Our CM team is lesson-focused
Your Question:
“How can I inspire our team to focus on the children instead of focusing on ‘getting the lesson done’?”
The Issues:
This challenge finds its “roots” deep in the ministry, and in the hearts of the CM team members. If this is a team-wide “culture,” it becomes an issue of the CM vision. If this challenge is inherent in only some of the CM team members, the issue is a personal one to those team members. Wanting to “finish” the lesson is not a bad thing; but not being willing to adjust the lesson to suit the needs or issues of the children is not good. Caring for the interests of the children while completing the lesson is the highest goal.
Scripture Foundation:
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, ‘Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,’ but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” James 2: 14-17
Short Answer:
Inspiring the CM team to focus on the children requires much planning and consistent work. Changing the focus of the CM team can be accomplished by selectively using real stories of the children in the ministry, testimonies from parents, testimonies from child-focused CM team members, news stories, and praying for God to touch the hearts of your team. You also need to make sure that the terminology that you use in printed materials (orientation, training, and all other communications) reflect the focus on the children’s lives, and not on completing the lesson. Doing this without discounting the value of the curriculum is important. Once the CM team understands the issues and challenges the children face, they “should” understand more clearly their important role in the kids’ lives! The few minutes that they have with the children may be the only peaceful, positive time the children have! The goal of the time with the children is to connect them to Jesus, the source of all hope and help. For more help, click on the links below.
Visit other articles in the “Building The CM Team APPENDIX”
