseeing Sunday school programs, organizing special events, coordinating to recruit volunteers, and communicating with parents or guardians.

Qualifications and Experience

Specify the qualifications and experience required for the role. This might include a degree in divinity, theology, or child development. It may also include prior experience in children’s ministry or working with that age group. Also, mention any specific certifications or training desired.

Leadership and Teamwork

Emphasize the importance of leadership and teamwork skills. The ideal candidate should be able to inspire and motivate volunteers, work collaboratively with other church leaders and children’s pastors, and demonstrate strong organizational abilities.

Passion for Ministry and Children

Highlight the need for a deep passion for ministry and a genuine love for working with children in the fifth grade and under age group. The Children’s Pastor should be committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals and creating a positive and engaging atmosphere for them.

Communication Skills

Mention the significance of effective communication skills, both with children and their parents or guardians. The Children’s Ministry Director should be able to convey information, share the gospel, and address any concerns with clarity and sensitivity.

Creativity and Innovation

Encourage candidates to bring creativity and innovation to their ministry approach. The ability to incorporate fresh ideas and adapt to evolving needs will help the children’s ministry thrive.

Spiritual Life and Values

Express the desire for the Children’s Ministry Director to be a strong spiritual role model for the children. A commitment to living out Christian values and faith is crucial to effectively lead and guide the young members of the church.

Benefits and Compensation

Provide information about the compensation package, benefits, and any other relevant details regarding working hours, vacation time, and potential growth opportunities within the role.

Application Process

Clearly outline the application process, including where and how to apply, the deadline for submissions, and any additional documents required (e.g., resume, cover letter, references). More info on the application process can be found in a later section.

Contact Information

Offer a point of contact for inquiries or further information, such as the church office or an email address designated for job-related communication.

By following these steps and tailoring the job description to your church’s specific needs and values, you will be well on your way to finding a passionate and capable individual to serve as your Children’s Pastor.

Sample Job Description

[Church Name] is a growing faith-based community dedicated to serving God and His people. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Children’s Ministry Director to join our church community. Responsibilities may include overseeing children’s ministry, managing volunteers, organizing special events, and more. Candidates should have a background in ministry or child development, be able to lead and communicate effectively, and have a deep personal faith.

Key Reponsibilities

Children’s Ministry Director Key Responsibilities

The Children’s Pastor plays a vital role in shaping the spiritual development of children within the church community. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at providing a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment for young individuals to grow in their faith.

Curriculum Development

Designing and implementing biblically sound curricula for the appropriate age level. Ensuring that bible lessons and activities are relevant, engaging, and aligned with the church’s values and teachings.

Leadership and Team Management

In the leadership role, they are responsible for recruiting, training, and equipping volunteer teams to assist in various aspects of the children’s ministry. Providing leadership, guidance, and support to volunteers to ensure effective teamwork.

Sunday School and Programs Coordination

Overseeing the Sunday school program on Sunday mornings and other children’s programs within the church. Working to plan and oversee special events, outreach events, and outings that foster spiritual growth and build a sense of community.

Pastoral Care for Children

Offering pastoral care and support to children and their families. Being available to listen to children’s concerns, praying with them, and providing guidance in their spiritual journey.

Child Safety and Protection

Implementing and enforcing child safety and protection policies to ensure a secure environment for all children participating in ministry activities.

Communication with Parents/Guardians

Regularly communicating with parents or guardians to keep them informed about upcoming events, curriculum, and their child’s progress and involvement in the ministry.

Outreach and Evangelism

Engaging with the local community to reach out to children and families outside the church, inviting them to participate in ministry activities and events.

Resource Management

Managing the budget and resources allocated to the children’s ministry. Ensuring effective use of resources to achieve ministry objectives.

Spiritual Role Model

Being a positive and Christ-like role model for the children and the ministry team, exemplifying a strong and authentic faith.

These key responsibilities provide a comprehensive outline of the Children’s Ministry Director’s role in nurturing the spiritual growth of children, fostering a love for God and His Word, and cultivating a welcoming and supportive community within the church.

Children’s Pastor Qualifications

Sample Qualifications

The role of a Children’s Minister is significant and requires specific qualifications to effectively minister to the youngest members of the church community. While the exact qualifications may vary depending on the church’s specific needs and requirements, here are some common qualifications that are often sought for a Children’s Pastor position:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in theology, divinity, Christian education, or a related field provides a solid foundation in biblical knowledge and ministry principles.

Experience in Children’s Ministry

Prior experience working in children’s ministry or working with the Elementary age group is highly valuable. This experience demonstrates an understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of ministering to children and their families.

Leadership Skills

Strong leadership abilities are essential for overseeing and managing a team of volunteers and staff involved in the children’s ministry. The Children’s Minister should be able to inspire, motivate, and guide the team effectively.

Passion for Children and Ministry

A genuine love for children and a strong passion for ministry are crucial for a Children’s Pastor. This passion drives their dedication to nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals.

Effective Communication

Excellent communication skills, both with children and adults, are vital for a Children’s Pastor. They must be able to convey biblical teachings in a way that is relatable and understandable to children while also engaging with parents and guardians.

Creativity and Innovation

The ability to bring creativity and innovation to children’s ministry programs and activities helps keep children engaged and interested in learning about their faith.

Child Safety and Protection Training

Knowledge and adherence to child safety and protection policies are critical to creating a safe and secure environment for all children involved in ministry activities.

Team Player

A Children’s Pastor should be able to work collaboratively with other church leaders, staff members, and volunteers to integrate the children’s ministry into the overall vision and mission of the church.

Spiritual Maturity

A deep and growing personal relationship with God, coupled with a commitment to living out Christian values and principles, serves as a strong foundation for effective ministry.

Continued Learning

A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, attending relevant conferences, workshops, and training, helps a Children’s Pastor stay updated on best practices in children’s ministry.

