BEGINNING A
MISSION MINDED KIDS
PROGRAM IN YOUR CHURCH

MISSION MINDED KIDS IS

... teaching our children together,

to understand the world

to love the world

to reach the world

... for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ; that the world might know

the truth that would set them free,

the peace that passes all understanding,

the gift of God, which is eternal life.

Beginning a new Mission Minded Kids (MMK) gorup in your church can be a simple process that grows over time. Following are some steps to begin with. Gather a small group of interested people around you to help plan, define and orchestrate the program. Tailor each suggestion to the needs of your particular group of children, your available facility, and your individual style of teaching. Use the resources creatively to enhance your program, give new ideas and broaden your children's view of the world.

• Begin by defining your program. What ages will be included? How often will you meet? Where will you meet? How long will your meetings last? Will you have short regularly schedule meetings monthly or weekly, or will you plan larger "rally" type events for your group that happens 2-4 times per year and last for several hours?
  
• You will also need to define your goals. The obvious goal will be to educate children about world missions. Beyond that, your group can and should work at developing relationships with a small number of missionary families (perhaps families with children of similar ages), as well as developing a deep compassion for people (at home and abroad) less fortunate than tham. Put these goals, (along with any others you want to add) into writing so that they are always before you as your group grows.
  
• Your facility will determine your meeting space. Try to find a room that is big enough to provide space to move around, as well as space for a table to work at, and wall space for maps or decorations.
  
• Equip your room with a map or a globe, and any international decorations or trinkets you can find. Some lessons give directions for games, some work best with floor space for kids to sit or move about, and some need table and chairs for writing or laying out of materials. Storage space in your room is also beneficial for lesson materials, as well as project materials you might want to collect to send overseas.
  
• Set up a database of names of children in your target group. Use individual first and last names as this list will be constantly changing as some grow out of the group and others grow into it. Include children who attend only sporadically, those who attend without their parents, and those you would like to reach, as MMK may provide a way to get new families involved and more connected with the church.
  
• Set up a separate database with an alphabetical listing of family names and addresses. This can be used for mailing labels if you send any invitations, letter or announcements, as well as for general use and information. In this list, you can include the names and addresses of grandparents or close relatives who take an active part in the church and in the lives of "their" kids.
  
• A personal invitation in the mail to an MMK event or meeting can be much more effective than a general announcement in the bulletin. Including parents, grandparents, and close relatives in some activities and projects can raise awareness and generate compassion and enthusiasm on an extended family level.