Tag: ministry

Administration, KidMin, Preschool Ministry

Help! I’m the New Preschool Minister!

Dr. Val Davidson

Where do I begin…

No matter how much experience or training you may have…that first day in your new office as the director of a preschool ministry will be overwhelming…and it is hard to know where to start. Here are a few tips to get you started whether you have already been doing this for a while or it’s your first week.

Take a deep breath and don’t panic. There is a lot to do but you are only one person and you cannot do everything at once. We usually recommend that you do not make any major changes in the first six months to a year. It is important for you to take a good look at the ministry, evaluate how it works, and get to know your volunteers. Even if you know the schedule may work better a new way or you really don’t like the material and want to change publishers, it will be better for everyone if you move a little more slowly than you would like. Take the time to build relationships and create a team. It will give people a chance to get to know you and see your heart for the ministry. The only exceptions to this rule would be safety and security issues.

Safety and security should be your first evaluation, make sure the preschool hall is as safe as possible. Walk through the classrooms, make sure they are designed for safety. Review emergency policies, check-in systems, and ratios. Confirm that the volunteer schedule provides for at least two adult leaders in each classroom. Take time to research policies for safety and security. Find materials from your denomination leadership, your church’s insurance company, and your state’s guidelines.

Remember that every child – at every age – can learn. Encourage your volunteers to use the material you provide each week. Tape the weekly verses on the walls in the nursery. Schedule training opportunities for your leaders so they can learn how to use the material more effectively. As Preschool Ministry leaders, we are partnering with parents to help lay a biblical foundation for kids to develop a relationship with God. The church must provide age-suitable, Bible based activities but remember that your community is unique. The programs provided do not look the same everywhere. Get to know your families and find how you can best partner with them.

Finally, make your personal spiritual growth and prayer time a priority. You are leading from the overflow of your relationship with Jesus – so it is vitally important for you to make the time to spend in the Word and in prayer that is not connected with preparation for teaching. We believe that when you make the time to spend with God – He provides supernatural productivity to get everything else done.  

The first year of ministry can be a challenge and you may face some resistance when you begin to make the changes your feel are necessary. Never stop learning or listening. Understand you will never make everyone happy…know God called you to this position and trust Him.

Also, you can check out our podcast episode and listen in as Virginia and I talk about where to start when you first begin serving as a preschool minister HERE.

Discipleship, leadership

Networking & Mentors

Dr. Virginia Brennan

It is common knowledge that having a mentor is valuable, and in turn being a mentor to others is a responsibility of leadership, but the perennial question remains – HOW to find a mentor or begin a mentoring relationship? Ministry can be difficult, and building relationships with other leaders to share experiences and encouragement can be the difference between longevity in ministry or burnout. 

Conferences and events can be great places to make new professional connections and begin new relationships. However, networking and relationship building isn’t limited to physical, in-person gatherings. Networking can also take place online through social media groups, discussion boards, online cohorts, and other online areas where people gather to share and ask questions about a particular topic.

When you come across someone new, interesting, or with whom you would like to build a relationship, you can start by striking up a conversation at an in person event, or contacting them online. The fear of rejection is real though! Striking up a conversation about the topic at hand can be a great way to start. 

When in-person networking, it’s important to be mindful of people’s time, the schedule of the event, and be observant of normal social cues. We don’t want to monopolize anyone’s time, but a quick introductory conversation is typically appropriate and welcomed. You can always offer to exchange contact information to continue the conversation later.

The most important key is to not be afraid to reach out, and begin the conversation! In our podcast episode I share an example from my own life when a conversation at a conference led to a great friendship and years of encouragement! 

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss networking, mentors, and building new relationships in ministry.