This is a guest post by Larry Hillman
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Why would someone want to attend your church?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? I mean think about it for a moment. Why would someone want to attend your church? What are you doing that would make someone want to attend your church rather than the one down the street?
On Sunday, walk around your facility and make a list of the things you see that would impress or be pleasing to those attending for the first time. Some things to look at would be,
- Are children’s rooms inviting by their colors and furniture arrangement.
- Do you have age appropriate chairs and tables.
- Are there large signs making it easy to locate rooms.
- Do you have friendly people greeting them, asking what departments they are looking for and then escorting them to those departments.
- Are your rooms ready to receive children at least 30 minutes before service time.
- Are volunteers present with lights on, music playing and activities for children to engage in until service starts.
- Are the lessons fun, energetic and enjoyable.
- Is your music age appropriate, energetic and relevant.
You may not be able to offer everything that the mega-church down the street offers, butyou can make sure that children enjoy the time they spend with you.
Recently I asked this question to a group of pre-teens with one little change. I asked,
“Why would you want to attend a church?” They came up with what they thought I wanted to hear: Spiritual, Godly, etc. But as we talked we got past the surface and they began saying what they really would like about a church. It all came down to two things: Fun, and friendly people.
No matter how spiritual we are we can’t forget that we are dealing with people, andpeople, especially children, enjoy having fun.
We should make every effort to have our children leave each and every Sunday talkingabout what a great time they had at church.
What about you? Would you rather go to a church where you enjoy the experience, or one where you endure the experience?
Why would someone want to attend your church?
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Larry Hillman has always had a heart for reaching out and helping children. His career has spanned from school teacher to children’s pastor to national children’s camp speaker to author of children’s and leadership books. His encouraging words and unique way of approaching children’s ministry is a must read for every Kidmin worker and leader.
Catch up with Larry via his Facebook page & website!
