The Top Fourteen Tips for Effective Children's Ministry - Tip #8 - Keep Focused!

Yesterday I talked about being intentional about what we are doing in and with our children's ministry and said; "Children's ministry is too important to approach it in a hap-hazard way. We must be intentional about what we are doing and why we are doing it." Then we looked at how to be intentional. 

Today's "tip" is similar to yesterday's; today I'm talking about keeping focused . . . and you need a written vision/goal for your ministry if you are going to be serious about staying focused.

It is easy, all too easy to lose focus; to be side-tracked and even derailed by things which do not matter, so, if you are serious about keeping focused, consider the following . . . 

• Again, the first step to keeping the focus in your children's ministry is having a written vision/goals. If you do not have one, focus on doing this as soon as possible!
• And, once again, measure all you do by your written vision/goals. Will a potential activity - or even activities you currently do - help you accomplish your vision/goals for the children's ministry?
• Also, regularly evaluate what you are doing and if you are "hitting the mark". Continue to do those things which you can show are accomplishing the purpose for them.
• Plus, do not let ideas which do not fit with your vision/goals - even good ideas - side-track what you are, "aiming" for with your children's ministry. Measure all you do by your vision/goals and do not get side-tracked from it.
• Know there will be people who have a vision other than the one you have and they very well may cause "trouble". Be prepared. Deal with it however is appropriate when it happens, but do not get side-tracked; keep your focus.

We need to keep our focus in children's ministry, because we want to be "hitting the mark". We also want to be responsible about asking for volunteers - to recruit volunteers for activities which do not further the vision/goals of your ministry is not a wise use of volunteer's time - or your own. Stay focused. Seek God's direction. Measure what you do. Stay focused!

What do you do to make sure you are staying focused with your children's ministry?