If you have been in ministry long you will have realized Easter and Christmas are the playoffs for ministry personnel. If we want these times to be successful we prepare for them in advance.

I probably don’t have to tell you that Christmas is super important in our church cycle. It is a time we see lots of visitors, and some families who seem to come to church at random will make a special visit this time of year.

So this means we have a huge weight on our shoulders, we as youth workers are required to perform well during this season. If you haven’t felt this pressure before I pray it is out of preparation not ignorance.

I think we can all agree that because of these new or irregular people we need to win during the playoffs, so how do we do it?

WE WIN BY…

…stepping up: There are going to be many seasons when we are exhausted or perhaps feeling a little lazy but that can’t be the case here. Christmas can provide a once in a lifetime shot for some people to hear the message of Jesus. You better step up and give one of the best Jesus talks you have ever given.

…prepping your team: You are not alone, its not your job to do everything. Talk to your volunteers about the implications of the season. We often get focused on ourselves during the Christmas season, but we have the opportunity to make everything about Christ. You and your team will never be perfect, but if your hearts are prepared for what you are there to do God will move.

…serving others: Everyone who works in ministry during the Christmas season will be pushed. We will be stretched and challenged if we are putting in our best efforts. But what would it look like if you took your skills and talents and lent them to the Children’s ministry, or maybe you are amazing at graphic work and helped do some awesome graphics. If everyone spread around their talents to the other ministries we might take some of the weight off our teammates and it would free them up to help one another.

What are some ways you have won during the Christmas season?

Kyle Corbin has been serving as a volunteer or youth pastor for over 10 years. He is currently the youth pastor at the Bridge Church in North Vancouver B.C. You can follow his blog at: kylecorbin@blogspot.com or Twitter: @CorbinKyle.