A new family walked into The Lil Rippers one Sunday morning recently. I could tell the kid was reluctant to come in the room. "Sure it looks fun, but there are a lot of kids, and honestly church is kind of a weird place anyway. I think I'd rather be home having fun on my own."
I could just see the thoughts pouring from his face.
Whenever a new visitor comes through our doors I try my best to meet them and spend a minute or two just introducing myself and the room. But, more importantly is getting to know the kid. It's often so difficult to remember the names of kids, especially when we have 50-60 in one room at times. I'm convinced there are kids who have been attending for several months and I couldn't tell you their names if you paid me. The new Digital Check In system prints off stickers with names thankfully, so that's not really an issue anymore.
Getting to really know a kid or connect with one is another level though. In the situation I mentioned above, which is pretty common, I made it a point to remember this kid's name. I also focused on him and asked specific questions about what he liked to do. "Do you like sports, or movies, have ever tried surfing, do you play video games, what's your favorite thing to do when you get home from school?" These little hints helped to get to know him and once he mentioned ONE small thing I could latch on and just stick to that.
He said he liked skateboarding. I know a thing or two but not expert level info on skateboarding. We chatted about it for a minute mainly focusing on him.
The next Sunday when I saw him in the hall all I had to say was "Hey _____, did you get to skateboard a little this week?" His face lit up. It was screaming "He remembers me!"
Remembering ONE small thing about a kid can change their perspective on leaders, church, you, God, adults, and so much more. It proves that you can be relevant and care about their specific life.
It's part of our VISION to Impact Future Generations. What better way than to actually CONNECT with them?
How many kids do you know? This Sunday memorize one child and one thing about them
3. Show FRAMEWORK of a Christ follower c. Engage & Connect with kids & parents :: attend events with kids.
Thanks for being intentional every Sunday you serve!
Ben & Ashley Kingdon
