With 2012 coming to a close, now is a great time to reflect on
the highs and lows of the past year with your ministry team. I
encourage you to debrief the year that was 2012 with your team to
get a better idea of what to do and whatnotto do in 2013. And while
you have your team gathered, consider making a list of resolutions
for your ministry-a wish list of goals for the New Year. Here are
five ideas to get you started.
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- Develop
a Handbook - First and foremost, a ministry hand book should be
at the top of your list. If you already have one, you should take
another look at it and see if it needs reworking. If you haven't
developed one, the New Year is a great time to start. Anita Weldon
has a fantastic
eight-step process to help you create a handbook that will help
guide your ministry throughout 2013.
- Get
Organized - Organizing your ministry means more than cleaning
out the supply closet. Jolene L. Roehlkepartain has created a
list of 18 tips and tricks to help get your ministry geared up
for years to come. My favorite tip from Jolene? Write a mission
statement. "Hang it where you can see it. Periodically ask yourself
whether the work you're doing fits your mission statement," she
says.
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Start a Daycare - While this may not be an option for all
ministries, starting up a daycare may be an undertaking worth
considering and just the thing your community is looking for. Carla
Williams wrote a
fantastic article about the pros and cons of creating a church
daycare from your ministry. It may be a great way to reach out to
families in your area.
-
Connect with the Pastor - Encouraging your senior pastor to
connect with your kids is a great way to build bonds in your
church. We've come up with
17 suggestions to get you started, like giving your pastor's
office a mini-makeover (simply filling a file drawer with balloons,
candy, puzzles, etc.), or asking him or her write a short note to
your kids.
-
De-stress Yourself - We've said it time and time again-you've
got to take care of yourself so you can help others. We asked
children's ministry veterans how they
stay stress free through the year, and their answers may
surprise you (drink plenty of water!).
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What does your ministry do to roll in the New Year? What goals
have you set for 2013? What are some of your highlights from 2012?
Share with us using the comment section below!
