2012 is off with a BANG!

A friend of mine once said, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper… the closer you get to the end, the faster it spins." Can you believe we\’re already half way through January 2012. Time really does fly by.

January has always been a time of reflection for me. I time to reflect on the past, make some evaluations, and contemplate and look forward to the future. I’ve done that wilth my personal life and I’ve done that with my ministry.  Below are some of the things I’ve reflected on these past two weeks and have challenged myself for the next 50.

• How’s your walk? You know I\’m not talking about your "gait" or "stride" I\’m talking about your relationship with God. How much of the Bible did you read last year… what are your plans for this year? How much time did you spend talking with and praying to God? And here’s the biggy for me… How much time did you spend listening, waiting, and seeking God’s voice and guidance? The most important relationship is your relationship with God.

• How’s your family? After your relationship with God check on your relationship with your family. Do you remember the eye color of your kids or has it been so long since you saw them they think you’re a visitor? As ministers to children and thier families we are called on to be role models. As difficult as that is (and maybe even a bit unfair at times) the truth is, they\’re looking at us. More than that… your family is looking at you. Make your family a priority in 2012.

• How’s your ministy?  The details of ministry can sometimes get lost but none the less need to be asked… How’s your teacher/child ratio? Do you have a minimum of 2 leaders in every class? Do your leaders stay in touch with and ministry to the kids  and thier families regularly? Is your ministry schedule "family friendly?" Is there a plan in place for reaching unchurched kids and their families? Have you developed and communicated your phillosophy of ministry?

• How’s your leadership?  Do you have a leadership strategy in place? Do your leaders understand your ministry philosphy and goals? Do you have opportunities for your teachers and leadership to grow in their work?  Does your leadership understand and work toward fulfilling their assignments? Do you do all the work or do you empower your leadership to do the work of the church?

• How’s your kids?  Do the kids in your ministry demonstrate Christian character in making decisions? Do the kids see service as something they do not just receive? Do the kids demonstrate concern for others and respond to the needs of others? Do the kids invite and bring kids to church?

Evaluation and planning are key to successful kids ministry. Take the rest of the month to consider where you want to be next year this time. You\’ll never get there if you don\’t know where you’re going.