Are you looking for a way to reach children in your community this summer? Does your church have limited financial resources? Starting a park ministry is a great way to reach children in your area with the gospel that is also relatively inexpensive. This is also a ministry that your whole family can do together. Here are five tips to help you begin reaching children in your area:
1. Locate a park in your community that has apartment buildings nearby (preferably within walking distance). Parks located near residential developments and trailer parks are also ideal.
2. Canvas the area. Develop bright, attractive flyers with information such as the place, time and dates you will be meeting at the park, as well as your church’s name. It is a good idea to speak to the managers of apartments and receive permission to invite people to the park ministry. This is not legally necessary, but it is a good idea to develop a good relationship with these people. When speaking with parents who will allow their children to attend your ministry, present them with a permission form that allows you to accompany their child to the park and home again.
3. Be friendly. When speaking with parents, be straight forward. Tell them your first and last name and what church you represent. It is important to make them feel comfortable with you. Don’t hesitate to tell them that your purpose is to teach children about the Bible. Most people feel that knowing what is in the Bible is important, even if they do not go to church themselves. It is also a great idea to take other children with you to invite children to your ministry.
4. On the day of your ministry (we had ours on Sunday afternoons during the summer) go to the target area that you canvassed about 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Visit those homes with which you had good contacts when you were canvassing and offer to walk with their children to the park. Assure parents that you (or one of the other workers) will personally see their child home.
5. Be dependable and consistent. If you say your club is running every Saturday, don’t even think about skipping one unless you intend to revisit every home and tell each parent. If your club is scheduled to run from 2:00-4:00, make sure you are knocking on doors at 1:50. Likewise, end the club by 3:50 and personally see each child home. Being conscientious about keeping your word will speak volumes to skeptical parents.
A park ministry can be a wonderful, fruitful outreach for your family and church. Not only will it give you the opportunity to reach children for Christ, but also their entire families. Find another family or two that would be willing to help you and go for it!
For more articles from this blogger, please see:
5 Tips for Having Devotions With Toddlers
How to Handle Those Crazy Sunday Mornings