* The Senior Leadership: create open communication so that they are aware of the status of the ministry. We need their prayers and we need their involvement so that they can communicate to the congregation the importance of serving in the children ministry. [AVOID being a Superhero - its the quickest way to disappointment and failure]

* The Parent: parents must get involve with the work of the children’s ministry. Pray as to how God want you to accomplish this task. Search the internet for strategies, but build parents into what you have been called to do

* The Teens: there are teens that would love to help as well; just make sure that they want to serve and that the have clear guidance on how they ought to serve. Encourage them along the way and share how much you appreciate them; they will eventually rise up to the challenge.

Blessings.

1) Multiple Ages Together: As you mentioned, you do not want to bore the kids. You will have more potential for boring the older children if you keep it too simplistic to fit the abilities of the younger children. It would be better for the younger children to have to reach up a bit than for the older children to have to come down too far. This kind of situation is an excellent opportunity to disciple the older children in serving and leadership by giving them responsibilities to assist you or even lead parts of the session … i.e., put on a skit or puppet show, read, lead singing, games, etc. (under your guidance of course). You can pair up older children with younger chidren as mentors, to help them with more complex tasks, etc. In doing this, seek as much as possible to utilize them according to their strengths.

2) Curriculum to Fit Your Situation: Learning centers or activity stations can work well in this kind of setting but you might meet with some challenges. One is spacing which you said is limited. Perhaps tables could line the walls. The other is sufficient supervision if you are the only one in with the children. You would probably need to limit the number of stations to just two or three. Depending on what you are doing, perhaps the older children could be given some responsibilities that would help you. You will find some curriculum that is designed for mid-week children’s groups but most is designed for breaking into age groups rather than keeping all the ages together. Group Publishing has an All-In-One Sunday School Curriculum that is designed for multi-age class settings. If you use a curriculum like that you could build on parts of it that would make it seem less like a Sunday School class or pick and choose activities within it and supplement it with other activities. Another possibility for helping to make this multi-age setting work better, is to have two activities going on at one time … one a self-directed activity that does not need your supervision (i.e., watching a DVD, reading, etc.) and the other one in which you work with a group more according to their needs and abilities.

3) Space Issues: Clear the room of all possible clutter. Section the room for different types of activities if possible. Utilize other areas of the church for select activities that would not disrupt other groups. Go outside when the weather is nice enough if you have a safe place to take children. Decorate simply and make the room as bright and open as you can. Determine what would be the least conjestive means of seating … on floor, around table, chairs in a circle, etc.

4) Staffing Issues: This is a tough one but it is important that you seek to get some help so you don’t burn out. Perhaps you can get a few people who would be willing to give up just one of their adult Bible studies once every month or two. Even if you can have a break once a month, it would do you well. That would be a short term fix while you work on the bigger picture. You will need to help people see the value of giving up something in order to invest into the children’s lives. A climate must be built within the church of the importance of children’s ministry so mid-week children’s ministry isn’t seen as merely babysitting while adults do their thing. Rather it is a vital ministry.

Let me suggest you begin by working on that which will be easiest to implement and keep working on other issues as you can. There is no quick or absolute fix but you can keep moving toward a better situation. The issues will only magnify themselves as your church continues to grow so it is important you do what you can now so you can be ready for the next steps.