New GA Leader?

The GA forum is great! Many of you are new to GA and have lots of questions. This is a great environment to get support and ideas from other leaders.

Starting GA

For basic information and a sample unit of GA, start here.

Next, the guide for starting a GA organization is How to Involve Children in Missions. This has everything you need to organize GA--from how to recruit leaders to leading a child to Christ. This is a must-have resource for all leaders.

 

Strengthening GA

There is a missions consultant in your state who will help you with questions and tell you about special children’s missions events in your area. Go to http://www.gapassport.com/index.asp?ContentID=1220 for contact information.

 

There are a few online training options. You can download a general GA PowerPoint presentation and a "Fit 4 God's Missions" conference outline to lead at your church: http://www.gapassport.com/index.asp?ContentID=183

 

Also, review Frequently Asked Questions at http://www.gapassport.com/index.asp?ContentID=170 .

 

We are always open to feedback on how national WMU can assist you with your GA needs. You can always email me at meaker@wmu.org or call me at 205-991-4052 if you have questions.

 

Keep sharing and supporting one another!

 

Thanks for ministering to girls through missions education,

Mitzi Eaker, WMU Children’s Consultant 

Edited by Mitzi - 27 Jan 2010 at 3:39pm

Hi!  Take a deep breath and count to 10.  You have to give yourself a break.  I have felt that way many times.  I have been a GA leader for about 4 or 5 years.  Many of times I plan my class and we don't get to everything.  I either use it for next time or just let it go and start new the next week.  I have learned to make sure I get our lesson and the scripture in.  I usually try to do that towards the start of the class so if we run out of time it is more on the extras.  Also your leader book is chalked full of weekly ideals not necessarily ment for you to do them all.  Choose what you think your girls will get the most from.  Some classes have an hour class others have an hour and a half so they put alot in for each week so every class has plenty of materials.  Also there might be some weeks you find that you move through that weeks materials faster where you need something else.  You can then pull those activities that you didn't get to the week before.  I am sure you are doing a great job don't let yourself get overwhelmed.  Know that we all are human and can only do so much.  Connecting with your girls so that they want to learn more and come back every week is an important part.  Also this year I have taken on alot so your remarks really hit me.  I have been feeling the same way.  Although I have done GA's for awhile now.  I have now taken on helping with Acteens and being our Associational GA Consultant.  Thankfully I have had some great ladies supporting me and giving me lots of help and advice.  That is another place to get help and support contact your association and see if and who your GA Consultant is.  She should be willing to help you.  The Association's also has leader training classes that are usually in your area check to see if one is coming up.  I hope I have been helpful.  We have all felt like you at some time.  I would be happy to give you any other help if you need it.