I’ve been reading from the book Axiom, by Bill Hybels. Great book! It’s not a book aimed at Children’s Ministry leaders, but I have found that virtually every axiom he talks about applies to us! So I thought, this week while I’m out on vacation, I’d pre-schedule a few posts with a few of my favorite axioms.
Axioms for KidMin #1 – Language Matters
Hybels talks about this in the very first chapter. It’s what got me hooked on the book when I looked through it because it’s something that KidMin leaders rarely ever consider. But language DOES matter as you lead your children’s ministry!
Here’s what he says:
The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that capture the imagination, catalyzes action, and lifts spirits. They coin creeds and fashion slogans and create rallying cries, all because they understand that language matters. (page 17)
- Are you thinking through exactly how you will cast the vision? In your large group settings? To a potential volunteer? To parents?
- Are you creating memorable catch phrases for your team to hang on to, ones that enhance & enlarge the vision as they speak?
- Are you (and your team) with the language you use with your kids…is it age appropriate? Is it relevant and not “Christianese”?
