Setting the Table: Creating a Welcoming Space for Children

We've all experienced that awkward moment at a dinner party. We've gone through the buffet line and aren't quite sure where we're supposed to go next. We stand, uncertain between the dining and living rooms wondering what to do. Sit down and begin eating? Or wait until everyone has been served? Will we pray together first, or is this a mingling party where we'll stand around and eat? It can be distressing to even the most socially savvy party-goer. The bottom line is that we want our host and hostess to give us clear directions on what to do and where to go.

Planning for children's ministry activities is not much different from planning for a dinner party. We want our guests to feel welcome, enjoy each other's company, and be strengthened by our time together. Most of all, we want them to be excited to return.

Fortunately, we know more than we have ever known about how children learn and we understand their behavior much more intricately. This allows us to plan more proactively for our classes, worship services, and youth groups. However, before we even open our resource books or leader's manuals, we can plan for successful learning.

A Prayer of Preparation

Lord, as I open the leader's guides to plan for this week, I am aware of this wonderful opportunity to teach about You. I ask for Your guidance as I approach this task. You are a God of order. You created time and space and information. Help me to create a sense of order for these children so that nothing will distract them from learning about You.

Strategy 1 — Creating a Team

As with most ministries, special needs inclusion works best when a cohesive team is in place. After all, we're the body of Christ, and we need the gifts of everyone to be a complete community. We only need to look to the longstanding public school method of identifying and educating kids with disabilities to know that a team approach works. Here are some tips for creating your team:

• Identify stakeholders from all areas of your church. This includes facilities, children's ministry, leadership (elder board or pastor), parents of kids with special needs, parents of typically developing kids, medical or educational professionals from the church or community.

• Invite anyone who might be interested. Remember, this is a ministry of inclusion. Begin your ministry with a culture of acceptance and model that everyone who has a willing heart has gifts that can and should be used.

• Find another church with a similar ministry. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Invite the advice and counsel of other leaders, especially those who are connected in your community.

Strategy 2 — Web-Based Communication Tools

When it comes to communication, our world moves faster than ever before. Gone are the days of telegrams and carbon copies. Technology can definitely enhance our ministry to those with disabilities. Consider the following online tools to see what might work for your team.

• Ning. Mike Woods, Director of Special Needs Friends Ministry at First Baptist Orlando, uses Ning with his ministry volunteers. He says, "It's a social networking site that, for our ministry page, is 'invite-only.' We can talk, share information, post training videos, and keep it only to members who are invited." (www.ning.com)

• Google+. Another way to create online group communication. (www.plus.google.com)

• Facebook. This social media site has an option for closed groups which might be helpful for general communication between parents, volunteers, and Sunday school staff. Uses include posting Bible memory verses, links to curriculum activities or videos, and outlines of plans or upcoming events. (www.facebook.com)

• Free Conference Call. This recommendation also comes from Mike Woods: "We've been able to have volunteer or buddy meetings from the convenience of everyone's home." (www.freeconferencecall.com)

• Yammer. Laura Haas, who works in Children's and Inclusion Ministry at Faith Family Church in Canton, Ohio, recommended this resource. (www.yammer.com)

• Wiggio. Our friend and colleague Sara Moses suggested this tool. She used it for several groups, including an inclusion ministry. (www.wiggio.com)

• Live Binders. This resource was recommended by Michelle Thomas-Bush, Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. It allows you to upload docs, slide shows, links, forms, and other information to share with your team. (www.livebinders.com)

• Google Docs. This is another method of sharing information, including training materials, spread sheets, presentations, even brainstorming lists. Google also has a calendar feature that team members can access and edit. (docs.google.com)

Remember, you can use these tools for a variety of different reasons. One web-based tool need not fit all of your needs. As you peruse these sites, keep in mind that privacy is paramount.

In your ministry, you'll be privy to sensitive information about children and their families. As such, you cannot rely solely on the privacy capabilities of social media sites. Your volunteer and staff training must include in-depth discussions about handling information.

One final note: God created people long before computers ever appeared on the scene. So put people first. There isn't a high-speed connection anywhere that can ever replace human relationships. While technology, used well and wisely, can enhance communication, it won't ever replace community.

Strategy 3 — Policies and Procedures: Create Them from the Inside Out

Katie filed into the conference room, along with other new hires at the psychiatric hospital. This was her first job, and she was excited to get started. She would be teaching in the acute-care classroom, as well as helping to design a new unit for young children. She and her new colleagues looked around anxiously and made polite small talk in hushed tones. The director of...