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5 Questions New Families Ask When They Arrive

Question #3 – WILL MY KIDS LIKE IT? 

This is one of the biggest questions you have to answer for families.  It’s one of the main reasons people will choose a church.  Mark it down…if the kids aren’t happy…mom and dad won’t be happy.

Preparation:

  • Make Children’s Ministry a top priority at your church.  This includes space, budget, volunteers, scheduling, resources, and staffing.
  • Make church fun for kids.  Fun simply means engaging…age appropriate…and relevant.  Listen and you will hear guest parent’s ask their children, “Did you have fun today?”  Work hard to make sure their answer is a resounding “yes.”

 

Question #4 – WILL MY KIDS BE SAFE?

With the volatile culture in which we live, parents will be wondering if their children will be safe in your care.

Preparation:

  • Have clear safety and security procedures in place…and follow them.  This includes background checks on all volunteers, no volunteers alone with a child, pick-up tags, etc.
  • When parents check in, share with them the basic safety and security measures you have in place to keep their child safe.
  • Provide parents with a pager when they drop off their child.  Assure them you will page them if their child needs them.

 

Question #5 – WILL THERE BE ANYONE I CAN RELATE TO?

They are wondering if there will be anyone they can connect with?  Anyone in the same season of life?  Anyone who will understand them?  Anyone who will accept them where they are?  

Preparation:

  • Have people from all generations as greeters.  If a young couple walks in and only sees senior citizens greeting, they are going to get the impression that the church is not for people their age…and visa versa. 
  • Your congregation should reflect the social economic and ethnic diversity of your community.  Someone from any nationality should feel at home.  A millionaire and a hundredaire should feel equally valued and loved.
  • Create a “hospital” culture instead of a “museum” culture.  Message that people don’t have to “have their act completely together” to be a part of the church.  Allow people to “belong” before they “believe” and start “behaving.”

What other questions do you think new families are asking themselves as they are walking in your church doors?  How can you prepare to answer those questions ahead of time?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.