Why Policy Matters in KidMin

As a church, we have recently placed a lot of framework and policies in place in different areas of the church. From requiring parents to have security tags to pick up their children to bottle policies in the nursery, we are creating structure. Some of these things may seem unnecessary or even ridiculous, but they matter. Here's why:

• Policy creates structure for growth. If we operate as a small church, we'll stay small. God will not send people to our door that we can't or won't take care of. As Jim Wideman says, if you'll do when you're small what you'd be forced to do if you got big, you'll get big.
• Policy creates safety. I know I will never have a child have an allergic reaction to peanuts if I don't serve peanut products. I know that I won't let a child be kidnapped from our ministry if every parent has to present a security tag to pick up their child. When little things are done right, consistently, they create safety.
• Policy creates uniformity. If we have a clear policy in place, there is no confusion. There is consistency among the entire staff.
• Policy defines boundaries. With no boundaries, your ministry is a swamp and chaos soon ensues. With the right boundaries, you have a river.
•  Policy limits offense. If this is the policy and it is enforced consistently across the board, then there is no opportunity for offense, because it isn't personal. A few may still be upset by the rules, but when they are reminded frequently and see it enforced with others, hurt feelings are minimized.

Policies aren't something to be hated or feared, they create room for growth and reap benefits in your ministry.