One Ministry's Story: Promiseland

A Children's Ministry in the Making

Promiseland, the Children's Ministry at Willow Community Church, serves infants and children through grade five. It is a place where children feel welcomed, valued and cared for while they learn who Jesus is, how to follow Him and how basic Bible truths can help them make the right choices now and throughout their lives.

Sue Miller, Executive Director of Promiseland, tells the story …

"Promiseland wasn't always so promising. In 1989, we gave ourselves a report card. The kids we struggled so hard to teach said we were 'boring.' The quality of the lessons depended upon who was teaching. The volunteers were overwhelmed, undervalued and in short supply. Our curriculum seemed outdated. The music seemed irrelevant.

"The facilities were inadequate, crowded and did not communicate the value of the work that went on there. Many of our volunteers were not serving within their gifts—or their passion.

"'How effective are we,' we asked ourselves, 'in raising up Christ-followers?' We gave ourselves a C—. We went back to the drawing board to completely revamp our mission, vision and strategy. We knew it was time to make a change.

"Our vision became to make our ministry the best hour in every kid's week.

"Like missionaries seeking to know everything about the culture of the people they hope to reach, we sought to know our kids' culture. We studied the places where they love to eat. The places where they love to shop. The museums where they love to learn. We learned from those places and used what we learned to create an environment where learning about Jesus Christ and having fun could go hand in hand.

"Bill Hybels, senior pastor at Willow Creek, has described his dream of a church where spiritual gifts are consistently employed and deployed. A church where people are lead by leaders, taught by teachers, nurtured by shepherds, and guided by administrators. We wanted that to be true of our volunteers in Promiseland.

"As leaders, we need to realize that no one likes to do meaningless work. Adult volunteers need to know the work they do fits who they are and is worth their best efforts and sacrifice. If they're passionate about teaching, gifted in communication and teaching the age level they best relate to, their commitment is deeper—and so is their joy.

"It's our hope that you will create a strong, thriving ministry where kids are loved and volunteers are valued; where the life-changing truth of Scripture becomes a life-long reality for every child that walks through your door. We pray your ministry becomes the best hour of your kids' weeks."

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.