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One Way to Say It
Sometimes it can be so refreshing to hear a child's perspective!
by Sue Miller

Topics:	Accountability, Authenticity, Children, Communication, Family, Leadership, Volunteer care, Volunteers
Filters:	Children's ministry, Children's pastor, Christian education, Family ministry, Nursery, Sunday school, Volunteer
References:	None
Date Added:	November 03, 2005

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One of my favorite books is Children's Letters to God by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall. One letter is a request from Ginny, who asks God to create a new holiday to fill the void between Christmas and Easter. Her reason is simple: "There is nothing good in there now." Anyone who lives in Chicago from January to April whole-heartedly shares that sentiment. It's generally cold, windy, and gray—and that's on the nice days.

To add some heat to this meteorologically challenged stretch on the calendar, Promiseland (our children's ministry) lavishes special thanks on our volunteers one weekend each February or March. The kids throw parties for their small group leaders, we bring in food for each service, and we even ask parents to join the festivities. Although this happens at our church during winter months, November's reputation as a month with focus on thanks makes it a very viable option, too. One year we alerted the whole church about the festivities through an article in the weekend printed program, describing reasons why children appreciate volunteers. Here's a copy:

Promiseland celebrates Volunteer Appreciation this weekend.
So what do kids have to say about Promiseland volunteers?

"Miss Jamie lets me say stuff without interrupting me. I wish my brother was like that."
(Thanks to all the small group leaders who really listen to and love our kids.)

"I like the someone that puts all the Goldfishies [crackers] in the cups … they must be a good counter."
(Thanks to all the volunteers who arrive hours early or stay late to set up Promiseland and make it a place kids love.)

"I like the band, especially the guy playing the electric drums—it's way cool."
(Thanks to all the musicians, vocalists and teachers who creatively and relevantly teach the Bible to our kids.)

"The lady at the nametag table always remembers me, but I kind of forget her name."
(Thanks to all the administrative volunteers who make Promiseland safe and fun.)

"Sure are lots of big people in Promiseland today!"
(Thank you to all adult volunteers and student helpers, including those who come in on weekdays—you make Promiseland the best hour of every kid's week … it can't happen without you!)

Now it's your turn. Please say thank you to the volunteers in Promiseland as you pick up your child after this service. They are easy to find—look for the taller people.

Sometimes it can be so refreshing to hear a child's perspective! Can you imagine how honored the people felt who put the "Goldfishies" in cups each week? And they thought no one noticed!

This month, show your volunteers that what they do is indeed noticed—and makes a difference in kids' lives. Using children's words is just one way to tell people you appreciate them. Regardless of how you say it, you might provide the most meaningful "thanks" they receive.

Sue Miller has served for fourteen years as the executive director of Promiseland, the children's ministry at Willow Creek Community Church. Sue consults and trains children's leaders around the world.

This article is taken from Making Your Children's Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid's Week by Sue Miller, Zondervan Publishing, 2004.

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