It’s important to note that while these qualifications are valuable, a heart for serving God and His children is the most significant attribute of a Children’s Pastor. Their genuine love and dedication to nurturing the faith of the youngest members of the church community make a profound impact on their spiritual growth and development.

Application Process

The application process for a Children’s Pastor position should be well-structured and straightforward to attract qualified candidates while efficiently gathering the necessary information for evaluation. Here is a typical application process:

Job Posting and Advertisement

Create a detailed job posting that includes the key responsibilities, qualifications, and information about the church and its children’s ministry. Advertise the position through various channels, such as the church website, social media platforms, denominational networks, and Christian job boards.

Application Submission

Clearly specify how candidates should apply for the position. Provide instructions for submitting their applications, which may include an online application form, email submission, or mailing the required documents.

Required Documents

Outline the documents candidates need to submit, such as a resume, cover letter, references, and any other relevant materials requested by the church.

Initial Screening

Review the received applications to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications and requirements. Shortlist candidates who best align with the position’s criteria for further evaluation.

Interviews

Conduct initial interviews with the shortlisted candidates. These interviews may be done in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Prepare a set of relevant questions to assess the candidates’ qualifications, ministry philosophy, and fit for the church’s culture.

Reference Checks

Contact the references provided by the final candidates to gather insights into their character, work ethic, and ministry effectiveness.

Candidate Assessment

Assess each candidate based on their qualifications, experience, alignment with the church’s values and vision, and feedback from interviews and reference checks.

Offer and Onboarding

Finally, extend an offer to the selected candidate and negotiate the terms of employment, including compensation, benefits, and start date. Once accepted, provide a smooth onboarding process, including introductions to staff and key volunteers.

Especially remember to maintain open communication throughout the application process and show appreciation for the candidates’ interest in serving the children’s ministry. This is because a transparent and well-organized application process will reflect positively on the church and attract dedicated and qualified individuals to lead the children’s ministry with excellence.

Sample Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Your resume and/or CV, which should include your education, experience, and ministry background.
  2. Three to five references from previous/current staff such as pastors, elders, etc.
  3. A statement on your personal faith journey and theological beliefs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Tailoring the Children’s Ministry Director Job Description for Your Church

Tailoring the Children’s Ministry Director job description to suit the specific needs and values of your church is essential for finding the perfect candidate. Firstly, begin by aligning the responsibilities with your church’s vision for children’s spiritual growth. Then, emphasize any unique programs or approaches your church employs.

Seek qualifications that complement your congregation’s culture and emphasize the importance of collaboration and team building. Highlight the church’s child safety and protection policies. Customize the job description, because you can then ensure that the Children’s Ministry Director embodies the heart and soul of your church, fostering a thriving and impactful ministry for the youngest members of your community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Children’s Pastor

1. How can we ensure the Children’s Pastor is a good fit for our church culture?

During the interview process, assess the candidate’s compatibility with your church’s values, vision, and ministry approach. Make sure to also involve key stakeholders in the evaluation and seek candidates who share your church’s mission.

2. What role does the Children’s Pastor play in the larger church leadership team?

The Children’s Pastor should collaborate with other church leaders to integrate children’s ministry into the overall vision and activities of the church. Additionally, they may participate in planning meetings and contribute to the church’s growth.

3. How will the Children’s Pastor involve parents and guardians in the ministry?

The Children’s Pastor should have a plan to communicate regularly with parents, keep them informed about ministry activities, and involve them in their child’s spiritual journey.

Article written by: Shiloh Kaneshiro

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com

19 Vibrant Easter Service Ideas to Bring Life to Your Church

19 Easter Service Ideas to Bring Life to Your Church

19 Vibrant Easter Service Ideas to Bring Life to Your Church

 

1. Fresh Easter Branding

Having an Easter logo, theme, or fresh branding can help attract attention. Remember that if you don’t have a designated graphic designer on staff, plenty of free and premium resources for church graphics are available.

You can utilize your Easter branding in:

  • Marketing materials
  • Landing page
  • Stage design
  • Service elements
  • Church motion graphics

Easter can be an ideal time to launch a new brand for your church or refresh an existing one.  Or, the branding could be related to your sermon series content. The branding could be tied into an extended sermon series either leading up to or following Easter. This helps you build more long-lasting momentum around the Easter weekend.

2. Set Up an Easter Landing Page

landing page is a single page on your website dedicated to a specific purpose. In this case: Easter! An Easter landing page keeps your information organized. It gives your members an easy place to go for service info and send people they’re inviting.

Before the big weekend, the Easter landing page can help you increase engagement and gather leads, allowing you to grow your community and find out more about who is coming to church. You can also store resources and follow up information on the landing page, such as

  • Sermon notes
  • YouTube videos
  • Devotionals or resources
  • Next steps for connecting to the church
  • Upcoming events

Also, optimize this page for local SEO, using keyword phrases that incorporate your city and location. Think about appealing to people who will be searching for terms like “Easter services near me” or “Easter church services in ____(insert your city).”

And make your Easter experience and service times prominent on your church calendar!

3. Create an Easter Hashtag

Create a hashtag for Easter at your church and use it in your marketing materials and church’s social media pages. Ask people to share what they’re doing on Easter with the custom hashtag.

Hashtags are a fun way to get everyone in your church involved. You can also gather all your hashtagged posts to one place, like Pinterest or Instagram, for an easy way of tracking what’s happening at church. Remember to keep it simple to avoid typos, and clear so people understand what it means.

4. Easy Easter Service Ideas for Invitations

Make it easy for your members to invite people to church on Easter. In the weeks leading up to Easter, you can encourage members to grab posters, flyers, and invite cards to hand out. Don’t forget to include the landing page URL and hashtag in all your print and digital advertising.

Another idea is to supply digital resources to your members, like graphic invites. Give simple scripts for in-person, email, or text invites that members can copy and paste. You can also share Easter invite social media graphics that people can post on their favorite platforms and tag their friends.

