April/May Spotlight: Warehouse 56
Montgomery Community Church in Cincinnati, OH
Leader:
Patrick Vail
What is the name of your preteen ministry? Tell us the meaning behind it.
Crosstown is the name of our children’s ministry (birth-6th grade). The Preteen area is called Warehouse 56 and a discipleship breakout room called Studio 56. In Crosstown, we desire to impact the lives of kids with the love and message of Jesus Christ in an atmosphere where kids feel a sense of belonging. As we build this bridge through relationships and relevant teaching, the Crosstown logo reminds us that we are to live our lives as a city on a hill connected through Christ.
What one or two things do you do really well?
Relationships and relevant teaching. We have a great team of leaders that serve week after week. Some have served with us 15+ years, and others are in high school. We have a great mix of young and old; hip and experienced. But all world changers
Talk about a preteen who has recently been impacted by God in your group.
There are many stories of salvation, redemption, and hope that could be shared. One area I see lives changed is through our Special Hope Ministry for kids with special needs. The interaction, friendships, and corporate worship that happens is God impacting their lives forever. Currently there are 21 kids participating in our Special Hope Ministry ages 2-12 with 20 “shadows” (volunteers) assisting them.
What changes has your preteen ministry experienced, if any, in the last year?
This past year, our entire church made a strategic move towards family ministry. We were in “silos”, separated groups that didn’t connect frequently: Early Childhood, Elementary, Jr. High, Sr. High. This past year, all of those groups are now under one umbrella called Next Generation ministries (Next Gen for short). This was been HUGE in the life of our church. Our focus now is partnering and equipping parents to be the spiritual leaders of their families.
You mentioned about 80-90 preteens attend your group. Has it always been that big? If not, tell us about the growth process. How did it happen? What challenges did it bring?
It hasn't always been that big. Just 6 years ago, we were averaging 20 5th and 6th graders from 3 services at a church of 1500. It was taught lecture-style and behind desks, which included note taking and a test to graduate out of the 6th grade (egad, that is hard to say out loud). There was a change in leadership and our Next Gen Pastor, Kim Vaught, came on board to lead a capitol campaign. Through his leadership a sterile environment was transformed into a place that kids run to on weekends. It was challenging on several levels: The lay leaders in those areas that had created the curriculum and were personally invested picked up and left. Out of a team of eight, only one stayed. The first few months were tough, but the change was needed. In just 2 years our numbers went from 20 at three services to 80-90 on a weekend .
What one mistake have you made this past year that has been a learning experience? One mistake....from today...?
Seriously, mistakes I’ve made are in regards to communication with volunteers. Communicating clearly is something I need to work on daily. I get to lead volunteer leaders that are bi-vocational and don’t always have the luxury to steep themselves in the day-in and day-out workings of the church. It is my responsibility to communicate lessons, process, vision, training, and evaluations to them in a way that is clear and simple. When they know the expectation, this frees them up to build relationships with the kids and that’s why they are volunteering- to be life-changers in a broken world.
Patrick Vail can be reached at pvail@mcc.us
Check out Crosstown Children’s Ministry online today (super website)! |
