Build Better Kids' Ministry Meetings

Now that you’ve prepared well for a meeting, consider how you might lead strong during the meeting. Of course, we all know that agendas and great facilitators are key to keeping a meeting on track. And, a good goal of every meeting is active participation from all members. Recently, I evaluated the methods I used to encourage meeting participation. I realized that the only method I employed was asking a participant to verbally share his opinion. I decided to experiment by encouraging participants to share their opinions during meetings via texting. I asked a question and waited for participants to text me their answers. What I discovered was so interesting: several of the more quiet participants texted their answers first and had really great ideas. Without the new form of participation, I would have missed these ideas.

Consider spicing up your next meeting by encouraging various forms of participation. It may seem like extra work for the meeting leader, but if you are able to utilize various forms of communication during a meeting, you ensure the best possible results! When passing along an agenda, consider sending it in multiple formats: email, paper, text, or even posted on a blog. While leading a meeting, consider multiple mediums to communicate a point: show a training video, text participants an interactive question, record an audio of your voice, or pass around a magazine article. If you meet regularly as a group, decide together which methods will accomplish the goals best!

And, finally, whenever possible add a few extra elements of enjoyability into your next meeting.

1. Unpredictability. Changing meetings up just a bit always seem to make them more enjoyable! One time, I moved a meeting to Chuck E. Cheese so that we could brainstorm new games for kids. It was fun, unexpected, and brought an extra level of energy to our time. Add unpredictability by changing the meeting tools. Instead of using pens, everyone must use crayons to take notes!

2. Games. Play a game that’s fun and also helps move the meeting forward. A few years ago, during a big ministry presentation meeting, I wanted to introduce our team to the rest of the group, so I included a baby photo of each member and had the rest of the group guess who was who. It was super fun and served a purpose that helped accomplish our goals throughout the meeting.

3. Sensory Experiences. For your next meeting, create a checklist that includes sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell experiences. Adding video, photos, sound effects and music are a great way to incorporate sight and hearing. What about placing an item in a paper bag that participants have to touch in order to discuss the next agenda item. Incorporate taste by bringing samples of food you plan to make or buy for your volunteers. Host a taste test during the meeting critiquing the samples and deciding on the food that’s just right for volunteers! And, why not bring a small candle or Christmas air freshener when planning the Christmas programming schedule. Adding sensory experiences is a great way to accomplish the goals of the meeting in a super fun way!

Meetings are important and can be enjoyable while being productive! And, when they’re enjoyable, more is accomplished, everyone leaves motivated, and you’ve got happy team members. Spend time preparing, considering the environment and adding extra doses of enjoyability. When you do, you’ll be well on your way to building a better meeting. 

Amy Dolan is addicted to great meetings and obsessed with eliminating bad meetings forever. Amy is a children’s ministry consultant, blogger, curriculum writer, and tweeter (@adolan). She lives with her husband Kelly in Chicago and drinks far too much coffee.