5. Distribute Neighborhood Invites

Empower your church members to invite their neighbors! You can create marketing materials for them to post and hand out. Some ideas for spreading the word about your church service include:

  • Easter door hangers
  • Yard signs
  • Posters for bulletin boards and common areas
  • Easter baskets with little goodies and an invitation card

These are just a few examples of how to get the word out and warmly invite new guests to church.

6. Community Outreach

This is a good time of year to think about your community helpers, first responders, teachers, and neighborhood organizations.

Handing out Easter baskets, lilies, or baked goods are all a nice gesture. Or, you can sponsor a breakfast to show appreciation. Teachers, medical professionals, first responders, and a local charity or business are all perfect candidates for an Easter gift.

Although the point of this is to simply serve and express thanks, you should also include information about your service times. People in your surrounding community are waiting for an invitation!

7. Easter Service Project

What about a service project tied to the Easter season? This can be beneficial in many ways, and represents the spirit of loving sacrifice we seek to live out. Everyone loves egg hunts, and perhaps you can provide one somewhere in your community where there is a need or lack of resources. You could partner with a local school or nonprofit for an Easter event, picnic, or another service outreach opportunity.

8. Easter Egg Hunt

Speaking of egg hunts, we’re all familiar with this tradition, but could you brainstorm creative Easter egg hunt ideas to put a unique twist on the event?

In addition to a mad scramble for candy, eggs can be part of various games, scavenger hunts, and contain special high-value prizes.

Timing of your Easter egg hunt can also be strategic. Hosting an egg hunt in the community, or partnering with a community event, prior to Easter provides a good opportunity to invite to Easter services.

Having an egg hunt on Easter weekend itself can also be a draw for families with kids to attend service.

In addition to candy and small toys, creative ideas for your Easter egg hunt can include:

  • lawn games
  • obstacle courses
  • sidewalk chalk drawing competition
  • food trucks
  • petting zoos
  • and other Easter-themed activities

9. Digital Advertising

Digital marketing and online advertising are a must in today’s world! People are constantly on their phones, and this is a primary way for people to communicate.

While traditional advertising methods like mailers, radio, and billboards can still be effective, they can also be expensive.

Digital advertising is a great way to expand your reach cost-effectively. Easter ideas for marketing could include google ads, social media ads, or digital banners in local email newsletters or websites. Read more about different types of social media and digital advertising here.

10. Preparing Hearts and Minds

Many rich traditions are connected to resurrection Sunday. Some denominations (and nondenominational churches) emphasize the preparation time leading up to Easter. People aren’t just looking for a flashy service. They also want to learn, develop, and experience personal spiritual growth. Easter ideas for your church to prepare spiritually in the weeks leading up to the holiday include:

  • A special prayer calendar
  • A Lenten or Easter devotional
  • Some form of fasting
  • A focus on Holy Week and events that took place leading up to Easter Sunday

You can house these resources on your Easter landing page, and distribute them in social media content.

11. Special Service Times

Easter is a great opportunity to add additional services to your regular schedule to expand on the Easter story. Easter ideas for church service times include a mid-week service, an evening service on Good Friday or Saturday, or an Easter sunrise service.

Although an Easter sunrise service is often held outdoors, you could also hold one inside if weather is an issue, or it’s more convenient.

12. Welcome Experience

First impressions are everything! Make it a great guest experience for those attending church services by asking the following:

  • What do people experience from the moment they drive onto your church parking lot?
  • Can they clearly navigate where to park and how to enter the building?
  • Is there a greeter or welcome station where people can get information?

The church environment and experience should be consistent with your marketing and branding. For example, put your Easter logo on your signage. Or ave your volunteers can wear t shirts with the Easter message.

Above, remember the most important factor is a friendly smile and connection. Make sure you have plenty of volunteers available to make Easter service memorable.

13. Children’s Ministry Easter Ideas

Your children’s ministry is absolutely vital for your Easter celebration. Safety is parents’ number one priority. With big crowds on Easter Sunday, make sure you have plenty of kid’s ministry volunteers.

Adjust your check-in and check-out logistics to accommodate more families if necessary.

The kids, on the other hand, are looking for a fun factor. Get them excited in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday and encourage them to invite their friends. Some Easter service ideas for children’s ministry include:

  • Decorations
  • Interactive plays sharing the message of Easter
  • Outdoor activities such as a bounce house
  • Special musical guests
  • Dressed up characters for entertaining and picture taking
  • Easter-themed games or treats

14. Easter Service Elements

When it comes to your church’s Easter worship service, remember that you’ll probably have people who have never attended church (or haven’t come since Christmas).

So how can you include elements that make the timeless message of Easter come alive for a contemporary audience?

Consider how you can combine foundational truth and beloved traditions with modern methods and creative elements. For example:

  • Musical guests or special musical features
  • Worship songs that exemplify the resurrection message
  • Special stage design
  • A short skit
  • Spoken word
  • Baptism or communion
  • Live or video-based creative storytelling elements
  • Custom graphics and video clips throughout the service

15. Live Stream Your Easter Service

Remember that there are people who can’t be at your Easter service for one reason or another. For example, they may be out of town, have a medical condition that prohibits attendance, or have other reasons for needing to watch from home.

Live streaming church services is here to stay. In today’s world, people expect you to provide an online church option. Make sure to consider both online and in-room audiences as you prepare service elements.

16. Photo Opportunities

When everyone dresses up in their Easter best, it makes for the perfect photo booth opportunity. We know a church family photo booth is nothing new. But people continue to take advantage of Easter photo booths year after year!

After all, people (especially moms) love capturing themed family photos on special occasions. And you can have a professional photographer ready to snap photos of everyone in their Easter best.

Subtly incorporate your church branding or name into the photo booth setup, and encourage people to use the hashtags you came up with as part of your Easter ideas. Then, when people post their photos online (as they’re sure to do), it will help spread the word about your church.

Another approach is to invite photographers and families to take photos at your church in the weeks before and after Easter. You can use an outdoor setting, mural, or photo display or open the doors during certain times to use an indoor display.

