Then consider CTA’s new fall festival theme: Light the Night with Jesus! And check out the new event planning guide that accompanies that theme–it’s free, downloadable, and fun!

If you’ve never sponsored a fall festival before, you may find our free Trunk or Treat Planning Guide and the free Fall Festival Planning Manual helpful, too. Both are downloadable.

Across the nation, year by year, more and more churches are finding ways to leverage Halloween alternative events as opportunities to share Jesus with children and their families. How will your children’s ministry capitalize on this trend in 2010?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright lines below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article with permission grant #081810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Here are three keys to doing that:

Keep it personal. This is no one-size-fits-all event. It’s not even a one-size-fits-most event! Begin by thinking long and hard about the individual servants you want to honor. What motivates them? What do they enjoy? Center recognition events and thank-you gifts around that.

Make it inclusive. If yours is a church with only one paid staff, the pastor, it’s okay to single that one person out. If, though, your church staff includes one or more additional servants, consider ways to express your appreciation to them, too. Not only will this help prevent inter-staff resentments and conflicts, it will keep your pastor from the embarrassment of being honored while other equally hard-working staff members are ignored.

Think spiritually—but be authentic. All of us want to believe our work, our lives, make a difference. Your pastor wants to draw you closer to your Savior. Offer evidence that’s happening! When I asked one pastor what he would consider an encouraging gift, he suggested that members really listen to sermons—maybe even take notes and ask an occasional question during the week.

CTA offers a number of spiritually meaningful gifts for pastors and several appropriate for Pastor/Staff Appreciation. Whatever you say or give, though, be sure it comes from your heart!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article used with permission grant #082510 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

As Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to exercise and express their various gifts in the church, he also urged generosity. The apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, envisioned vibrant church families in which each person would freely contribute the gifts God had given him or her—whether money, property, talents, gifts, or abilities. No matter what needed to be done, a willing servant of God would show up to do it, and do it wholeheartedly.

Yet Paul was no Pollyanna. He knew that God’s people, sinners all, often act selfishly. Some of us doubt our abilities. Some of us choose to serve sparingly. Some of us deny our talents and offer nothing. As we look inside ourselves, as we consider our own past behavior, we see ourselves reflected in these descriptions. We see our own weaknesses and reluctance, our uncertainties and limitations.

Our natural tendency is to pull back, deciding that our contribution, or the lack of it, will make little difference. But consider this: When the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles at Pentecost, they shared immediately with anyone who would listen, using the gifts God supplied (Acts 2:1–12). And there were many listeners on that festive day!

Many came to saving faith. And from that point on, enabled and empowered by the Spirit, many gave themselves unreservedly to the work of Jesus Christ, teaching and preaching his message of forgiveness and salvation in Jerusalem and beyond.

The result?  The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

God’s mode of operation has not changed! It is still by the working of the Holy Spirit that we are able to serve generously, sharing with others our many gifts, talents, and abilities. Energized by Spirit-flamed faith, we strive to use our gifts and also to nurture in others the gifts God has given them, so that his family continues to grow even more vibrant, more dynamic.

 As you talk with Jesus today, ask him to show you the gifts you have yet to discover. Also ask him to flood your heart with joy as you speak, act, and give for the good of your brothers and sisters in the faith and, especially, for those who do not yet know the Savior.

Lord, I need you so much! You have given yourself into death for me and you continue to serve me in so many ways. Show me . . .

Editor’s note: This devotion is drawn from CTA’s newest devotion book, Thank You for Serving the Savior. It’s still in production, but watch for it on our website!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #082310 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

An inviting invitation 

Some invitations are more inviting than others. “I have to throw a baby shower for my sister. Wanna come?” feels much less welcoming than “We’re going to celebrate Sandy’s new baby. It’ll be a lot of fun. Can you come?” 

How do you describe the serving opportunities you’re inviting people to consider? “Teach Sunday school” is accurate, but it doesn’t paint much of a picture. Compare that to this: “We’re looking for someone to share Jesus with our third graders, to have fun with them at craft time, and to help them put their faith into action.” 

It will help a lot to have on hand a one-page ministry description for each position you want to fill. This description should include key outcomes (like those in the last paragraph), plus important details like the kind of training available, the approximate weekly/monthly time commitment, an end-date for the volunteer’s commitment, helps you’ll provide, and other pertinent facts. 

Accepting or declining the invitation

I’d be happy to receive an invitation to a book discussion group. But before accepting it, I’d want to know when the group meets. I’d ask myself if I have time for another commitment. I might even want to know the type of books to be discussed before I accept or decline the invitation. Even volunteers with enormous hearts for serving have choices to make. There will always be “more requests than resources,” as someone has put it. 

When you invite someone to serve, don’t expect an immediate answer. Instead, encourage the person to take time for prayer and thought. Get back to them later. Accept a “no” answer graciously, and listen carefully to their reasons for declining. Perhaps the job can be adjusted to make it work. Or perhaps down the road you will find another position for them, one that fits more comfortably. 

