In the month of January, the days are short, and the nights are long and cold (for some of us). The busy holiday season is over, and many of us feel tired and worn down. Additionally, seasonal illnesses are affecting many homes and churches. Hence, the eagerness and energy of the school year’s beginning have diminished. What can parents, children’s ministry leaders, and volunteers do to fight midyear doldrums and discouragements?
Consider the following…
As these verses demonstrate, this type of spiritual recharging and refreshment is a community endeavor. How can we implement more of this in very practical ways for parents and classroom volunteers?
In my own experience, one very powerful way is to plan a churchwide, midyear children's and youth ministry event that incorporates the one-another elements in these verses. For example, plan a time to gather together and do the following:
- Worship together through song.
- Have a short message from your pastor/elder to reiterate the importance of discipling the next generation. (See the video links below as examples.)
- Read Scripture together (e.g., Psalm 78:1-8 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17).
- Express honor and gratitude for ministry volunteers and parents.
- Include a few testimonies recalling evidence of God’s grace experienced in homes and classrooms.
- Have a Q & A time for parents and volunteers.
- Recommend and/or provide further resources, equipping, and training. (Click here for the home resources, and here for classroom volunteer resources.)
- Pray together.
- Provide a meal or special treat and time for informal fellowship.
In my many years of children’s ministry, I received great encouragement and renewed zeal through our church’s midyear refresh event. It doesn’t need to be a huge event. Even a very simple gathering or a few smaller gatherings can provide much-needed encouragement for parents and volunteers alike.
Here are four short videos to help recharge every parent, ministry leader, and classroom volunteer:
