"Trickle In Syndrome"

I’m coining this phrase, and if you’re in the church world, or even secular organizations and groups, you probably have experienced this. At the start of a new season, you (and hopefully your other leaders) are raring to go, excited to get everyone back and started on the right foot, and then your families and participants just ‘trickle in’, seemingly later and later into the fall.

This is frustrating for a number of reasons: Your dream of building community is so much harder because the group is constantly shifting. As people drift in and are inconsistent, you rarely have the same children or youth two weeks in a row if ever. You may also have people just ‘trying it out’ and you know that some will likely drift out never to be seen again. Your kick-off falls flat with few bodies there to celebrate, and those who actually made it that day wonder if it was worth it. The real start of content gets pushed off and filler inconsequential learning is picked up on by participants.

What do we do about this? How do we ease our frustration? Here is a starting place:

  1. Accept reality. It’s annoying but the intent of the trickle in-ers isn’t to make you crazy. There are many reasons people come back slowly. Children are adjusting to fall routines, especially school after the summer break. So many habits are being established, including a new class, teacher and expectations. Parents are often cautious about adding something else until they see how their kids are coping. Some parents are just molded by society to be consumers of programs and are checking out all options before committing. All parents need some grace not judgement.

  2. Ask. At the end of the previous season, and even end of summer, connect with parents about what is the optimal time to start your program or Sunday school officially. It may be that 80% of families aren’t ready until late September. Work with parents rather than against them. And once you open that communication, keep it up. If they have the schedule of special events and what is happening well ahead then they can plan and more easily make it a priority. And reminders are helpful as the busyness of fall takes over.

  3. Fill the in-between time intentionally. Especially with Sunday school, you may still need programming until it begins officially. Flexibility is key. If no children show up, thank leaders for being on deck and help them to see the positives of getting to worship and observe the rest of the community where they serve. Connecting with the congregation and seeing and better understanding what is happening outside of Sunday school is helpful. If one or more children show up, make the most of the opportunity, perhaps doing a messy craft or kitchen time that would be too much to handle with a larger group. Encourage leaders to get to know these kids better without a crowd vying for their attention. Get them to talk and dream together about what they’d like the year to be like and how to welcome others when they come. Find out their interests and concerns. Make them feel wanted and loved,

  4. Recognize that it continues. Once you’ve had your kick-off, realize that just because fall routines have settled in doesn’t mean perfect attendance from here on in. Between shared custody arrangements, sports, family events and other things, consistent attendance is rare. When you plan content, be aware of this. Certainly encourage coming regularly, and work to make each program night or Sunday school class dynamic and something to look forward to, but accept that numbers are still going to fluctuate. Having stand-alone weekly lessons works for some, or repeating the story for at least another week with different activities. Be observant and proactive with your kids and their needs.

Your programs may be already in full swing, and these suggestions may apply more to next season’s planning. Take note of attendance and how your start-up went this year so that you can be intentional for next year and ease frustration. If your programs are just beginning, hopefully these ideas will help for this season.

No matter how much trickle in syndrome affects you and your ministries, remember that you are still making an impact. The preparation and prayer that goes into serving children and youth is all used by God in some way and its fruit may be something we never see. Don’t be discouraged but trust that God is using your efforts and time to shape and nurture young people. And hopefully, you are being shaped and nurtured just as much.