If it really does take a village to raise a child...

Then this principle is especially visible when creating an effective children's ministry program - one that really does make a difference in the lives of individual children.

There's no way for you or your children's leadership to accomplish this goal without the partnership of a skilled team of volunteers and an entire community of parents.

Join CCN for the next important session in our children's ministry training series: Children's Ministry: What Matters Most and learn how you can develop and nourish these transformational partnerships.

This month, children's ministry expert Dave Staal will help you build a healthy, mutually supportive connection with both parents and volunteers:

• Building a Great Volunteer Team
  Every children’s ministry needs volunteers, but not just any volunteer willing to put in his/her time—children's ministry needs great volunteers. Gain a fresh perspective and clear, practical action steps for drawing committed, energetic, and gifted people to your ministry teams.

• Building Relationships with Parents
  Parents and children’s ministry workers have something important in common: children. Yet, great partnerships between the two take time and effort. Learn how quality communication, encouragement, and resources create strong relationships with parents in your church.

This year, when you make plans to grow your children's ministry, don't forget  What Matters Most!

Dave Staal is the Director of Promiseland, the children’s ministry at Willow Creek Community Church. He is most passionate about helping kids start a relationship with Jesus. Dave writes for and serves as the editor of Today’s Children’s Ministry, an electronic publication and website from Christianity Today International. His books include Making your Children’s Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid’s Week, Leading Kids to Jesus, and Leading Your Child to Jesus.