Whatever we have planned this summer or in the coming months, we must take the challenge of follow up seriously, argues Ed Jones

As the props are finished off, the drama scripts frantically learnt and various crazy games concocted, as the countdown to this year's summer holiday club is almost over, ending months of planning and hard work; are we in danger, as churches, of simply running great clubs and that is it?

Whether we choose to 'supersize' our meal, go for 'express delivery' or decide on the car model that has all the 'necessary gadgets', optional extras seem to be presented to us in more and more ways these days.

They are just that though: optional. We can take them or leave them. I wonder whether many churches take the same view where it comes to the summer holiday clubs they run and the whole area of 'follow up'?    

Packed full of games, craft, songs, drama, the Bible and a whole load of foam pies, many churches will once again be running a variety of clubs, events and activities for the children of their communities.

The Church Holiday Club isn't something solely allowed in the month August though. Half terms, Christmas and Easter holidays are utilised in the same way by many church communities as an opportunity to put on an event for children that shares something of the difference knowing Jesus can make in their lives.

But how often do we put an extreme about of time, energy, enthusiasm and hard work into such an event, only to reach the end of it and then think about what's next? I don't believe it's necessarily intentional, but is that any excuse?  

I believe if we seriously think we can put on an event that seeks to share Jesus with the children of our community, for them to have a great time, be challenged and to set before them the new life on offer; and that be it - we're mistaken.

Yes there may be regular activities we run they could join, yes we may be limited in terms of team, yes we may be shattered having worked to make the holiday club into all it was - but is that enough?

Whatever we have planned this summer or in the coming months, we must take the challenge of follow up seriously - it needs to be part of the ministry we are delivering.

We have to be thinking through how the children, who have perhaps come along for the first time, will be able to continue to question, engage and develop their journey of faith in a safe and supportive environment. We should be thinking from the start how the children will be able to grow and develop as disciples of Jesus.

Let us help children meet with Jesus in a new and amazing way, see their lives transformed forever, deliver superb, fun and exciting events - but not leave it there.

Some thoughts to consider for your summer holiday club or other 'special events' throughout the year:

* How do they link into the regular ministry delivered amongst children?
* Is there the need to pioneer something new to specifically follow them up? If so how will you take this forward?
* Do you purposefully keep in touch with the children who come to them?

Ed Jones is a Baptist minister based in Basildon, Essex, and is the executive director of Arise Ministries