Search Pinterest or Instagram for creative Easter ideas for photo backdrops.

17. Water Baptisms

Easter is the perfect time for water baptism. Baptism is a symbol of resurrection and new life, which is the Easter message. People have the opportunity to invite their friends and family not only to a special service, but also to a significant milestone in their faith journey.

18. Giveaways and Goodies

Every great celebration includes treats and gifts. Also, providing a giveaway after service gives people a reason to linger and connect with others.

While food, coffee, sweet tea, and dessert are always popular, you could also consider handing out a physical gift people can take home like t shirts, mugs, or notebooks.

Or, you could also give out a card that can be scanned for a digital resource or download.

19. Follow Up

The ultimate goal is not to set attendance records on Easter Sunday. Rather, it’s to see people commit their lives to Jesus and follow Him every day. So be sure to plan a follow-up for people who make this commitment for the first time or would like to connect more with your church.

Be sure to use a church visitor card to gather contact info for follow-up. After Easter, send an email with resources to help them in their faith journey. These could include:

  • A replay of the service
  • Links to videos or articles
  • Invitation to a small group or connection class
  • Info about upcoming events and gatherings

Article written by: THOMAS COSTELLO

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com

5 Mistakes Churches Make When Preparing for Easter

5 Mistakes Churches Make When Preparing for Easter

5 Mistakes Churches Make When Preparing for Easter

It takes a lot of work to prepare for Easter services. There are more people attending church this weekend than any other time of year—making your Easter sermon and worship service both an annual challenge and a huge opportunity.

That’s why it’s so vital that your team is firing on all cylinders as you prepare. You want to make the most of this opportunity, and that means you need to think through every aspect of the service.

Here are five mistakes you’ll want to avoid as you prepare for your Easter sermon.

1. Not planning for enough people

Whether your church has been continually growing since Christmas or you’ve had about the same number of people for months, it can be hard to anticipate how many more will show up for Easter. Not only will more of your members show up, but their friends and family are more receptive to invitations, and you’re also bound to have some visitors who simply wanted to be at a church for Easter.

More people means more cars, more kids, more seats, more coffee, more foot traffic, more bulletins, more everything.

Your team needs to look at past Easter services, recent growth trends, and your current member count to estimate the number of people you’ll need to prepare for. Then you need to think through the implications that number has for your children’s ministry, your parking situation, the flow from your foyer to your sanctuary, etc.

How many more volunteers do you need on hand? Do you need to make other parking arrangements? Do you have overflow seating?

Drastically changing the number of people in your facility may change the way you have to use your space. Your team needs to be prepared for that. To discover how your church can best prepare for the Easter crowds and even pack out this year’s service, check out the free ebook, How To Fill Up Your Church This Easter.

2. Trusting unreliable tech

Imagine: You have more people attending your church than you’ve ever had before. Everything is going great—until your presentation software crashes. Or your buggy kid check-in software goes down…again. All of these things contribute to people’s experience of your church and can affect whether or not they come back.

So if you’ve been on the fence about making upgrades, now’s the time. Download the free ebook, Church Technology’s Buyer’s Guide today for a comprehensive technology purchaser checklist.

3. Not offering digital giving

You’re going to have more people in attendance than any other time of the year. Even if you tell visitors not to put anything in the offering plate (besides contact cards, of course), you can expect increased giving because more of your members will be here on this weekend.

But if you don’t have an online giving solution, you’re leaving money on the table. People carry less cash and write fewer checks, but the vast majority of American adults carry a credit or debit card. Digital transactions have already become the norm, but many churches are lagging behind. They expect people to prepare for the offering by stopping at an ATM or grabbing their checkbook (which they almost never use).

If you don’t offer digital giving, there will be people who feel led to give but can’t—not because they don’t have money, but because you can’t accept their money.

4. Not having a follow-up plan

What happens after your Easter service? How do you get all those visitors to come back? And what are you going to do with all those contact cards?

Some of your visitors may come back on their own. But if you don’t have a clear follow-up plan in place (like an email series), you’re not making the most of this opportunity. In order to maximize the number of people who return after their experience on Easter, you need to think about the most appropriate next step for them to take, and the best way to tell them about it.

What do you want visitors to know about your church? How will you encourage them to make you a regular part of their weekend? Make sure your church is ready for the post-Easter period long before Easter actually rolls around.

5. Starting preparations too late

When you’ve been doing Easter services for years (or even decades), it’s easy to feel like you don’t need as much time to prepare as you used to. It’s not your first rodeo. You know how long things take and you’ve had plenty of practice.

But Easter is such a big opportunity for ministry that most churches start preparing months in advance—especially more seasoned teams.

Regardless of how experienced your staff is, things like recruiting volunteers, securing additional parking, preparing a knockout Easter sermon, upgrading tech, and designing the perfect follow-up plan simply take time. If you start too late, things are going to fall through the cracks. Someone’s going to forget something. Or you’ll encounter problems you don’t have time to solve.

Focus on what you can control

Some mistakes can’t be helped. Especially when your staff and volunteers are under extra pressure. But with good preparation, and by focusing on the things you can actually control, you’ll ensure your team makes as few mistakes as possible—so you can take advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel and celebrate the resurrection with your congregation.

To discover how your church can prepare for a successful, packed out service this Easter, download the free ebook, How To Fill Up Your Church This Easter, today.

Article written by:

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

Kids Ministry – Leaving and Starting Well

Leaving and Starting Well in Kids Ministry

Kids Ministry – Leaving and Starting Well

As an Enneagram Type 1, it was important for me to resign from my 12-year kids ministry staff role the “right” way. But even thinking about quitting felt “wrong.” I’d vacillate between the pull I felt like God was drawing me towards then I’d picture the faces of some of the most amazing volunteers you’ve ever met. I’d think about healthier rhythms for my next season of life and then think of the kids I’d watched grow from kindergarteners who answered “Jesus” to every question, to preteens I’d baptized, to middle-schoolers leading our kids in worship each Sunday. Is there a right way to walk away from such an important role that we love, but feel our season is changing?

