How To Create a Discipline Plan for Your Ministry

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This online training workshop (20 minutes) will help you develop a consistent plan for dealing with behavior issues in your ministry.

YouTube video

Workshop Notes: Developing a Discipline Plan for Your Children’s Ministry

Girl showing confussion


Misconceptions about Discipline

  1. Discipline = mean, harsh, strict
  2. Kids don’t like rules.
  3. We can’t discipline at church.
  4. If we discipline kids won’t like us.

Why discipline is necessary:

  1. Four basics of a plan . . .Because we love the kids (Hebrews 12:6)
  2. We want kids to learn.
  3. We want kids to be safe.
  4. We want volunteers to stay.

Principles

  1. Our purpose is to disciple.
  2. Consistent throughout the ministry.
  3. Well-communicated

Step 1: Determine the Rules

  1. Just 3-4
  2. Keep them more general than specific.
  3. Make them memorable.
  4. Post them everywhere

Step 2: Determine Consequences

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  1. Clear
  2. Progressive
  3. Define when parents will be involved and by who

Step 3: Communicating the plan

  1. To volunteers
  2. To parents
  3. To kids

Step 4: Stick with it

  1. Cultures don’t change overnight
  2. Kids will test limits.
  3. Consistency and love win.

Group Discussion (comment on this page)

  • Leave a comment below describing your ministry’s discipline policy.
New Sunday School Curriculum: Our Bible lessons are designed to keep the kids’ attention and show how God's Word makes a difference. Every series is flexible enough for a wide-age group and affordable enough for small churches. Download a free Bible lesson in pdf or view our latest Sunday School curriculum for small churches.

Free 2026-2027 Sunday school curriculum 4-week sample pack — Backpack Blessings, Squad Goals, All Stars, BFFs
FREE 2026–27 4-Week Sample Pack (Ages 6–12)
Free PreK 6-week curriculum sample pack preview
Free PreK 6-Week Sample (Ages 3–5)
Fruit of the Spirit Kids curriculum preview
Fruit of the Spirit (Ages 6–12)
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5–9) — Jesus Teaches About Prayer, free Sunday School lesson PDF download
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5–9)
Back to School 2026-2027 children's ministry curriculum bundle deal
Back to School Curriculum Bundle
New children's ministry curriculum lessons coming soon — July 2026
New Lessons Coming Soon

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