Endings and Beginnings Part 2

Last week I wrote about losing volunteers at the end of a season and how to respond well. At the same time, the programs themselves are ending or have already, and you may also lose some participants, particularly from mid-week groups. These realities may weigh less on you than leaders moving on, but they still need to be handled well.

If I'm honest, most years I was more than ready for the program season to end. The news that some participants weren't returning either hit hard or was almost a relief given dynamics and needs. There is still a loss happening, though, and perhaps even regret about things you'd hoped to accomplish but time or resources ran out. The dreams at the start of the season no doubt had to shift due to realities that couldn't be anticipated. How do we deal with all of this so that we can move on and anticipate new beginnings?

1. Take time to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly of the last year. At what points did you experience God's presence most? What highlights can you identify and what lowlights still lurk in your mind? Celebrate God's blessings and acknowledge things that could have gone better and through which God may have been speaking to you. 

2. Debrief with your team, inviting honest dialogue and feedback by creating safe space and affirming their contributions. Check your own perceptions compared to theirs and perhaps gain a more true perspective. Together talk through any lingering concerns. Discuss ways of avoiding similar patterns in the future and lift up the triumphs and God's faithfulness.

3. If you find out that some participants aren't coming back, check your emotions and express regret. Gently try to find out the reason from the caregiver and/or participant. It may be that the child has outgrown the program, the family is moving, in this consumer culture a "better option" may have materialized, or there may be an issue needing attention.

4. Watch and listen carefully for signs that the decision to stop coming is due to problems within the program itself. Was the child's group disruptive, upsetting, stressful or not accomplishing its intended goals? Was there any chance of bullying, a poor leader relationship, or boredom due to the material being too challenging or too simple? Were parent expectations just not met, realistic or not? If negative experiences aren't acknowledged, there may be other participants looking for the door. Address this with parents and provide reassurance that the situation is being looked at and rectified.

5. If you have the chance, celebrate with your participants at the last gathering of the year all that has happened in your community together. Thank your leaders, thank participants for what they contributed and recognize the learning that happened. If your season is over, consider sending a personal letter, postcard or e-mail with a photo of the group doing something memorable and providing details about fall start-up so that parents slot it in their schedules. 

As you turn the page on a season of ministry, may you be able to see the hand of God at work in your programs and people. May you be able to recognize ways that can improve your focus on and bring even more glory to God. May you be able to find peace so that you can prepare for the next season with renewed enthusiasm. God's grace and peace be with you!