There’s probably not one “right” way to leave a job, but there are certainly many “wrong” ways. Ministry transitions are delicate. It feels like there’s a lot at stake, but there are a few questions you can ask to transition well, questions like . . .

How can I leave well?

How can I set up the next kids ministry leader to win?

How can the church champion the next kids ministry leader to win?

How can I start well in a new ministry role (if applicable)?

…and more.

There’s not enough space on your screen to answer these questions in this blog alone so if you’re just skimming, I’d strongly encourage you to take the time to read through our Leaving (And Starting) Well in Kids Ministry resource.

But here are a few basic things to consider, and of course, it’s a list of Dos & Don’ts because, remember? Enneagram Type 1. Okay, back to it..

DO

  • Invite your supervisor into feelings of restlessness or frustration before making any decisions. If safe to do so, attempt to resolve tension and conflict that may be limiting your perspective.
  • Write an honorable resignation letter.
  • Be prepared to be told it is your last day when you turn in your resignation letter.
  • Complete any paperwork or exit interviews asked of you.
  • Create a transition team.
  • Clean out your desk and office and organize supply closets/ministry spaces.
  • Leave a programming schedule so your replacement can choose to keep Sundays feeling the same for the kids.
  • Develop a communication plan for how you (and other staff) will communicate the transition to people.
  • Take the high road in all conversations and interactions.
  • Allow those you work with (leaders, co-workers, volunteers, etc.) to honor you adequately (this is closure for them too).
  • Thank everyone you can, including every single volunteer, and cheer for what’s coming next.

 

DON’T 

Sorry to say “don’t” so many times, but without it, might you think it’s just another do list? 

  • Don’t rush your transition, and don’t drag it out.
  • Don’t stop working hard just because you know you are leaving.
  • Don’t leave before all your commitments are fulfilled.
  • Don’t leave gaping holes by leaving right before a big event.

 

See? All those words, and we haven’t even gotten to Starting Well. Again, this free resource can help!

The truth is, I know that many of these ideas work best in a healthy church setting. And, if you’re leaving a toxic culture, it may not be possible to do all of these things the way you’d ultimately want to. It’s also true that if you’re starting somewhere new, there may be a moment where you realize there isn’t much you can do to start the way you may have hoped. If any of that is the case for you, I’m sorry. If you need someone to vent to, your Orange Specialist is a great person to process with or please feel free to reach out to me phil@thinkorange.com.

Transitions are never easy and rarely fun. The fact that ministry is so relational and kids can have difficulty understanding changes can make this even more challenging. Thank you for doing what you’re doing. Thank you for investing in the faith and future of the next generation. It has mattered and will continue to matter long after you’ve moved on to what’s next.

Article written by: Phil Summers

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

Preparing a Powerful Easter Service as a Worship Pastor

Preparing a Powerful Easter Service as a Worship Pastor

Preparing a Powerful Easter Service as a Worship Pastor

Easter is a great day for celebration in the church! It’s also a great day for a gallon of coffee, nerves, anxiety, and stress… If you’re a worship pastor of course.

We kid, but if you are a worship pastor, you can probably relate on some level. The only reason those of us in the church get stressed about Easter is because we recognize how important of a holiday it is. There’s going to be people in the seats/pews that don’t normally attend church, and this is there chance to hear the Good News – perhaps for the first time!

That’s exciting, but it’s a big responsibility to bear. You probably have a lot on your plate, and it can be difficult to figure out what the most important tasks are to get done first. So if that’s where you’re at right now, here are ways that you can adequately prepare for Easter church services as a worship pastor!

Be on Top of the Schedule

You need to figure out scheduling details far in advance to Easter services. While it may be easy to find band members last minute for regular Sundays, people take time off for spring break and go out of town. If you aren’t on top of the schedule for Easter weekend, you’re going to be in a last-second pinch trying to find musicians.

Also, while you’re not “technically” supposed to have favorites, you know which of your team members are most talented and come most prepared to rehearsals. Try to touch base with all volunteers that you most want to be a part of Easter service far in advance to lock them in for the weekend! Easter is an important weekend for everyone – including the band – to put their best foot forward in providing an incredible worship experience for the congregation.

Get Creative with the Music

Easter is a great Sunday to not follow your typical: “2-songs, worship words, offering song” pattern. Not only are you trying to make the service unique and engaging for new attenders – you’re also trying to tell a story. That alone sets up a great canvas for creativity in your worship songs.

Before searching for songs, talk with your pastor to figure out what you want the overarching “vibe” and atmosphere to be on Easter. Are you going to go with a stripped acoustic folk type of setting, or an upbeat “Hillsong Young & Free” type of vibe?

Also, get really creative with transitions. Easter is not the time for awkward dead silence and capo changes between songs. If you’re using tracks, trying setting them up to seamlessly run into each other. If not, plan for the band to carry those transitions with swells between songs to make everything seamless.

Find Engaging Visual Media

Easter is a time to have fun with your church’s visual media – whether that’s mini-movies or motion backgrounds for lyric screens. Just have fun with it! Find stuff that compliments your stage design and lighting choices for each song. Look for vibrant backgrounds and try to choose media that accompanies the mood of each song.

We’ve created several collections, such as Paint FlowPaint Swirl, and Vapor that are vibrant and versatile in mood through different available speeds and colors.

Rest and Prepare Your Heart

None of this matters if you show up on Easter Sunday exhausted, groggy, and frustrated. And trust us – if you don’t get the rest you need and prepare your heart in advance, you absolutely will. You want to be excited and present on Sunday morning. Your worship team feeds off of it. Your staff feeds off of it. The congregation notices and responds to it.

