February 2005

Dear Christian Leader,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter, where we provide resources to help you build your Pioneer Clubs ministry.

This month we would like to give you ideas for reaching out to the families of your unchurched Pioneer Clubs members.

7 Tips for Reaching Families of Club Members

1. Focus on relationships. Unchurched people who decide to begin attending church–and who stick with it--usually do so because of relationships they've built with people in the church. Make the most of opportunities to get to know the parents of your unchurched kids. Consider setting out a coffee or snack table near the club rooms where the coordinator, club leaders, or a designated "parent pal" can chat with parents when they drop off their children.

2. Create a list of topics. As you build relationships with club members, ask questions about their hobbies and interests, and listen as they talk about themselves. Many of the bits of news they share–from their soccer games to a sick puppy–can work as conversation starters with parents. Put these topics in a mental list or even on paper.

3. Search out Christian "jargon." When writing flyers or notes to parents, and even when speaking, practice thinking through your language from an unchurched person's point of view. Many words and phrases that Christians take for granted (the Word, carry one another's burdens, etc.) will be confusing to unchurched parents, and they may feel left out. You need to be their "translator."

4. Talent Show. Rather than waiting for parents to come to you, invite them. One club does a talent show that parents love. They allow kids to present individual talents, if they want (singing, telling jokes, playing the flute, etc.). Each club age-group also prepares a skit to present. Other ideas:

• Have families work together to present a talent or skit.
• Give the "Puzzle Pieces" talk from Pioneer Clubs' Talks That Teach book. Go to http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=1177&CategoryID=177&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T5E01.
• Serve refreshments.

5. Derby Car or Sailboat Races. These are particularly good events for bringing in unchurched families, because parents can have some family time beforehand by helping kids build their cars or boats. Dads, especially, may also get a kick out of helping build the track or sailboat lanes or being a race official. Car and sailboat kits, plus banners and award badges, can be ordered through the Pioneer Clubs catalog or through the new Online Store at http://www.pioneerclubs.org. Check out the Leader Resources page.

6. Watch for changes. Dr. Charles Arn, of Church Growth, Inc., says that families who are in transition tend to be more receptive to the gospel than families who are in relative stability. If you learn of a major event or a troublesome time in a club member's family, use it as an opportunity to share God's love. Ideas:

• the child's club leader could call or visit, just as a friend
• a church family who has gone through a similar time could offer their support
• a call or visit from the pastor could let the family know they're important to the church

7. Pray for families--and let them know it. Ideas:

• Prayer Pals. Find people in the church to serve as Prayer Pals for club members' families. These Pals can contact "their" families occasionally by phone or note to ask for requests and let them know they're being prayed for. If your club runs the Pioneer Clubs Pal program, the children's Pals can do this for the families. For information on the Pal program, see Making Your Pal Program Work. Go to http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=1185&CategoryID=185&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T5E01
• Club prayer. Every week, have club members pray together for one or more of the kids' families. Get the kids to sign a Pioneer Clubs postcard, and mail it to the prayed-for families. Ask them to send requests via their children. For the postcards, go to http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=936&CategoryID=56&HeaderCategoryId=51&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T5E01.

February Announcements

Annual Phonathon

Pioneer Clubs representatives will be calling our current leaders and donors during the months of February and March to thank you for your partnership, let you know what's happening in the national ministry, and ask for your financial support. Since we'll be calling nearly 9,000 of you—too many calls for our three-person development staff—we've recruited a calling service which specializes in helping Christian organizations reach their donors by phone. Please prayerfully consider a generous gift when we call.

Pioneer Clubs Sunday

We hope you celebrated Pioneer Clubs Sunday with us on February 6th! If not, you haven't missed out—your church can still participate on any Sunday that works for you. Visit www.pioneerclubs.org and go to the Leader Resource Center (password: kids) for ideas on how to share with your congregation the exciting things that are happening in your club. And be sure to let us know how your club celebrated your Pioneer Clubs Sunday by sending an e-mail to info@pioneerclubs.org.

Reflections

“Open your hearts to the love God instills....God loves you tenderly. What He gives you is not to be kept under lock and key but to be shared." —Mother Teresa

Lighter Side

Child's letter to God:

Dear God, I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool! —Eugene

Featured Product

Sailboat Kit

Easy to assemble kit includes wood hull and mast, metal keel, rudder, sail, and complete directions. For ages 4 and up.

Order Now >>> http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=1189&CategoryID=189&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T5E01

Talks that Teach

Devotional talks for all ages. Great for special events, award ceremonies, parent events, holidays, and more.