This post contains graphics. If you cannot see the images, click here to view.

Last week, I walked in to the Apple store. It wasn't my first visit but I needed some help with my iPad and I'd booked an appointment at the Genius Bar. As usual, the store was filled with people and the steady hum of conversation. I'd only taken 4 steps inside before I was greeted, logged in for my appointment and moved along to the next assistant. 

Friendly customer assistance
Someone has really thought through Apple customer assistance. Despite the throng of people, the service felt personal and I received friendly assistance via a well-organised support system. 

Make a good impression
When a new family walks through the doors of your church or children's ministry area you have about 8 minutes to create a good impression. The entrance to the Apple store is clearly marked and their window displays are simple but eye-catching. In fact, I've often adapted their ideas for our children's ministry areas. How attractive are your entry areas?  Families like to see areas that kid-friendly, bright and appealing. Like the Apple store signage, your children's ministry areas should also be clearly marked. I know this is difficult if your funds are limited, but it's amazing what can be achieved with a bit of creativity.

A simple welcome sign
Check out our faux blackboard Welcome sign. It's simply printed on A3 paper and laminated. Add a basic stand of dowel plus a base and you have an instant, attractive sign for your children's ministry area. Make a few of these and place them in strategic points to direct your visitors to the appropriate areas. Add a couple of arrows if needed. (You'll find a FREE pdf for this sign below that you can download and print.)

Helpful greeters
Although I knew the location of the Apple store, it was really helpful to have someone on hand to direct me to the area I needed in-store. Likewise, a team of helpful greeters at your church or ministry entryway ready to direct your visitors to the various ministry areas, sign-in locations and the restrooms can be really helpful. A friendly smile and welcome coupled with personal assistance can be a wonderful first impression for visiting families to your children's ministry.

This post contains graphics. If you cannot see the images, click here to view.

I love Blu-tack. I wouldn't exactly say that my ministry is held together by Blu-tack but sometimes it feels that way. But, apparently, I'm not the only one who feels incomplete without a pack of Blu-tack at the ready.

Why Blu-tack?
 Statistics tell us that Australians buy more than 3 million packs of Blu-tack each year.When we need kids to pin up pictures and Bible points in our lessons- Blu-tack. When we want kids to rearrange the words for our Bible verse on the wall, we use Blu-tack. When we organise our decoration materials to redesign for a new theme, Blu-tack is top of the list. When we restock our resources cupboard and trolleys, Blu-tack is an essential.

So, I thought it might be helpful to include some suggested uses for Blu-tack that we've found in our work in children's ,ministries. And, I'd love you to include your own suggestions and ideas, too.

10 uses in kidmin:
1. Use a blob as a replacement for lost paint container caps.
2. Give restless kids a blob to play with, sort of like a stress ball.
3. Attach balloons to walls and ceilings with Blu-tack.
4. Stop the buzz of a vibrating speaker with a wad of Blu-tack.
5. Position a small ball of Blu-tack under a projector to level the projection.
6. Use to create figures for your Bible story. (It also works well to use the figures to create a stop motion clip.)
7. Hold paint pots in place to prevent kids tipping them.
8. Attach a blob to the whiteboard to hold markers.
9. Pick up spilled beads easily with a blob of Blu-tack.
10. Use a ball of' Blu-tack to secure the 'Special seat' prize to the base of one of your kidmin chairs.

I've even heard of rolling some into a string to contain a paint spill. What creative uses have you devised for Blu-tack?

Click on the Youtube clip below to see even more ideas for that versatile product, Blu-tack.

This post contains graphics. If you cannot see the images, click here to view.

Although there will be many occasions when fatigue and discouragement may cause you to doubt, you really are making a difference in the lives of children through your ministry. And not only in the lives of kids, but in the lives of families, too, for when a child grows in faith the whole family will be influenced. Time and again, we've seen that  'a little child shall lead them.'  We know that the churches that will thrive tomorrow are those impassioned about kids today.

Many years ago, D.L. Moody acknowledged the importance of children's ministry and stated that, 'If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!'

The following clip from D.Hudson highlights the basic but crucial ways that you can impact these young lives. It would be worthwhile incorporating this clip in your teaching segment for your volunteers, especially those who are new to your team or perhaps just as a reminder to your leaders.

The ten important things that kids need from you at church: smile at me, notice me, love me, trust and believe in me, heat me, inspire me, help and empower me and honour me- great concepts and great to highlight for everyone.

But if you're looking for some ideas and proven tools to really impact lives, to turbo-charge your ministry, check out the following book by D. Hudson & S. Werner, '100 Best Ideas to Turbo-charge your Children's Ministry.'  You can really make a difference in the lives of families and your community  as you implement some of these great ideas, practices and philosophies to energize your ministry.You can find the Kindle version here.