I walked into the church office one morning where two of our senior members were folding bulletins for Sunday morning worship. One of these ladies, in her 90’s, had served the church as a children’s Sunday School teacher for over 65 years. We chatted a bit and as I was leaving the room, she asked, “How is Frolic going?” I knew at that moment that we had done our work so the entire church body could know that something new was happening at Trinity. I knew from the sparkle in her eye that she had hope that this new approach would reach children and families for Christ.

Often, children’s ministry directors find themselves looking for just the right materials to engage children. We purchase the materials, train the teachers (if we have time), then use the program in the designated setting. No one else in the church knows the scope, sequence, or pedagogy. This is where Frolic is different. Frolic is an approach to early childhood ministry not just a curriculum.

My first step

First, to initiate this new approach, I met with the pastor to share the Frolic concept. We decided that we had the opportunity to reach the most people in the community if we offered it during our Thursday Community Nights. We determined that the church nursery would provide the best space for multiple stations, circle activities, with convenient restrooms and a changing station.

Next, materials were purchased. The nursery was decorated with Frolic posters. Supplies were gathered.

Sharing the news

Then, we started telling everyone about it – through newsletters, announcements at church, newspaper articles, flyers to preschool families, and mailings to church families with young children. Then we started the most important task – having individual conversations.

The broad blasts of information made the church and community aware. But the key to involving families in this ministry was individual conversations. Four of the five participating families committed to attending because of a one-on-one conversation about what we would be doing and what their children would be gaining.

What did families think about Frolic?

The program was launched in January with the intent of meeting for five weeks. As we neared the end of the five weeks, families were surveyed and unanimously agreed that they wanted to continue meeting to play through all of the Old Testament stories. Now they are looking forward to meeting in the Fall to play through the New Testament.

When families are asking for more, you know it works! Frolic works because it is an approach based on relationships. At the very core, it is based on strengthening family relationships with God at the center. But it doesn’t end there. Frolic offers the opportunity for relationships to grow between families, Frolic leaders, church members, the community, and God.

Interested in learning more? Visit the Sparkhouse website to see how Frolic can work for your ministry!