Back in the 19th century Pinkerton Security had a list of values that are still a good example for today.
+ Satisfy client needs
+ Empower and respect our people
+ Embrace high ethical standards
+ Work as a team
+ Reward innovation and improvement
We all know how frustrating it is to go to a store that is not meeting the above values. Ask yourself if there are any areas where your church or your children's ministry is falling short.
1. Do you satisfy the client needs? Are you having to turn away infants because you don't have enough workers? Are the children excited about the program you offer at EACH grade level. For example, many churches have found that 5th graders aren't happy being in with the K-4th and have found other curriculum to satisfy their clients' needs. Who are your clients? First and foremost- God. Is he satisfied with what you are teaching or would he hope that you are drawing the students a little closer. Is your worship time all hype and no heart? Do you help students learn His word?
Parents are clients as well. Are you allowing them to drop off their kids early enough to find a good seat for service? Are you making sure their kids are safe? Are you taking the time to understand their child?
Your pastor is a client. Is he/she happy with your results? Are you trying to force him to see things your way instead of looking at how he would like things done? (As an evangelist I see the frustration level, but he is still your boss and a client.)
The children are clients. Are they learning about God. Will they look back as adults and say, "I learned that in Sunday School"?
2. Empower and respect our people: Volunteers are not paid, but they can still be empowered and respected. Should the first grade teacher have to hunt down a table on Sunday morning? Set up a table and chair chart and post it in the room for the custodian or for the last group who used the room. Do your teachers have any say in the curriculum choice? If they choose it they will use it. Do you show them respect by supporting them when there is a complaint? Do you ever stop in and listen to them teach? (Many don't! You know how much you would love to have your pastor stop in for 5 or 10 minutes. Your teachers would love to see you as well!) Do you ever have a brainstorming session with your workers? How about a luncheon after church to say thanks?
3. Embrace high ethical standards: This probably isn't a problem. Be careful of gossiping about workers or kids, however.
4. Work as a team. Most workers feel like they are not a part of the decision making process. This leads to early dropout as a volunteer and a feeling of not truly being needed. By having a meeting you can show a big picture of all the needs and how important each person is to keeping the wagon rolling. Take out one spoke and the wagon could collapse!
5. Reward innovation and improvement. I am totally amazed at how volunteer workers are AFRAID to give input. Their ideas are generally struck down rather than rewarded. Have a suggestion box. Send an email out to your workers asking for suggestions. Even if you don't like the idea you can thank them for their suggestion. People in church are often trained not to try to change things. Why is that? Reward them for innovation and improvement with a hearty thank you and a step in the direction they point.
-Submitted by children's evangelist, Tony Borders who meets with children's pastors on a regular basis.