Use this practical tool to determine the childcare options in your small group.
by Michael Mack
Every church's small-group ministry is different. So is every small group. That's why we all need to think through the choices that will work best in our individual situations. If you plan ahead, the right childcare option can open up great opportunities for your small group instead of becoming a burden.Â
1. What is the childcare policy for your group?
[ ] No children are present except for nursing ...
There are many people groups and sub-cultures right around us that we can invite into our group life.
Dan Lentz
...
People Group: Children
Suggestion: It's been said that childcare is one of the biggest challenges that face small groups. What about trying to include children rather than divide the family for separate experiences. Start by including a "family feature" as part of each small group meeting. These family features can be the most memorable and beneficial parts of the group time for parents and children ...
What to do when children want to interrupt meetings.
The Small Group Network Community
Tom and Terri have three preschool children … who are out of control. Darryl has tried several options for childcare, but the kids still interrupt meetings constantly. Tom and Terri insist on having the kids in the same house as the meeting, but Darryl can't lead a meeting without several interruptions.
Some questions to consider when talking about childcare in your small group.
Pat J. Sikora
Darryl has a number of couples in his group with children. The ages of the children range from a nursing infant to several junior highers. Darryl has tried a number of child care options, but nothing seems to work. One couple in the group who have older kids would like to have the kids in the meeting time, but Darryl is afraid this will be a huge disruption. What should Darryl do?
Even if your group doesn't seem a good fit right now, God may have big plans for it.
by Life Together
When I first started attending my group, I felt really uncomfortable. Actually, I shouldn't even call it a "group." It was just a couple and myself, and I found that extremely awkward. It just felt way too small for me. I really wanted to quit the group.
But thankfully, I didn't. Instead, I talked with the other couple about inviting others into our group. They were enthusiastic about the idea. And ...
One of the biggest areas of contention in small group ministry can be how to handle childcare.
Michael C. Mack
It takes a village to raise a child."
This African proverb expounds the importance of community in child rearing. Oh, yes, parents take on the awesome responsibility, but I believe that in our society we also take on more of the sole burden than we should. This is true mostly because we have forgotten just how to live in community ourselves. What was normal and natural in the past has disintegrated ...
If parents were expected to come, there would also be children. How were we to get over this hurdle?
Carol Perry
I was sure that, with all I had learned with my vast experience as a parent, I should lead a parenting small group in our church. Surely these parents could learn a thing or two from my successes and failures. So, off I set on a new adventure with my Lord.
It didn't take long for the reality to set in!
If parents were expected to come, there would also be children. How were we to get over this hurdle? ...
Printer view of these results
