|
Churches across the country are proving
that one of the best ways to minister to families and adults
is through their kids. These churches are building
children’s ministries that create a buzz, cause a “Wow!” and
successfully attract new guests. As the old saying goes,
“You never get a second chance at a first impression.” What
message does your church send to your first-time guests
about your facility and focus on kids?
For both newly-constructed and remodeled churches, we have
seen space dedicated to children’s areas increase
dramatically over the past several years. Simply said, a
visible investment in your children’s ministry sends a
tangible message to your community that you care about kids
and families. It’s a testimony of the church’s commitment to
its kids. Churches across the country are creating dramatic,
engaging environments for this very reason. Based on recent
years’ data, these churches are reporting incredible
results, including double and triple-digit growth. Some have
reported doubling their kids’ attendance in a single year as
a direct result of their children’s ministry. In a nutshell,
themed areas and play features lead to growth in regular
attendance and subsequent increases to membership.
These “children’s destinations at church” are equally
attractive for other events during the week. Designed for
multiple-uses, children’s ministry areas attract weekday
traffic, providing more opportunities to equip and teach
children and adults alike. They can be used for mother’s day
out programs, preschool, daycare, bible studies and many
more ministries that need child care when meeting. Do the
children at your church beg their parents to take them to
the church building during the week?
These exciting spaces can become a destination for the
community for all types of events. Families are looking for
that “third place” in their life – that place where they can
gather and congregate with friends and neighbors. What an
advantage it is to the church, when this place is AT church!
For example, birthday parties provide a tremendous
opportunity in the church today. Did you know the average
Chuck E. Cheese hosts over a hundred birthday parties a
week? This could be one of your most successful outreaches
with friends, neighbors, relatives, team members and more
coming to your facility and learning more about your
ministry on a Friday or Saturday.
Play attractions lead to “intentional play” opportunities
where leaders and volunteers get to know and bond with kids
by playing and interacting with them outside of the teaching
environment. Churches have even found that creating a
“destination” children’s ministry in creases volunteer
interest and participation. Volunteers get energized,
excited, and want to get involved and be a part of the
ministry efforts.
Creative and attractive spaces also enhance the efforts of
the ministry staff by providing them with the tools they
need to utilize in writing curriculum, developing drama,
leading worship and more.
Properly designed themed features and play attractions are
not just props and decorations. They are tools to help reach
the hearts and minds of the kids. They help create
transformational experiences at church. Experiential
experiences lead to transformations of the heart. Creating
an original, themed environment at your church will lead to
more transformational experiences. And, more
transformational experiences will lead to more personal
relationships with Christ.
A well-designed children’s ministry creates an “identity”
for the church and children’s ministry in your community.
People will know who you are and what you do based on your
kids ministry. There’s a reason Disney, Universal Studios,
and Hershey have created “themed” destinations. The
destination creates a unique experience that is dramatic,
memorable, and leaves a positive, lasting impression. How do
parents and children feel when they walk into your
children’s space?
Professional design and installation offers the incomparable
ability to deliver a “Wow Factor.” Our professional team of
artists and craftsmen create unique spaces that reflect your
church’s individual style, space and budget. Competition is
high in the outside world; kids are bombarded with
advertising and worldly messages all day long. We as a
church must set the bar, not the other way around.
So, what is your church’s identity or message to families?
What tools do you need to reach your local community? How
effectively do you attract new visitors? Our team of
children’s church ministry and design experts can help you
create a destination that answers these questions. With a
properly designed space, theme and play attractions, your
children’s ministry area is likely to become your church’s
most effective vehicle for growth. |
