Kids Ministry Matters
Creating children's ministry spaces that make a difference
As published in Worship Facilities, Jan/Feb 2007
Children's ministries have undergone a lot of changes over the generations. It wasn't that long ago that kids sat quietly in their seats, listening to a lecture about some great Biblical moment. And when the teacher asked the group a question based upon the lesson, a half-attentive student could generally raise a hand with confidence and proclaim the correct answer through a pious grin: "Jesus!"
Then came flannel boards and puppet shows. Maybe even a skit. But when all was said and done, children remained solely on the receiving end of the message. The fact is, lectures just don't work. Kids from birth to young adulthood need to be engaged to really learn — especially when it comes to matters of faith. Lessons need to be interactive, relational and applicable. For young lives to be changed for eternity, church for kids needs to be an experience.
However, with today's trend toward megachurches, church staff and elders tend to envision an expanded worship facility when forming their building campaigns. The goal of being able to seat 3,000, complete with multimillion dollar production technology, is where they see the bulk of their investment going. Then, as almost an afterthought, they consider their children's ministry spaces.
The fact is, the future of every church — and of The Church — is the children. And children/ youth ministry spaces and programming must top the investment priority list of every church, whether a new facility is being planned or if the current space is also the future reality.
Why It Matters
George Barna, whose company, Ventura, California-based the Barna Group Ltd., has conducted Christian research for more than twenty years, commented, "Recent studies show that the beliefs a person holds at age 13 vary little during their adult years." Barna's research also discovered that a person's moral foundations are generally in place by the time they reach age nine, and that a personal decision to follow Christ is made before the age of 18.
Does children's ministry matter? You bet. And according to architect Steve Fridsma of Grand Rapids-based architectural firm Progressive AE, "Not only is children's ministry vital to the life of most churches, but the facilities that house them should be considered an investment in the mission of the church — and in evangelism." Children are open to receive Christ. Their attitudes and opinions — their realities — are being formed from birth, and the church must prioritize into its facility design environments that will create eternal imprints on their souls.
What Matters Most
So once the perspective of priority has shifted to children's ministry environments, what should drive the design? As Fridsma emphasizes to his clients, "As in all ministry areas, the facilities for children must follow the church's mission, vision, and values." Above culture, above trends, every aspect of the ministry must reflect the church's philosophy.
With values and vision leading the charge, there are two other primary components to consider when designing kids' and youth ministry spaces. The first is security and safety, especially since the 21st century has brought this issue to the forefront of everyone's mind (globally, nationally and personally). The other is "theming" — creating an inviting concept that can be used throughout the ministry, while simultaneously being modified for the varying age groups. And no matter the building budget, if these areas are effectively addressed, the ministry — and the kids — will thrive.
Blessed Assurance
According to Jerry Halcomb, Founder and CEO of HHArchitects in Dallas, TX, security and safety issues must top the priority list of every church with children's ministry spaces. An effective and efficient safety and security system gives parents confidence and peace of mind about the children's ministry and about the church. Knowing their children are safe and secure, allows parents to attend their worship service (and be attentive!) without worry.
How do you create this kind of assurance? "Having a single-point entry is essential," Halcomb advises. "It used to be that there were three or four ways into the children's area, but that cannot be the case anymore." In addition to a single point of entry, having an efficient, adequately staffed check-in desk is vital. Halcomb adds, "No one should be allowed into the area without a badge or tag." Whatever the tagging method — high-tech or a simple card file system — the check-in and child retrieval process must be straightforward and easily understood, especially by first-time visitors.
While security is key, combining it with hospitality is a must. Hospitality volunteers can serve as welcomers and guides, helping parents locate their child's destination. This additional step in the process adds to the comfort level of parents on yet another level: they not only feel their child is safe, they feel welcomed and embraced. Moreover, while smiling and assisting, hospitality volunteers can double as added security.
Visibility goes hand-in-hand with security and safety. Broadly speaking, the children's area should be visibly obvious within the worship facility to make way-finding easy for visitors. Then, at the classroom level, visibility is vital to all parties involved — the children, the parents and the workers/teachers. Fridsma from Progressive AE gives a clear example of marrying visibility and security. "With our clients, we normally specify toilet rooms with small windows in the doors so that a child is never behind a closed door alone with an adult. This way, everyone is above reproach."
A Spiritual Wonderland
Children's ministry, from infant to teen, needs to be an interactive experience. And theming is the current trendy means to an experiential outcome. Think theme parks and you'll start to get the picture. It's about drawing kids in and keeping them excited. When a child sees a giant Noah's Ark, he wants to find out more — What's inside? What's going to happen? How can I be a part of it? Then he'll want to come back to see what's in store for him next time. And when it comes to theming for interactive learning, every detail matters and contributes to the overall impact of the spaces. "Even the ceiling tiles in the nursery can start teaching and guiding," Halcomb enthusiastically asserts, "so you can create an experience even for the newborns!" If the church staff is creative in its own right and is determined to pursue theme creation on its own, it's vital that the theming is good quality and believable — and makes sense to the age groups for which it is designed. "It's important to recognize," Fridsma notes, "that poorly done children's environments may actually turn off visitors who are looking for a safe and credible experience for their kids." There are actually theming consultants available to help a church's creative team come up with the best designs to work in tandem with the their specific values and philosophy. Firms like Wacky World and Jonathan Martin Creative are in the business of creating fun, impactful spaces to involve kids, educate them, and ultimately, to win their hearts for Christ.
But while you're doing your best to stay cutting-edge, remember to do so with the knowledge that things are always changing. What's riveting today may create boredom tomorrow. "Keep an eye open to what's happening out there," Halcomb advises. "It was just a few years ago that we weren't theming at all…so just be open to repaint!"
Changing Priorities WithoutChanging Buildings
So what if you're not in the process of building a new facility, but you recognize the need to ramp up your nursery and children's spaces? "First, use everything you already have — you have to start out by being good stewards," Halcomb emphasizes. "But not at the expense of the children." The investment in this area is crucial to the church. So just as with new construction, financial priority should be given to this endeavor, with the same essential elements: staying true to the church vision, creating a safe and secure environment, and designing a fun, interactive learning experience.
Good to Grow
Making children's ministry an investment priority is good — no, great — for the primary goal of every church: growth. Halcomb can't be emphatic enough when he says, "Churches obsessively talk about growth, growth, growth…well you'll have church growth if you do this part right." Fridsma agrees. "Many churches have experienced dynamic growth through a new, exciting children's ministry area. When an environment is created that children pull toward, they'll run ahead of their parents. They'll want to be there!" And they'll want to come back, bringing their parents with them. (Then they'll bring their friends…and their friends' parents…) "Most churches should reconsider spending $20 million on a state-of-the-art sanctuary if they can't also afford quality children's environments," Fridsma concludes. It's about reaching the children effectively that matters. "They're open to the message," he says, "with willing hearts and minds."
Children's ministry must be more than an afterthought. And the teaching must entail more than putting kids on the receiving end of the message. Children must be the investment priority — in structure, design, and format. And church for them must be an interactive experience that lets them hear, understand and apply the Truth.
QUICK-LINKS
The Barna Group Ltd.
(805) 639-0000
www.barna.org
Progressive AE
(616) 361-2664
www.progressiveae.com
HHArchitects
(972) 404-1034
www.hharchitects.com
Jonathan Martin Creative
(918) 369-3440
Wacky World
(813) 818-8277
www.wackyworld.tv
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