Expert Lays Out Keys to a Thriving Children's Ministry
SpongeBob from the Nickelodeon, Big Bird from Sesame Street; and newcomer Sportacus from Lazytown - these silly characters from popular children's television are more than mere child’s play.
A little yellow sponge. A big yellow bird. A speedy Scandinavian superhero.
“So what is it that makes kids line up around the block for them, while we bang our collective heads against our Bibles trying to make Sunday mornings anything but boring?”
SpongeBob from the Nickelodeon, Big Bird from Sesame Street; and newcomer Sportacus from Lazytown - these silly characters from popular children's television are more than mere child’s play, says Aaron Reynolds, an award-winning writer and children’s ministry expert.
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Like them or not, Reynolds says, they ride into town each day and enjoy success similar to that of an ice cream man on a hot July afternoon.
“Dig beneath their respective spongy, feathery, and spandex-shrouded exteriors, and you'll find the stuff of creative genius,” adds the ten-year veteran of Promiseland, the children's ministry at Willow Creek Community Church.
For Reynolds and others in children’s ministry, the question is: how can they develop a thriving children's ministry—one that strives to be the best hour of every kid's week?
In Christianity Today, Reynolds lays out three key points to a successful children’s ministry.
1. Make Kid Stuff Serious Business
If serious about reaching children, the first step is to immerse in children’s world and their culture through careful study of their media outlets and grasp how the professionals reach their target.
2. Change Seats
The next step is moving out of a spectator seat and into a practitioner’s chair. As a children’s ministry program director, evaluate the programs and materials critically and pay close attention to children’s reactions.
3. Figure Out the "Why?"-Not Just the "What?"
Finally, discover the “why” from “what” for more transferable value to bring to or incorporate into Bible lessons.
SpongeBob’s silly style of humor serves as an indicator of an approach children view funny.
Sesame Street’s magazine format – element change every five to seven minutes - serves as young children’s attention keeper.
Lazytown’s use of music and sound effects is what creates the show’s remarkable energy.
Aaron Reynolds is the producer and artistic director of Promiseland, who has written and produced over 200 creative lessons, drama scripts and videos for kids and families.
He is the author of several children's books, including his four new books The Tale of the Poisonous Yuck-Bugs, The Nineteenth of Maquerk, Breaking out the Bungle Bird, and Chicks and Salsa.