Do what you need to be at your best on Easter Sunday, because your mood contributes so much to the atmosphere and emotions of everyone else there. Get a full 8-hours of sleep that week. Spend time in prayer and in Scripture, reflecting on the importance of this season and reminding yourself of why this day is so important and exciting to be a part of. Recognize the blessing you have to be a part of it and show up on Sunday ready to focus all your attention on making the experience incredible for everyone there!

Article written by: Emma Tarp

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

Five Easter Ideas for Church Growth and Giving

Five Easter Ideas for Church Growth and Giving

Five Easter Ideas for Church Growth and Giving

Celebrating Easter and Christ’s Resurrection is the cornerstone of your church and your ministry. It’s what you stand for and how your worshipers define their personal commitment to God. No wonder Easter is one of the most attended worship services of the year!

Most of your congregation will gather together on April 9th to celebrate God’s miracle. A quarter of first-time church visitors will seek you out specifically on Easter Sunday. Easter church attendance is one of the most impactful holidays that can open doors for new church growth and giving.

So, what’s the best way to harness that faithful energy and engage your congregation all year long?

The key is creating special events that extend beyond Easter by using modern tools to connect with your church family easily and quickly.

Here are five innovative Easter ideas for church that will engage your fellowship throughout the Easter season and keep them returning all year long.

1. Reimagine Sunday Church Dinner

Church services and Easter egg hunts are mainstays, but how about hosting Easter dinner to share with your larger community? Churches have figured out how to do this at Thanksgiving. Why not Easter Sunday? It’s a perfect opportunity to bring Jesus’ teachings to those who need them most. Same great message, at a new date and time.

Make volunteer scheduling easy.

Manage food and volunteer sign ups easily with church volunteer scheduling. Many church members probably have favorite family recipes they’d be proud to share. From the Easter menu planning to leading children’s craft activities, keeping track of it all online will ensure a smooth event. Plus, noting members’ special skills helps you engage them in your next service project. (An online cookbook, perhaps?)

Mobile giving makes donating fast and simple.

Not everyone in your congregation is a seasoned chef. Make it easy for kitchen-challenged members to contribute to the cause with mobile payments through apps for churches. Donation management software helps you identify these donors when you’re looking to fund your next special project!

Make it a recurring event.

Continue hosting Sunday Church Dinners monthly or quarterly to keep spreading God’s Word. Church leaders can use this great opportunity to engage younger members in direct service to marginalized populations. They can help serve food or visit with guests. Be sure to use your church apps to spread the word about #SundayChurchDinner on social media.

2. Create a religious experience through art

Are there a few hidden Michelangelos among your flock? Start a new church tradition showcasing artistic creations by your congregation. From textiles to watercolors and woodworking, there are many modern interpretations of the Resurrection. Display them in your foyer or sanctuary.

Spotlight members, build community.

Use church volunteer scheduling to call for entries and organize volunteers to lead the event. It’s a great way to recognize and keep track of talented artists when it’s time for holiday decorating and the church bazaar.

Text, tag and spread the word.

Share the art collection on social media and your website. Rotate the art and host a monthly ‘gallery opening’. You can use church management software to text details about the event creating a sense of excitement and urgency within the broader community.

Explore new ways to engage.

At the event, set up a QR code through your apps for churches so visitors can sign a virtual guest book. Add these contacts to your database for marketing and outreach about future events. This also helps you chart visitors as they begin their unique spiritual journey at your church.

Mobile apps are simple and intuitive. They’re also a great way to include your Millennial and Gen Z members. These young tech savvy generations will love feeling ‘in the know’ as they set this up for you!

3. Re-enact the Easter story, God’s greatest miracle  

You don’t need a lot of props or preparation to deliver this defining moment of Christianity. The beauty and retelling of this story never gets old.

Make participation easy and fun.

Some churches host a ‘no-rehearsal performance’ with on-the-spot volunteers stepping up to improvise and share Jesus’s story. It’s a great opportunity for families!

You can find short scripts online and share copies with your actors. The imperfect efforts to read and act out the parts will endear your audience. The whole sanctuary will connect in this authentic moment.

Go viral with video.

Be sure to make a video recording of the event. Use apps for churches to post on social media. Tag church and community influencers and use #Easter related hashtags to increase organic traffic. Social media sharing is a great way to engage your Gen Z and Millennial members, while also scoring on church marketing

Refresh your website content.

Drive traffic to your website by uploading the video to your homepage. Or write  about creating the performance in your newsletter or blog.  You’ll be amazed at the uptick in views when people can watch friends in their community. Use your church management software to subscribe website visitors to your newsletter. Include an opt-in for text messages. Texting is great for sending short reminders about upcoming services, too.

4. Connect through service

Acts of service are a fabulous way to connect new members or worshipers returning after a gap. Kick off a new service project with an announcement during your Easter worship service. It’s your largest audience and a great way to share about the purpose, goal and timelines in person.

Choices boost participation.

Direct members to your church volunteer scheduling to gather volunteer contact info and share upcoming service projects dates on your church calendar. There are many ways to serve God and your community. Offer a variety of projects that focus on underserved populations such as the elderly or food deprived, local environmental initiatives or education. Joining a group of people with similar skills and passions creates a sense of belonging. And feeling like you belong in an active church group is what keeps members coming back.

Feedback matters.

Create quick church surveys and gain valuable feedback. Learn what worked and what didn’t. You’ll discover new ideas and service projects that interest members. When you share those results with your community, they’ll feel seen and heard by church leaders. Collecting input can drive positive change and help worshipers rediscover their sense of purpose.

Celebrate a job well done.

Share a meal and memories of completed acts of service. Ask volunteers to upload photos to use for future outreach and church milestones. Their shared experiences will create lasting bonds in your community. Encourage volunteers to bring a friend to learn about the projects and your church.

5. Share His songs in a concert

There are just so many inspirational songs, including them all on Easter would create one very long worship service! So rejoice together at a special time.

Group singing uplifts us all.

