Since it’s mid-December, you may have already watched, quoted, and laughed along with the movie Elf. If not, you still have time! It’s the comical tale of Buddy — a man raised as an elf at the North Pole — who ventures to New York City in search of his father.
The big-hearted and child-like Buddy offers us many lessons that can serve us well in Kids Ministry. Pop in the Elf DVD tonight and think about the lessons in these Buddy the Elf quotable quotes.
1. “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”
Smile. Remember how Buddy looked with that huge, goofy grin spread all the way across his face? It might be cliché, but “it’s contagious.”
2. “So, good news – I saw a dog today.”
Be easily enchanted. Few things compare with the light in a first grader’s eyes or the giggle of a four-year-old. Soak in the little things about your day, and let them energize your week.
3. “Francisco! That’s fun to say! Francisco… Frannncisco… Franciscooo…”
Learn names. Know what one of my favorite words is to hear out of a person’s mouth? “Cristy.” It gives me a feeling of belonging and worth when others know me by name. Learn your kids’ names and their parents’ names.
4. “It’s just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture.”
Constantly be on the lookout for others that share your affinity for elf culture (also known as kids ministry). Talk with them about what’s worked for them, and/or recruit them to your team.
5. “How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?”
Get to know your volunteers. A few questions will reveal how you can be praying for them.
6. “First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.”
Plan out your Sunday to the minute.
7. “You did it! Congratulations! World’s best cup of coffee! Great job, everybody! It’s great to be here.”
Be an encourager. Always be an encourager.
8. “I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.”
Persevere. When you’re running low on volunteers, when there’s cheerios crunched into the carpet, when parents are yelling, or when kids are crying, persevere.
9. “Oh, I forgot to give you a hug.”
Admit when you make a mistake and give lots of hugs.
10. “I love you. I love you! I LOVE YOU!”
Remember how God feels about you. You’re serving these kids and families to bring Him glory. Let others know how crazy The Lord is about them while remembering He feels that same way about you!
