Change is usually pretty difficult for most people. If you are thinking of changing to a new curriculum in your kids ministry, it’s probably a good idea to help your volunteers process the change. Here are some things I learned along the journey of changing to a new curriculum.
- Do your research. Before you decide to make the change, find out what your volunteers like about your current curriculum, and what is not working. Then research what options could potentially solve some of your challenges, or take your kids ministry to a new level.
- Decide on your budget. There are some really great FREE options out there that are worth investigating. Life Church’s Kids Curriculum, Crossroads Kids Club, NewSpring Church and Kids Kount Publishing are some great FREE options. If you have some $$ to spend, then there are many options available. When I transitioned my team of 200 volunteers, we switched to The Gospel Project for Kids.
- Communicate. You can never over communicate. Email short emails. Send volunteers little bits of info at a time. Send them sample videos. Send them a sample lesson. Let them know some of the benefits the new curriculum will bring.
- Invite them to a meeting. Invite your key leaders or teachers to come to see and hear about the new curriculum. Have samples printed off, and outline what changes will be taking place.
- Take the new Curriculum on a Test Drive. Tell your volunteers that you are going to try something new. They might be more open to a ‘test drive’ than a big change that is set in stone. Try it out for a few months, and then decide if you are going to keep going with the new curriculum.
- Ask for Feedback. Ask how things are going. Tweak things along the way that need tweaking. Listen to your volunteers to see if the new curriculum will be helpful or you need to go back to the drawing board.