Like group prayer, the power of our collective voices transforms us. We feel God’s support and love through song. Recent blockbuster movies about gospel concerts may inspire your congregation.

Celebrate talent in your church community.

Invite musicians in your congregation to perform. It’s a great way to discover fresh voices and original new music. Welcome area musicians to perform, too.

Spread His Word.

Definitely record this event and use it on your social channels. Encourage members to share it on their social stories. Add new music to your church set to keep current with trends of the younger generations of worshipers.

Easter is the most important celebration of your faith. This worship service in your church is the perfect platform to share in God’s love and welcome new visitors. But the power of this miracle transcends this special Sunday. Your ministry shares his Word all year long. We encourage you to explore all the modern avenues to engage your community on Easter and throughout the year.

Article written by:

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

Tech Trends That Will Shape Church in 2024

Tech Trends That Will Shape Church in 2024

Tech Trends That Will Shape Church in 2024

Technology is constantly evolving, and churches are no exception. Church leaders are increasingly looking for ways to use technology to reach more people, engage their congregations, and streamline their operations. We spoke with Joe Palombo from Church Production Magazine about tech trends for 2024 on the Church Solutions Podcast.

Here are a few of the most important ones to watch:

1. Continued Growth of Hybrid Church

Hybrid church, which combines in-person and online services, has become increasingly popular in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. Hybrid church allows churches to reach a wider audience, including people who are unable to attend in-person services due to illness, disability, or other reasons.

2. Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is already being used by some churches in a variety of ways, such as to personalize outreach, generate creative content, and automate tasks. In 2024, we expect to see even more churches adopting AI-powered tools and services.

3. Continued Rise of the Metaverse

The metaverse is a virtual world that is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way churches operate. In the metaverse, churches could offer virtual services, host online events, and create immersive learning experiences.

4. Growth of Digital Giving

Digital giving has been on the rise for several years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. More and more people are choosing to give to their churches online, and churches are responding by offering more convenient and secure giving options.

5. Focus on Cybersecurity

As churches become more reliant on technology, it is important for them to take steps to protect their finances, members data, and other systems from cyberattacks. In 2024, we expect to see more churches investing in cybersecurity solutions and training their staff on best practices.

If you are a church leader, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the tech trends of 2024:

  • Assess your current tech needs: Take some time to assess your church’s current technology use and identify any areas where you need to improve.
  • Create a tech plan: Once you have identified your needs, develop a plan for how you will meet them. This plan should include specific goals, timelines, and budgets.
  • Train your staff and volunteers: Make sure that your staff and volunteers are trained on how to use the technology that your church is using. This will help to ensure that your church’s tech ministry is running smoothly.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest trends: Technology is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. This will help you to make sure that your church is using the best possible technology to support its ministry.

You can help your church to stay ahead of the curve and use technology to reach more people and engage your congregation in new and innovative ways.

Reach out to us, we are happy to talk. Since 2001 our seasoned ministry staff has worked exclusively with churches and ministries around the world. We have monthly webinars to equip you for ministry. Click here to learn more.

Article written by: SCTV TEAM

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

20 Bible Verses for the New Year

20 Bible Verses for the New Year

20 Bible Verses for the New Year

There’s no book that’s more hopeful than the Bible. For those of us that need fresh faith in the new year, there’s no better place to start than the Scriptures. Here are 20 Bible verses that can give us a renewed sense of hope, wonder, and faith in 2024.

The New Year is one of my favorite seasons of the year. It’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings–a time to let go of what’s behind you, and press into hope for what lies ahead.

There’s no book that’s more hopeful than the Bible. For those of us that need fresh faith in the new year, there’s no better place to start than the Scriptures.

In the following article, we’ll take a look at 20 different Bible verses that can give us a renewed sense of hope, wonder, and faith in 2024.

What Does the Bible Say About the Start of a New Year?

In Jewish tradition, the start of the new year is traditionally celebrated in September or October during Rosh Hashanah (literally, “head of the year.”) Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of “The Days of Awe,” a 10-day period of “repentance and introspection.” The final day is Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. In Judaism, these are two of the most important holidays of the year.

Though we might celebrate the new year during a different month than in the Bible–and though most of us may not partake in Jewish traditions during this time–the new year can still serve as a significant time for followers of Christ.

That’s because the Bible is full of verses that encourage us to look ahead to the future with hope. Throughout Scripture, we are continually reminded to put our hope in God, let go of the past, and live with anticipation for the coming of Jesus.

20 Bible Verses for the New Year

Here are 20 Bible verses that can encourage you in the new year. Try reading through these carefully, asking the Lord for guidance, and praying through individual scripture passages to encourage you for the next 12 months.

Bible Verses About Letting Go of the Past & Looking to the Future

The Bible often encourages us to let go of what isn’t helpful and press on ahead to the future.

  1. Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

  1. Philippians 3:13-14

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

  1. Proverbs 4:25-27

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

  1. Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

  1. Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Bible Verses About Hope for the Future

The Bible always, always encourages us to hope for the future.

  1. Isaiah 65:17-19

See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

  1. Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

  1. Romans 5:3-5

And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

  1. 1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

  1. Ephesians 1:18-19

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Bible Verses About Strengthening Yourself for the Future

The Bible does not encourage a passive faith, but a faith that actively presses into the truth of Scripture and the strength of God.

  1. Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  1. 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

  1. Hebrews 12:12-13

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,”so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

  1. Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Bible Verses About What to Expect for the Future

Finally, the Bible tells us what to expect for the future as believers in Christ.

  1. Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

  1. James 1:12

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

  1. Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

  1. Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Getting Your New Year Off to a Good Start

The best way to start the new year is with Jesus. Take some time to reflect on the past year, ask God for specific Scriptures to believe for the new year, and meditate on His faithfulness and promises. Remember–January 1st can be a fresh start and an exciting new beginning.

Article written by: Kelsey Yarnell

Article taken from here.

