In kids ministry, there are certain circumstances that naturally draw attention, generate excitement, and provoke anticipation. 

new building project

remodeled space

revamped curriculum/teaching

These circumstances naturally instigate a wave of excitement and anticipation.  As a leader, you can ride the crest of that wave for a while.

In the same way, something that occurs weekly and doesn’t ’seem’ to change from week-to-week can generate a sense of redundancy.  Leading through the perceived ‘redundancy’ is a leadership challenge.  Here are a few things I’m working through to cultivate anticipation among my volunteer team.

• Life-Change Stories:  nothing beats a great life-change story to remind volunteers why they do what they do. Open their mind to the potential for that hour they spend with the kids
• Thermometer vs. Thermostat:  one reflects the temperature… the other determines the temperature.  I need to be a better Thermostat for my volunteer team
• Keep the main thing the main thing:  don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.  always draw it back to why you’re there to begin with.  Why did we open the doors?  Why did we put so much time and effort into preparing?  For the very kids entering the doors right now.  Even if one kid came to LifeKIDS that day… every step taken to prepare was worth it.  Every child matters.  Every child is celebrated.