Why Are There So Few Children’s Ministry Resources For Churches Under 100?

Karl Vaters recently wrote a post on his New Small Church blog (his latest posts are included in the footer of this site) entitled, “Why Are There So Few Resources For Churches Under 50?” which prompted this post about the few resources for children’s ministries in churches under 100. That is 100 people, adults and youth, in the church, not 100 or less children.

In his post he notes that “By most estimates, over 90 percent of churches are under 200, and over 80 percent are under 100. In fact, it’s not unusual for half of the congregations within a denomination to have 50 or fewer people in attendance.” So why does there seem to be so few resources geared toward small church children’s ministry? Let me offer some possible reasons.

The busy small church children’s ministry Pastor/Director

This echoes what Karl wrote in his post. The individual serving in children’s ministry in a small church simply has limited “free time” to develop resources. Many are volunteers and sacrifice their time to serve. When they are not serving, they are focused on full-time non-church jobs, caring for family, and more.

Consider this website and resource that God has led me to begin. Time to develop this site and resources for it are limited. I work a full-time non-church job with a one-way commute of over an hour. That accounts for about 12 hours of my day. I also serve part time in our small church which, if spread out, accounts for 2+ hours per day. Add a recommended 8 hours of sleep per day (which rarely happens) and that leaves a mere 2 hours per day for other things. Weekends do allow for a few more “free” hours to develop resources, but one must also be careful to take proper rest.

There simply is limited time for those actively serving, and with experience, to write and develop resources.

The lack of small church experience by church leadership writers/speakers

This also is one of Karl’s reasons in his post. I have attended several national conferences and when I question those leading and teaching, asking what advice they have for those serving in small churches (or volunteers), they get that “deer caught in the headlights” look and really do not have any advice. They cannot relate so they go to the default, “you’re our heroes”. Many will say that “I’ve served in churches of all sizes” but you soon see that the focus is on a larger ministry.

Little respect for those serving in small churches

I have written about this before. When you tell people that you are part-time or a volunteer they see you as lesser. Maybe you’re not fully committed, but you’re not full time so again, they cannot relate. Seldom will you see someone serving in a small church speaking on the main platform of a national conference – but then seldom will you see children’s ministry leaders from small churches at national conferences.

The business side of ministry

If we are honest, then we have to address the business side of ministry as a reason. Small churches often do not have the funds to purchase many of the resources available. They have little to no budget and there are costs to developing resources. If a ministry resource cannot recoup their basic expenses, then they will no longer be able to produce any resources. Even this humble venture. Should I “monetize” it? If I do, then I may alienate many that I am trying to help. So how do I “advertise” (an expense) to try to reach more people when I have nothing to “sell” (no recouping that expense)?

If I look at the business side of this website and its goals, then I need to continually ask myself, how can I develop and maintain Small Church Kidmin when time and resources are limited?

Loneliness

For many years I felt alone in children’s ministry as I served in a small church, the only one with a passion to reach children. It was not until I went to a large event that I realized that I was not alone, until I went home, then I had no one to connect with and draw support.

Those serving in small churches also do not have the connections needed (along with time) to get into the “publishing channels”. Sure we can self-publish if we have the funds, but then how do we get the message out when we have no time, connections, or resources?

Is there a solution?

Maybe, but it will take time and commitment from many.

One of the goals of Small Church Kidmin is to work with resource publishers to help them develop resources specifically for children’s ministry in the small church. The other side of that is when resources are developed, that small churches utilize and support these resources.

We are also seeking to build local networks of those serving in small churches. The obstacle is time. Finding a common time when people can meet, whether online or in person, for about an hour each month. Our first step in seeking to establish these networks and support is by partnering with Tom Bump and Kid’s Ministry Collective Coaching.

Please keep us in prayer as we develop Small Church Kidmin to be a resource that supports, encourages, and develops/provides some of the much needed resources for those serving in children’s ministry in the small church.