Pioneer Clubs coordinators eNewsletter–Successful group discipline

September 2005

Dear Christian Leader,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Pioneer Clubs^® Coordinator's eNewsletter, where we provide resources to assist you as you plan, recruit, and train—enabling others to share God’s Word with children. This month we would like to give you tips to help your leaders with group discipline.

Helping Leaders with Group Discipline

Most leaders of children find group discipline to be one of their top challenges. You can prepare your club leaders to meet this challenge proactively and successfully.

If your church has a discipline policy that all children's ministry workers should follow, give a copy of it to club leaders and review it with them. Give examples of possible behaviors and acceptable responses to be sure they understand.

If there's no church-wide policy, consider creating one for all age-groups in your Pioneer Clubs program. Include:

how to set rules (have no more than five, state them positively, etc.)
how to use logical consequences
what to do if the club leader can't solve the problem

Consider using the "Establishing Discipline That Works" outline in the Leader Training Outlines book (catalog #2754) to lead a training session for your club leaders. (Order at the following link: http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=1208&CategoryID=208&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T6EC2) The Pioneer Clubs catalog and Online Store also contain other discipline resources to help you. (Order at the following link: http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/leader_resources/default.asp#52)

Action Ideas for September

Visit your club leaders while club is in session. Watch for how they're handling discipline issues so you can decide if anyone needs more training.
Also watch for how club leaders are using Bible Exploration times, the club members' handbooks, and activity award times. Give them feedback, as necessary, to help them develop good habits right from the start.

Ideas for Encouraging Leaders

At the start of the club year, schedule a dedication during church. Have club leaders stand before the congregation, holding unlit candles. Church leaders light the candles one by one, saying, "(Leader's name), go and spread the light of Jesus to the children." Have the pastor pray, dedicating the leaders and their club ministry to the Lord.
Start a "Club Leader of the Month" bulletin board in a prominent spot at church. Post a different leader's picture and some interesting facts about him or her each month.

Changed Lives

“Last year we had a boy, a neighbor of one of our church members, attend club. He is in sixth grade and can be quite difficult. He has had a pretty difficult childhood. Every once in a while, though, we see a softer side. One night he told our leaders that he had been transferred to a different school because he had been fighting. The leader, who was familiar with the school, told him she was worried about him because the school is a pretty rough place. The boy responded, “I'll be okay; at least I have Wednesday nights (Pioneer Clubs).” Many times we wondered if he was really getting anything out of club at all, and all along God was using our club leaders to minister to and love this child, who had plenty of reasons to be in trouble.”— Jocelyn Horton, First Baptist Church of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona

Pioneer Clubs Announcements

Keeping in Touch...

Representatives from Pioneer Clubs will be calling some of our friends this month to thank you for your past giving, let you know what's going on in the ministry, and ask for your continued support. We look forward to chatting with you!

Autumn Kids for Kids Hike

Did you miss the Spring 2005 Kids for Kids Hike? Join us October 15, 2005*, for the Autumn Kids for Kids Hike!

An autumn hike is a great way to kick off your club year. It also allows you to get unchurched kids involved in club early and helps you increase your club's visibility.

All the information you need is at Pioneer Clubs' Web site at www.pioneerclubs.org, or call 800-694-2582 and ask for the Development Department. Be sure to let us know your hike plans by e-mailing Norma at nscott@pioneerclubs.org.

*or whatever date best suits your church

Training Teleconferences

Join us by telephone for these special LIVE and INTERACTIVE training sessions, especially designed to meet the needs of Pioneer Clubs coordinators and leaders! Upcoming topics:

Basic Training
Group Discipline

For dates and registration information, visit http://www.pioneerclubs.org/trainingwork.htm. We hope you can join us!

Need help planning your club year? For a sample club year calendar, visit: http://www.pioneerclubs.org/pdf/sample_club_year_calendar.pdf

Reflections
Which club leaders seem to need help getting comfortable with leading club? Who could mentor them—a current leader? A "retired" leader?

Lighter Side
The Sunday school teacher was explaining the story of Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the altar. Then Elijah commanded the people to pour water over the altar. “Now,” said the teacher, “why would God have Elijah pour water over the bull?” A little girl raised her hand with great enthusiasm. “To make the gravy,” she said.