We’re working towards a new team model in the Dundonald Kids ministry, read on for what’s happening and some FAQs
What’s happening?
Building on the fantastic gospel work amongst our children at Dundonald we are moving away from a rota-orientated model of ministry to a team-based model of ministry.
Why are we doing this?
The goal in Dundonald Kids & Youth is to grow lifelong disciples of Jesus through faithful bible teaching in relationship with the church family.
For a growing church like ours, we think the most effective way to grow lifelong disciples of Jesus from all nations is through consistent relationships (week by week) and community between trained leaders and the children in their groups. This is the pattern we are given in the bible and so, we want to move away from a rota system, which often involves change and instability, to dedicated, trained teams who are serving at a different congregation to the one they usually attend.
FAQ’s
1. Why change the current system now?
There is much to be thankful for in our kids and youth, however we have 239 people on Kids rotas which means many people are not able to enjoy consistent teaching and fellowship in church on a Sunday and the children are not able to benefit from consistent relationships with a team of teachers who they know and trust.
The rota driven system which we have been operating is entirely appropriate for a smaller church, but we have now grown to the point where we have three family congregations and one evening congregation and therefore we need a new model altogether, hence the need for a new system.
2. Is this new way a tried-and-tested model?
Yes, team-based ministry is a tried, tested and effective model of ministry. Our Instruct and worship ministries all are team based and our serve ministry is transitioning to team-based ministry too.
3. What are the benefits of this model?
Children will learn best because they will be nurtured and taught from leaders who they see each week and trust and there will be continuity between each lesson.
Leaders will get know the children and be better able to teach and love them. They will also be able to build on what was taught the week before.
Parents will come off lots of different rotas and regularly sit through a church service.
Consistent relationships will increase the partnership between parents and leaders in the discipleship of our children.
4. How do I make sure I do church myself on a Sunday?
We are asking all people in kids and youth to serve at a different congregation and then attend another, therefore you will be attending church regularly.
It is a myth that we are asking whole families to attend church twice on a Sunday, it is only the person on the Kids team who we are asking to attend twice.
5. Are you asking all people to serve at one service and attend another?
We are asking 64 people to join the Kids Team and 24 people to join the Youth Team. It is only these people whom we are asking to serve at one service and attend another.
6. What is my commitment as a leader?
All leaders will to be committed to a team. This means signing up to the team for the whole year. The program will be based around school terms. All leaders will have time off over the half term and the holiday periods.
7. Isn’t the commitment too high?
It isn’t if you are committed to growing disciples of Christ. Kids & Youth ministry is a word ministry and it could be argued that Kids & Youth ministry is more important than growth group leading because of the formative stage of life, the potential future for the gospel, Co-mission and reaching London.
8. What happens if I get sick?
We will not make you come and teach when you are sick, each person will be working in a team and together they will support and cover the teaching when someone is sick.
9. How can I help as I have three kids under the age of 5 years?
We recognise that all people have different seasons in life and for some serving on the kids and youth team next year is not viable at this period of time. However, no matter what season you are in we can all pray for the kids and youth developments, that God will raise up enough people to serve on these teams. Serving the Lord is sacrificial and though serving at another service seems daunting, when the body of Christ works together we can achieve much for God’s glory.
10. I’m already serving in so many other ways, like praying, reading, coffee, PowerPoint, how can you ask me to go on another rota?
We are not asking you to sign up to another rota, but rather asking you to join a team. If you are willing and able to serve on the Kids and Youth Team, then we can free you up from all the other rotas so that you can devote all your energy and commitment to the Kids and Youth Team.
11. What sort of training will there be? I don’t feel equipped!
Don’t worry, we will not throw you in the deep end. You will become part of a team and together you will teach and love the kids. Training will be provided for all leaders.
It is our prayerful hope would that as you serve other people’s children by growing them as disciples you would grow in experience and confidence in how to handle God’s word and be better equipped to disciple your own children at home.
12. When does it all start?
The rota-to-teams initiative is not a small thing in the life of our church. We have the big task of recruiting 64 people before we kick-off on Sept 9th 2018.
Please join with us in praying for this initiative and prayerfully consider how you could partner with us in these developments.
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