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5 Steps to Build Relationships in KidMin

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Relationships matter. Simple enough; no one will likely argue this point. Ministry is filled with all sorts of ups and downs, but, at the end of the day, relationships continue holding everything together. Beyond hip children’s ministry themes, cutting edge technology implementation, and crazy games with kids, creating bonds, and giving others the opportunity to bond with one another, opens the door to deeper, lasting life-long relationships. Christ, himself, seeks not just acceptance, participation, or compliance; but relationship.

Since creating relationships is a goal worth pursuing, plan to hit that goal. Take practical steps to help you and your team invest in such a way that you see relational returns. No one would build a house without a blueprint, so create a blueprint to build and strengthen relationships with those you serve.

You are probably already relationship-savvy, but we all periodically need reflection and refinement in this area. Use these tips to help evaluate and refine your relational existence:

1. Start Simple

When meeting someone new, start by simply saying “Hi.” Introduce yourself. A conversation must start somewhere and a simple hello and introduction is a good place. Sometimes people stand awkwardly in a group hoping someone will simply give them a kind word or a friendly smile. Be that person. Once names are exchanged, take the next step and ask the person a question about themselves. Did you grow up in the area? How long have you been coming here? Have you seen any good movies lately? Such a simple strategy works whether interacting with kids or adults. People like attention and like knowing others find them interesting.

2. Keep Relationships Going

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In ministry you often see people on an on-going basis. Seize that opportunity to continue nurturing a blossoming relationship. Find the child who visited last week and ask them about the pet they told you about. Find the parent who nervously dropped their child off earlier and let him know how much fun their child ended up having. Remember the details others share with you, and let them know you’re still interested in them and their life.

3. Take Relationships Deeper

Once you establish a basic, on-going relationship, intentionally take things a step deeper. This may involve inviting the person to an event outside the activity where you normally connect with them (e.g. having coffee with a parent). If you see leadership potential in the person (whether they are a child or adult), it may also involve intentionally inviting them into some sort of role where you further develop them. For example, invite a child to participate in a more intimate discipleship group or ask a parent to consider helping out with a special event. Use wisdom in your invitations. Make sure the person is mature enough to participate in what you offer. Also take caution and make sure relationship is the driving motivator rather than simply recruiting a volunteer or extra helper.

4. Teach Others to Replicate Relationship Building

Rather than acting as a sole relationship builder, create a web of people who connect through various points. Once you establish a quality relationship with someone, teach them to develop similar relationships with others. Show them how to reach out to others, connect, and invite them into life together. You personally may not be able to easily build a relationship with certain parents, but perhaps another staff member or parent can. Think of yourself as a tree releasing seeds that grow other trees which, in turn, release more seeds and keep the cycle going. With time and intention, soon an orchard will grow around you.

5. Utilize Resources to Free You to Focus on Relationship Building

As a leader, many extra tasks fall on your shoulders. In order to keep relationships a primary focus, consider utilizing resources, both people and technology, to free your time and energy so you can focus on connecting with others and guiding others to connect.

As mentioned previously, lead others to develop relationships beyond your reach and to take on tasks that may not be your forte; this will free you to focus on relationships you are able to more fully impact. Further develop trust and relationship by bringing others into leadership. For example, ask a tech-savvy volunteer to make sure your media are queued up before you give a talk can free you up to greet children arriving to an event.

Technology, such as electronic children’s check-in systems and use of electronic media, can also free up your time so you can focus on people. For example, an electronic check-in system simplifies the check-in process and reduces database and reporting tasks. Electronic media can help illustrate your points more effectively and quickly than other means. Thus, rather than spending time with paperwork and research, you can spend more time connecting with others.

Use your time effectively to create something that will last beyond you. There’s no point in reading an article about relationship building if you don’t practice it. So go out and create some new relationships! Or deepen an existing one.

[This article was written by our valued site sponsor, KidCheck.]

John Dunstan
John Dunstanhttp://kidcheck.com
John Dunstan is a key member of the service and support team at KidCheck, providers of secure children’s check-in. He enjoys building relationships and helping others, as exemplified by both his current support role and his previous work as a counselor and chaplain at Hillview Acres Children’s Home.

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