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Mom's Night Out
The work of mothers is never done. There are constant demands at home and most of them must also work outside the home. The quest to be a good mother, wife and worker has physically exhausted many mothers. The prospect of having a few hours for themselves or to spend alone with their husbands is a luxury of which many can only dream.
An adequate facility is important to the success of this ministry. If it is going to be held at the church there must be enough space to accommodate the kids as they move about and play. The goal, however, is more than a glorified baby sitting service and Bible school. Some churches find it easier to regularly rent out a facility or provide chaperones for similar programs that already exist at recreational centers, wellness centers, sport clubs, museums or zoos.
First, bring the mothers of the church together to determine their interests. Use that group to determine the day and time, and if they are willing, schedule them as the initial hosts and workers. This is a ministry that has caused its fair share of burn out, so don’t be too ambitious initially. Typical churches can manage this type of program only once-a-month to once-a-quarter. Anything more calls for significant time and resource commitments. The workers should be prepared to register and secure the children as they are brought in. Background checks should be done on all volunteers working with children. Age requirements for children can vary, but most churches require that children be old enough to take care of their personal needs. An interesting program of 2-3 hours should be provided for the children. Offer a light meal or refreshments. Some churches defray expenses by accepting donations or charging a very nominal fee.
Since outreach is the goal be sure to have the church members get the word around. It might not be wise to advertise in the newspaper unless you are prepared to accommodate the response. The same goes for fliers and hand bills. You absolutely must have an adequate number of workers to safely monitor the children. Be sensitive to any local codes or requirements for conducting events of this type.
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