When do most runners tire out, and what does it take to finish strong? I don't particularly enjoy jogging, but I've done enough of it to know when tiredness sets in.
The greatest adrenaline is released when the starting gun sounds and when the finish line is in sight. Runners fatigue to the point of quitting anywhere around the midway mark and right before the last leg of the race. Between weariness and the end of their competition, they need a surge of endorphins and encouragement to finish strong.
Encouragement from the beginning until the end
We want every leader who serves children and families in children's ministry to start and finish strong. We hope for the day when everyone may say, "I have fought the good fight, I have completed the course, I have maintained the faith," as Paul does in 2 Timothy 4:7. To be sure, each service season is brief in comparison to the long journey of discipleship. Every believer and leader, on the other hand, requires encouragement from beginning to conclusion.
This time of year, individuals helping children, teenagers, and families could use an extra cup of cool water from you.
What can you do to assist your leaders to finish strong in the final leg of their serving race before summer? Every step of the way, as a leader of leaders, you have the chance to breathe life into them. You and your team have four to eight weeks remaining, depending on when your ministry season concludes. Here are nine innovative methods to help you inspire kids to finish strong.
1. Set up water stations first.
Get some paper cups and water pitchers. Place small tables in key locations as water stations for your leaders. Recruit some parents and kids to cheer your squad on while they serve with a cup of cold water and a high five.
2. Distribute protein bars
Who doesn't desire a quick pick-me-up before serving after a hard day at work? When your leaders come, give them an invigorating snack and a word of encouragement. If you have regulations about nut and gluten sensitivities, provide an alternative to protein bars.
3. Make umbrellas available.
"April rains bring May flowers," so keep your leaders dry between their car and the church building to let them finish strong. Recruit a group of volunteers to walk your squad from point A to point B whenever it rains.
4. Make a red carpet entrance.
Give your leaders a royal welcome by recognizing them colorfully and enjoyably. Purchase a long red carpet or a tablecloth roll. Place it at the entranceway of any building where your leaders will be arriving or meeting. Take lots of images and let everyone know how great your squad is on social media!
5. Use chocolate coins to pay.
Volunteers aren't paid, but you may still let them know how much their work is appreciated. When you see your leaders serving in elegance, give them chocolate coins. (Payday or 100 Grand bars in snack size also work!)
6. Play some upbeat music in the hallway.
By modifying the tempo, you may vary the tone of any serving season. In the halls, play energetic praise music and see how the leaders' faces light up. This is a simple approach to making children and families happy. Using the power of song, assist everyone in finishing strong.
7. Be in charge of volunteer supplies.
Most leaders have to tote around bags and bins. Wouldn't it be good to give them a rest after doing it all year? As a way to assist their leaders to finish strong, ask youngsters and teenagers to help remove a burden off their shoulders.
8. Decorate totes with "thank you" messages.
Purchase one simple tote or reusable lunch bag for each leader in your ministry from your local "dollar shop." Set up a coloring session for the youngsters, or send the bags home with the families to personalize. Give them to leaders as a thank you for spending all year in the lives of youngsters.
9. Gold medals are given out to commemorate the occasion.
Give your leaders a gold award for their dedication. You're unlikely to be able to purchase 14K medallions, so go for plastic instead. Invite the leaders onto the stage in front of the children. Then, lead the audience in an absurdly long round of applause.
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