3 Reasons It’s Important to Communicate With Others

Can we talk? Maybe a cat’s got your tongue, but we’re here to help. Here are three reasons it’s important to communicate with others!

1. It’s important to communicate with kids.

In their book Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore, Thom and Joani Schultz explore what’s driving people away from the church and thwarting spiritual growth. People don’t want to be lectured—they want to participate in the conversation.

“We’ve found that all ages—from preschoolers to the elderly—want to engage in conversation,” say the authors. “Think how un-conversation-friendly our churches are designed to be. Sitting in chairs or pews, facing a stage, and looking at the backs of people’s heads are hardly conducive to talking with others.

“And it’s not just conversation people are after. People have questions. They have doubts and have stories they want to share. They wonder about a great many things. But there’s no place for their questions, their doubts, their stories, or their wonderings in church.”

Is your children’s ministry a place where kids can come with questions, share their God sightings, and make discoveries without feeling like faith is a subject in school? A great way to start is by asking conversation-starting questions during your time with kids.

Here are some tips to get you started.

2. It’s important to communicate with your volunteers.

This one can be easily overlooked, especially if you currently have a team of all-stars that can run things even when you’re gone. Talking with volunteers is key to keeping your children’s ministry engine running smoothly. Talk to past volunteers to find out why they left, what they liked most, and what they’d recommend changing. Talk to current volunteers and let them know your plans. And get their input while you’re at it! And finally, talk to future volunteers…all those potential helpers sitting in big church! The first step in growing your team is asking.

3. It’s important to communicate with other leaders.

Jesus said, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). It’s true: God never designed you to do ministry—or life—alone. It’s in the space between people that God shows up.

One of the best parts of training is seeing our friends in ministry gather together in groups for conversations. The conversation (ideas, encouragement, and bonding) that takes place is amazing.

Looking to connect with others in children’s ministry? Try calling up any neighboring churches’ kidmin leaders for coffee. Or go online and find people who are ready to inspire you!

Want more articles for children’s ministry leaders? Check these out.