An invitational system and culture

Recruitment is affected by more than just your invitation. Every church has its own “way we do things,” both the formal systems and also the unwritten habits of the congregation’s culture. Each will affect the answers you receive in response to the invitations you extend. If leaders are serious about getting more people involved in serving, they’ll address these questions often:

• Are people reminded regularly that we all are gifted and called to serve?
• Do you offer regular biblical study on stewardship of time and talent?
• Is personalized help available for people who want to determine their spiritual gifts, abilities, and ministry passions? To help them identify ministries that match their gifts and goals?
• Do existing ministry groups welcome participation, ideas, and suggestions from new volunteers?
• Are volunteers trained, supported, and affirmed while they serve?
• Do staff members work at involving volunteers in service or do they try to do it all themselves?
• When more than one person serves on the same project, conflict is inevitable. Do you deal with it in healthy, Christ-honoring ways?

First, Last, and Always

Prayer is your one essential recruitment tool. Staying in close, personal contact with the Holy Spirit opens us to his involvement in the recruitment process. As we recruit, we invite His people to use gifts he has given in his service. We can be confident that God will supply all the people needed to do what he wants done. When we remember that it’s not about us, recruitment can become an exciting adventure in Christ’s service.

Tools you can use:

Handout: How to Recruit   

“Is Your Church a Good Steward of Its People’s time and Talents?” – a simple survey.  (The third page of this survey includes a list of resources on church volunteerism.)

Additional recruitment resources 

The Equipper website supports healthy recruiting and church volunteerism.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

This article is used with permission grant #081110 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

When you realize you’ll need to recruit some volunteers, does your heart leap for joy? Or does your stomach knot up? 

Most of us take little pleasure in finding people to teach Sunday school or help with the fall rummage sale. The process often feels like we’re putting pressure on people, begging, wheedling, and maybe even stretching the truth (“There’s nothing to it!”). 

We feel that way, because that’s often exactly what we are doing! We scout our prey like wolves circling a herd of buffalo, looking for the weak and hoping to pick them off! Not on purpose, of course. But driven by desperation and frustration. 

Such tactics are:

• Unkind. (We wouldn’t want someone to use them on us!)
• Ineffective—at least, in the long run. (Those who agree soon quit, and after awhile, people learn to run and hide when they see us coming!)
• Unbiblical. (Worst of all, they don’t befit those who lead God’s people, the body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 12.)  

There’s a better way. It begins by changing how we view recruitment in the first place. You’re not drafting recruits for the Hundred Years War. You’re extending an invitation. For instance, as you recruit ushers, your goal is to invite people to serve by being an usher.

An Invitation 

First, start early. Really early. Don’t put it off. Desperation is inevitable at the last minute. 

Personal invitations are best. I love it when a friend invites me to lunch. On the other hand, when an unknown time-share company invites me to a “free dinner,” the letter goes right in the trash. 

Church bulletin announcements sometimes work, but their genuine usefulness is limited. Most people read right over them. Those who don’t, often conclude that others are more qualified or have more time. If you invite people through a personal phone call or, best of all, face to face, you’ll get a more thoughtful response. 

Whom to invite 

My friends know I’m more likely to accept an invitation to a book discussion than to a pool party, because they know I love to read but am not a fan of swimming. Everyone in your church has personal likes and dislikes, skills and abilities, schedules and commitments. Invite people based on what you know about them–and be sure to tell them why you’re inviting them. For example: 

• “I saw the program cover you designed, and was so impressed! I’d love you help reconfiguring the main announcement board in the church narthex.”
• “Mary tells me you’re great with kids. That made me think that maybe you’d consider helping with our winter-break VBS.”
• “You were a wonderful organizer at the Advent tea. We’re putting together a Thank-You event for the Sunday school staff, and I wonder if you might be willing to head it up?” 

Don’t ask only people you know. Ask 3-4 other people to suggest people they know. Briefly outline the gifts and abilities needed for the open position and ask who might be a blessing by serving in that position. 

Here are a few additional tools you may find helpful: 

• Handout: How to Recruit 
• Additional recruitment resources
•  The Equipper website supports healthy recruiting and church volunteerism.

Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

This article is used with permission grant #080410 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

It seems that back-to-school comes earlier every year. The weather isn’t yet cool–at least in most places. But the days get busier and stress mounts for children and parents alike. As a reminder that Jesus is our source of guidance, love, and protection during the school year, many churches set aside one Sunday before school begins to “bless the backpacks.” 

St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake, Michigan, has a “Blessing of the Backpacks” each year on the last Sunday in August. Children in 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades are invited to bring their backpacks with them to church that Sunday. During the children’s message, they take their backpacks to the altar for a special blessing. The pastor prays for learning, safety, and guidance for the children. After the service, each child is given a gift to attach to their backpacks. 

“Two years ago, we used CTA’s GLOW bookmark to remind the children that ‘God Lights Our Way,’” said Linda Willmann, a member of the youth and family life staff at St. Matthew. “Last year, we passed out CTA’s The J Team ID tag. CTA always provides items that are inexpensive, but are still a big hit with the children and their parents!” 

