Shared Space

Shared Space Guidance for Leaders: A lock on the gate of the playground with only the preschool director or the chair of trustees holding the key, or a needed space for the nursery on Sunday that remains dark and locked because the weekday preschool director does not want the church to “mess with her space”. How do these scenarios exemplify Christian community? There are several places that we can look to for our responsibility to our children. Jesus passionately spoke of the importance of refraining from being a “stumbling block” in the formation of our children. John Wesley encouraged ministers to visit children in their homes. The UM Book of Discipline and the UM Book of Resolutions address how we are to care for the children entrusted to us. Given these examples, what is the answer to the long asked question of shared space between the weekday preschool ministry and the Christian education staff within the church? Healthy Communication – coming to the table. We can write policies, conduct meetings, and stake out territory, but if we are not communicating with one another all of those actions are moot and sometimes destructive. Questions to consider: How are we continually looking at ways to improve communication and relationship between preschool staff members and the church education staff? What mechanisms do we have in place to bring people to the table to constructively work through issues regarding use of space? What policies do we have in place to allow ongoing communication concerning issues around space between the Preschool Director and church committees? How do we communicate with one another so that there is more of a focus on community rather than individuality? What budget process do we have in place to adequately maintain ongoing ministries given varying economic climates? How do we set an example for children through our actions and decisions on shared space? 2010 - Melanie Gordon, Director, Ministry with Children, GBOD