The Changing Face of Children's Ministry

There is a new wave happening in the church today!  A move allowing Children's Ministry to be put on display for the larger Church to see.  The reason for this is because we are beginning to see just how important it is to influence others when they are young - under 13 especially!  It's a move that allows and requires us to keep the parents informed on how to pass on a legacy of love to their children and how the Church can SUPPORT that.  So, of course, with that limelight comes some responsibility - but more important an opportunity!

An opportunity to put our best foot forward.  An opportunity to allow parents, church goers and non-church goers just what can be accomplished in Children's Ministry when the church and parents work together.  And an opportunity to show just what kind of quality and effective programming can be put forth.  This brings me to my main point.

I recently received a brochure from a large Children's Ministry para-church group in the mail recently.  It was nicely done - glossy and in full color, laid out well, a good balance between information and vision capturing.  But, there was a one glaring issue for me:  It looked "old!"

• The pictures of the two main people for the organization were ladies in at least their 50's.  There is a difference than BEING 50 and LOOKING 50!
• The names listed as board members were all likely older folks; and though I am sure they are all quite distinguished and respected, only 1 name I recognized.
• The font choice was boring.
• The other pics used were ones someone had simply taken with their personal camera and not professional looking.

There is, however, a New Face of Children's Ministry.  One that includes

• High capacity leaders; 
• Young people excited, passionate and gifted for CM; 
• Uses video to enhance their vision; 
• Works hard at making things look inviting
• Understands that CM can be cutting edge, but it takes work.

Let me show you what I mean....

Here is a site that I would say has "The New Face" of Children's Ministry.  Jonathan, an up and coming young Children's Ministry Leader, does all of those things listed above; including a great video explanation to parents the importance of Salvation and Baptism.  Also, a couple of great brochures on Salvation and Baptism for parents to work through with their kids.

On the other side, here is a Children's Ministry brochure (Not the same one I received in the mail) that shows a good quality, but not all that inviting.  On the surface there is nothing wrong with it, but it tells a lot about they style and "face" of their ministry - Old School.

Now granted, at times my brochures, postcards, posters, etc. I have made up in the church are often not that great (something I am working on), but then again I'm not on a national stage either.  One way to help with this is to find someone with a creative edge and "an eye" for good design.  For instance, this summer one of our interns did this poster for VBS:

To compare here is one I did (Just hurts to look at it!):

Which would you rather be involved in???

Food for thought!