MinistryJobs.com/blog

4 Ways to Win Between Christmas and New Year’s Day

4 Ways to Win Between Christmas and New Year’s Day

4 Ways to Win Between Christmas and New Year’s Day

In the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, consider these four ways to refresh from a hectic ministry year.

Every job has its perks. Netflix doesn’t track vacation hours. Facebook has nap pods. Ben & Jerry’s rewards its employees with three pints of ice cream every day. And if you’re a ministry leader, most likely you get the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day. (Hey, we’re not drawing comparisons here, just stating facts!)

 

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be some of the most joyful and impactful of our ministry careers. We often get a front-row seat to the radical generosity of our faith communities. We hear and celebrate stories of life change. On the other hand, these weeks are also some of the toughest on our minds, bodies, and families. After all the planning meetings, shopping, decorating, video shoots, rehearsals and services are finally complete, the seven days between Christmas and New Years are a welcome reprieve from the hustle. And while you may immediately begin to feel the urgency of the Spring calendar around the corner, remember that this week offers you some unique opportunities to grow as a leader (and a human) more than any other week throughout the year.

 

After a season of commitments to your ministry, here are four commitments you might consider making to yourself on the morning of December 26th.

 

1. Rest

 

Set your away message. Delete the Mail app from your phone. Disconnect in all the ways you have to and truly rest. Christmas services have likely emptied your tank, so find ways to refuel your mind and body in the ways you need most. Sleep, read fiction, laugh, go on a nature walk, eat three pints of ice cream, build a nap pod and then sleep some more. Find the ways that rejuvenate your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual ecosystem, and make a plan to give those things focused attention this week. As we’ve learned from our friend Candi Shelton, “Our leadership and ministry actually thrive when we are connected to the experience of being human.”

 

Read: Why Rest Matters for Human Leaders

 

2. Play

 

Discover ways to inject some fun into this week. In my own life, I’ve found that the moments I have been most exhausted or weary have also been the moments I’ve been completely disconnected from the unique things that give me life. This week, ask yourself, “What brings me joy?” and commit to making it happen. It might be pursuing something creative like art, dance, or scrapbooking, binge-watching your favorite movies from when you were a kid or planning an outdoor adventure with friends or family. See how much more inspired you’ll be to return to work when you’ve awakened your innate drive for play.

 

3. Learn

 

Leaders are learners. And, if we’re not intentional, ministry has a special way of keeping you working in it instead of on it. Consider carving out one day this particular week to learn about a subject you feel like you never have time for – work-related or non! Read a few chapters from your favorite author on leadership, find that podcast you saved ages ago, or review notes from a conference and create some action steps. You may also want to use this time to research and plan some time for individual or group learning next year. Think through book studies or online courses (like those from Orange Masterclass) that you may want to lead with your team or set new ministry goals based on learning from the past year utilizing tools like the Orange Assessment.

 

Remember

 

Lastly, this week offers the perfect opportunity to practice the art of remembering.

 

“Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced” (1 Chronicles 16:12 NIV).

 

Take the time to reflect on the goodness of God throughout 2022. Note the highs, lows, your greatest lessons, and dream of how you want to grow and move forward as a leader next year. Worship is remembering! Personally, my favorite tool to use is called the Great Annual Examen. It is derived from a 400-year-old method of prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Developed by Stephen W. Smith, it’s a simple question-and-answer exercise that invites you to review five categories of health – physical, emotional, vocational, relational, and spiritual – and then guides you through a process of thinking through how those may be improved or restored in the new year.

 

Win the week between Christmas and New Years and give yourself the greatest chance to enter 2023 with the strength and mental clarity necessary to reach the next generation.

Article written by: Daniel De Jesús

Article taken from here.

Find more blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog

How to Plan Your Church Calendar A Year in Advance

How to Plan Your Church Calendar A Year in Advance

How to Plan Your Church Calendar A Year in Advance

New year, new you! Ok, maybe not a completely new you. But January 1st offers a fresh opportunity to set your church calendar up for success in the new year. Building out an entire calendar advance can feel intimidating, but it can help reduce overwhelm and scrambling later on in the year. Looking at your content from a bird’s eye view can also help you avoid obvious holes or redundancies in your focus, so you can have a balanced and holistic array of events and series throughout the year. While I can’t help you plan your calendar, I can provide some helpful tips for getting started in the planning process this new year:

Map out your big events.

While every year is different, calling for fresh vision and ideas, the church calendar follows particular rhythms that repeat year in and year out. Holidays like Easter and Advent occur at the same time each year. Seasonal events like Fall Kick Off and New Years Series do, too. Don’t forget favorite events like women’s or men’s retreats, vacation bible school, or Giving Tuesday. Use these annual events and recurring series to anchor your calendar. Once you have them in place, you can identify the white space around them to fill out the rest of your calendar.

Identify “felt needs”.

With big holidays and seasonal events accounted for, you can begin to fill the rest of the year with additional series. Here is where you have more leeway to customize the content to what is relevant to your particular congregation, right here and right now. If you don’t have this insight already, check the pulse of your people. What things are they struggling with? How do they want to grow? What makes them curious? What themes are emerging in conversations and small groups studies again and again? Use these things to inform the series and events that will populate the rest of your calendar.

Iron out your workload and budget.

With your events and series scheduled in advance, you can begin to identify the workload and budget required to pull them off. If you start with your budget for the entire year, you can allot resources and volunteers to each event accordingly, making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Even though you aren’t at the place to plan each event in detail on January 1st, having an idea of the resources required will help jumpstart your planning when the time arises and ensure you have the things you need in place when it does come around.

The team at Motion Worship is praying for your inspiration and vision as you lead your congregation into this new year. With a little bit of effort and intention, you can set up your calendar to serve and support you during the year so you can spend less time scrambling and more time being present with your people. We pray that God’s spirit will be with you and your staff, guiding you as you craft an intentional and edifying calendar of events for this new year.

Article written by: Emma Tarp

Article taken from here.

Find more blogs at MinistryJobs.com/blog