Another Covid 19 Pandemic audible.  Last week an Executive Pastor friend, David Jordan, called to talk through including a medical form in the check-in process.  They had decided to continue to meet live even with much lower numbers - around 20% of old normal.  Like most XP's, he's a planner anticipating when they start back with children's ministry and check-in.

All of us miss being together on Sundays but we're finding new paths to stay connected.  Like the creative ways many of you are using Text-to-Church to help.

One recent idea was to use All Check to have people text to let us know they were watching the live-stream or video.  It also gives them an opportunity to respond, give and stay informed.  Like a church bulletin, but on steroids.

But there was a problem.  The system required starting up a label printer in order to use Check-in.  So, we changed development priorities last week and are excited to release an upgrade to Check-in that allows you to create an automatic check-in start up schedule without having to start a label printer.   

"How do I set up check-in for our church?"  The answer to that question continues to evolve as we continue to adopt newer and better technology.  I'm going to skip the history lesson and jump right into the decisions you need to make now about check-in and then give you a general process for implementing them.

About this time of the year families begin to get excited about the upcoming school year.  And churches begin planning their fall launch.  At the intersection of both is Promotion Sunday!  The big Sunday when all the kids move up a grade.

Let's say the Jordans have children involved in youth sports.  Generally, they attend worship and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.  But their new league plays about half their games on Sunday mornings.  So, during those weeks the Jordans attend worship and Sunday School during the 4 p.m. service on Saturday.  A great solution provided by an understanding church! 

Leaving kids in children's ministry the first time is scary for guest parents.  They are concerned that the situation is new and uncertain for their children.  They are uneasy about leaving their kids with people they don't know.  They might even have to battle thoughts about worse case scenarios.  Their worry distracts them from fully engaging in worship.    

But you have worked hard to invite and welcome them.  You've made sure the children's area is clean and looks fun.  You've staffed it with good people who really care.  You've even provided security with check-in.  All of these are important, but what if when parents walk away you could do a little something extra.  Here's a simple idea on how to extend your hospitality one step further to help assuage guest parent fears.

The best place to connect with parents on Sunday morning is when they check-in their kids.  This is just as true for your members and regular attenders as it is for your guests.  You may already be using that time to start the follow-up process.  If not, see section D in the check-in view.  But, why not use the same opportunity to capture attendance for everything everyone in the family is attending or serving in that morning?  

He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.  Malachi 4:6