The Come-Back Kids

by Shopify API November 30, 2020

By Gail Marsh

Christmas was great! Festive trees, special services, twinkling lights, and, of course, the pure excitement on the faces of kids!

It was great while it lasted, but how can we get kids back to church after Christmas winds down? It’s a good question and one that often leaves us shrugging our shoulders or woefully toeing the dirt at our feet.

Perhaps it’s best to answer this question first: What brought the kids to church at Christmastime in the first place? Was it a special program in which they played a part? Could it have been the unique activities that kids attended with their peers? Did the family Christmas events with unexpected thrills entice children to come? By answering these questions, you may have an idea or two about getting kids to return to your church now that the holidays have ended.

Children want to be involved. They (and their parents) want to know they are an important part of something worthwhile. Kids long to invite their friends to come along, knowing that church won’t be a disappointment. Children and teens thrive on uniqueness and the unexpected. And sometimes, yes, it’s true, kids want to experience fun things together with their families.

Keeping all of this in mind (along with your own list of reasons why kids attended church during the Christmas season) consider the following ideas. Let these suggestions spark some of your own. And let’s get these kids back to church!

Form after-school interest groups, like a craft club, photography club, LEGO-brick builders, or performing-arts group. Encourage coaching and collaboration regardless of the subject.
Offer special classes on weeknights or Sunday afternoons. Topics like computer animation, painting or sketching classes, or sports programs will gain traction with kids and teens.
Feature fun family activities. Include the unexpected, like overnight winter camping or family baking contests. Get kids and teens to offer suggestions for wacky weekend events. Help make their ideas reality.
Offer support for kids facing special challenges. This could be tutoring or help for kids of divorced parents. Encourage children to invite friends who share in these needs.
Organize service projects. Build, clean, or paint for a disabled church member. Take food to homeless centers. Collect baby products for young, unmarried moms. Let the kids help! They can (with your guidance) schedule events, gather supplies, and see that the goals are accomplished.
Host special events. Invite contemporary Christian songwriters or singers to visit your church. Invite a Christian comedian to perform one weekend. Let kids get in for free if they usher or assist with event parking.
Plan, practice, and perform skits as a part of upcoming church services. Delegate as much of the planning as possible. Remember! Kids want to be involved. Let them collect props, secure sound effects, and even film the production.
Host family movie nights and game nights. Let kids help plan and lead the events.

You’ve got this! Brainstorm with your ministry team, kids, and families about additional possibilities. Make 2020 the year of the come-back kids!