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Local Fellowship Groups

Several days after making the plans, I got a phone call from my buddy who was hosting the meal. He announced to me that he had several other couples joining the group who worked with children. Several days later the meeting had been moved to my friend's church because there were over twelve of us. Then we just decided to invite anyone and made an event out of it. We sent out several flyers and a few e-mails and made a couple of phone calls. A schedule was set for the evening and responses were coming in like a flood!

By the time I arrived to help with some set-up, the dinner had been moved to the church's gym and we had to hire a caterer. Over eighty (80) people showed up that night hungry for fellowship. We gave several presentations as examples to those who came. One of the original couples presented a puppet skit, I presented a flash object lesson and our host showed a highlight video of some of his ministry to children. We invited several resource dealers to set up booths and many companies sent catalogs and brochures of resources to give away as freebies. We have already been asked by many when the next get together will be.

What does this tell me? It tells me that people are starving for fellowship and networking in ministry to children. If this is the case, if this is the felt need, why not meet that need.

These are several advantages of having a children's ministry fellowship group. First, It gives you a chance to network with others involved in a similar ministry as yourself. Let's face it… there just aren't a whole lot of folks in your church who really know what you're doing with those kids. They don't understand the countless hours or the lack of funds. They don't see your dedication to meeting the needs of every child. And you and I know that no one could ever pay you enough compliments for you to feel appreciated. So, wouldn't it be nice to share your frustrations with someone else and get the encouragement you need? Is there a lack of funds or workers? Prayer with someone in similar shoes will mean so much more to you. Maybe God will use you to encourage and edify someone else. Many people become discouraged and quit ministry to children. You might be the key to loving them back and helping them to create a momentum within themselves once again. (Ephesians 4:29).

One time when I was complaining to a pastor that he never showed me any appreciation for all the work I'd done, he responded with, "Well Jamie, You should know by now that ministry is not all about getting a pat on the back every time you turn around." I thought I would box his ears… but I didn't. What he said, though painful, but true could have improvements made to it. No, ministry isn't all about getting a pat on the back. But, it would sure feel nice once in a while. And a pat on the back from someone who really understands, sill stick with you.

Secondly, fellowship groups will give you chance to share ideas. "My ideas are never any good…" That's a lie from the devil. God gave you your mind and he give's ideas. If you share the ideas God has given to you, then your ideas are excellent. Don't let the thought that you are at a small church stop you from giving your latest ideas. And in the same way, don't let the thought that you are at a big church stop you from gathering others' ideas. Just taking notes about a project may be helpful. How should you handle a certain problem? What would you do to teach a particular topic? Is there someone that will let me come over to their church and see how you do this, that or the other thing? Use people's ideas and invite them to use yours. I've found out that if you're responsible with a simple idea, God will bless you and give you an increase.

I have a very good friend who is a Children's Pastor in Minnesota. He had a great idea for a resource in children's ministry. But he never told anyone about it and didn't want anyone to steal it and take the credit. In my mind he was being somewhat selfish with the ideas the God had given to him. Several months later that same idea was used to create the same resource and my buddy never got the credit anyway. He hid his idea away and God took it and gave it to someone else. (Matthew 25:24-30). Who cares if someone else takes the credit, at least you're being responsible with God's idea!

Finally, the most resourceful part about being in a fellowship group is the trading. Where else can you find others who are willing to let you borrow puppets, music, books or lesson material. Not having to buy $200 worth of lesson material because you can borrow it from someone else could make you a celebrity to your Senior Pastor. At the same time you need to be a blessing to others by making your materials and resources available. (Luke 6:38). If you do this, God will bring an increase to your ministry…read the above scripture.

So get out there and if there isn't already a fellowship group started… start one! Call some folks you know and some people you don't know. Start small and let it grow. Set a date and put together an agenda. Encourage the others to participate in the above elements and you'll find your ministry to children moving and growing with new ideas and resources because of others!

© 1999 Jamie Doyle  This article may be copied to help others.

This article may not be used for profitable purposes or reprinted in other publications unless permission from the author is granted.