Ministry Kickoff Reminders

Last night we kicked off our high school program, which means that the fall season has officially arrived.  This morning I feel like I got hit by a truck but nonetheless I feel good.  I don't know about you but I spend a lot of my summer preparing for the fall.  I'm planning curriculum, meeting with key leaders, setting out vision and then praying that it all happens.  But when that kickoff comes, when that main night happens it's important to remember a few things.

• Pray With Your Team - Granted this should happen every week and even if it's just you and your spouse, pray before you serve.  It's simple Christian Ministry 101, if you aren't praying you aren't including God.  Pray with them.
• Get The Small Stuff Done - Worse thing to do on opening night is to be running around finding ping pong balls, hanging up a sign, or sharpening pencils.  Get that small stuff done ahead of time so that you can spend the opening hours greeting and meeting students.
• Pamper Your Ministers - This is similar to the last principle but give your ministers a place and a time to relax during your ministry.  The time to relax may be before and after, but give them that time they need to decompress or to prepare.  Plus when you give them a space, it gives them a chance to checkout of the chaos.  Fill that place with snacks, magazines, make it their own private backstage.

I know there is a lot of pressure to get the year started, we just need to make sure that we give our energy to those that are important, God, the teens and your ministers.  I know we hold the burden, but remember there are people who want you to succeed and they'll help you succeed especially when they know you are looking out for them.

I bet others of you out there have opening night suggestions, please use this blog to share them.