The First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Alabama, includes the parents in its “Blessing of the Kindergarten and Elementary Children.” A two-week prayer vigil is held for the children before the school year begins. Each child’s name is posted in the church’s prayer room, and members of the congregation are invited to come there to pray for the children, as well as praying at home. 

During the service on the Sunday before school starts, Pastor Greer calls all kindergarten children and their parents up to the altar. Pastor and congregation pray a responsive prayer, asking God for strength, peace, comfort, and love for all the children. The 1^st through 5^th graders come up after the prayer, and every child receives CTA’s Gospel Cross Cloth Keychain to attach to their backpack zippers. 

“The service helps children and parents both feel special and reminds them that a community of people is praying for them,” said Director of Children’s Ministry Ann Crabbe. “The crosses remind the children of who they are in Christ and encourage them to be mindful of God in the choices they make.”

How will you send the children of your church off to school with a blessing this fall?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright lines below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article with permission grant #072810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Here are six helpful steps:

1. Revisit your mission statement and ministry goals. Ask Jesus to guide your planning and bless your efforts.

2. Brainstorm ideas. Let them flow. Don’t consider cost, space or the need for volunteers. Just dream! What might be possible?

3. Review last year. Ask questions like these:

• What went well? How could we repeat, extend, and/or expand it?
• What specific improvements could we try?
• What should we drop?
• What new options (from step #2) seem promising?

 4. Forage for ideas. Check creative websites, blogs, friends, colleagues, bookstores. You might not duplicate someone else’s approach, but their stories may trigger other, workable ideas.

 5. Calendar the events you choose to do. Coordinate with other leaders in your church. By starting early, you’ll make negotiation easier.

 6. Explore your church directory, asking God to open your eyes to potential volunteers. Before you pick up the phone, plan a recruitment strategy. Have in mind a compelling picture of your dream. Then make contact with potential workers, assuring them that since you’ve begun early, there will be plenty of time to organize and execute your plans.

Make the most of the hazy, lazy days of June to plan for the craziness of September and beyond. You’ll be glad you did!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #062310. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

So how do you keep your volunteers coming back year after year to help? That question has many different, valid answers, but chief among them is an answer that can be summarized in a single word: Appreciation!

How will you say thanks to your VBS workers this year? How will you express your appreciation? CTA has many different resources that strike just the right tone and come with lots of free resources! See, for example, the options available in each of these product lines:

• Serving in His Steps
• Shaped to Serve
• Serving with a Heart like Jesus

P.S. Still looking for some last-minute filler activities and take-home items that will remind kids of the Gospel message they hear in VBS? Then check out CTA’s VBS suggestions. It’s an inexpensive way to strengthen the impact you want to make!

Every Lent, I also like to do an activity with the Jelly Bean Prayer because the children relate to it so well.  They love the use of the colors and relating these colors to the candies they see at Easter. I also like reading the Jelly Bean Prayer book to my class.

Here are two of my favorite craft ideas related to the Jelly Bean Prayer:

• Prayer beads.  These can be made inexpensively by purchasing stringing beads and nylon cording, both available at any craft store. Give each child one of the Jelly Bean Prayer bookmarks. Talk about each line of the poem; then have the children string one or two beads of each color onto the  cording.  Have the children cut a cross from craft foam and add that to the string of beads, too.

•  Baby food jar craft.  Give each child one of the Jelly Bean Prayer bookmarks  and a baby food jar. Cover the lid with fabric, gluing it down. Then tie a ribbon around the jar. Let the children put one jellybean of each color into their jar. (If you let them make two or three jars, they can keep one and give the others away as a witnessing tool. Be sure the children take a bookmark to give to each friend who will receive a baby food jar.)

Enjoy preparing for Easter with the children in your life!

Short. To the point. Powerful in its simplicity. First John 4:19 is all that and more. I call attention to this verse as I work with my kindergarten students and as I talk with my own children each year whenever we focus on Valentine’s Day. 

Looking around at the flowers, hearts, cupids and candy that overflow from store shelves this time of year, I know I can feel overcome by the commercialism of it all. That’s when it helps me to focus attention God’s love for us. And that’s the message I work to communicate to all the children in my care every day.

This year, Ash Wednesday comes just three days after Valentine’s Day. As Christians observe both, our Savior reminds us of his love for us, despite our sins. In the weeks of Lent ahead, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, we will think often about the mercy and compassion of our Lord Jesus who died on the cross because He loved us so much.

God himself is the source of all love. He is the essence and definition of the word love. In response to all he has done and all he will do for us, both now and throughout eternity, we actively look for ways to demonstrate his love by serving others.

Check out the CTA website for some great ideas about keeping children (and adults, too) connected to their Savior throughout the Lenten/Easter season. You will find many products and projects there that will make the all-important truth of God’s love a fun and easy one for your children to learn. Now that’s something to celebrate!