Children’s ministry is one of the most important spaces in a church. It’s the place where we invite children in to wonder and discover the love of Jesus. Many of us know what we need to do, but sometimes it’s hard putting the ‘should’ into practice.
Here are 6 fundamentals that can help you as you build a successful ministry to children.
#1: Staff, key leaders, and volunteers should be people committed to having a deep personal relationship with Christ.
Ministry should always flow from relationship with Christ, there’s simply no other way to build it. So, if we don’t have a deep and abiding relationship, then it’s all done in our own power. And we know as Scripture says in the Psalms, unless God builds the house, the workers labor in vain.
By all means, can we make our ministries seem successful within ourselves? Of course we can. As image-bearers we are capable of many things. However, we want our ministries to be successful in the eyes of God. We want to follow His will and His way.
Remember it’s primarily about relationship, not numbers.
Sharing the good news of Jesus is what we should be all about!
#2: There should be a commitment to praying for your ministry.
As we have relationship with Christ, prayer is part of sharing and listening to Him. In our own strength we can do nothing. This is why prayer and living a life committed to Him is important!
We must first abide in Him. Scripture tells us this when Jesus shares in John 15.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:1-8 NIV
This reminds us that we must submit to Him, our ministries included.
#3: There should be a clear and compelling vision articulated for your ministry.
As the children’s leader, you may have a great idea of where you want this ministry to go: a vision. But if it’s not articulated, repeated, and pursued, then you probably won’t see your ideas realized.
You’ve spent the time praying, searching, and writing down what you believe the heart of God is for your ministry. However, you must communicate it with your staff, volunteers, and families over and over … and over again.
#4: The environment within your ministry should be inviting.
An environment is set physically and emotionally. So while, yes, your facilities need to be creative and clean, the attitudes of those in the space matter too. Kids and their families should feel welcome, safe, and excited for what’s going to take place in the space.
Remind your leaders of this each week because consistency is key in environment. What continues to be is what your ministry will be known for.
Some keys to making sure your environment is inviting is to make sure that it is:
- Child-centered
- Application-oriented
- Relational
- Creative
- Fun
#5: Your ministry must be Gospel-centered.
If our ministries don’t ultimately lead children to an understanding of the gospel for their salvation, then we’re missing the point. It’s so important for kids to know that God transforms them on a day-by-day basis. It’s important for them to know that it’s all about relationship with Him.
Sharing the good news of Jesus is what we should be all about!
Wonder Ink’s 3-year, 52-week children’s ministry curriculum offers kids space to fully find their place in God’s Big Story. Children discover they are Known by God, Loved by Jesus, and Led by the Holy Spirit.
#6: Parents should be intentionally and consistently connected to your ministry.
“Children’s Ministry is Family Ministry and Family Ministry is Children’s Ministry.“
It’s that simple. We are here as ministry leaders to support and equip those who are primarily responsible for the spiritual formation of children. This is both sharing with kids and their parents.
Yes, there are circumstances where parents are not engaged, but we must have an intentional strategy for connecting what we do in the church with what parents do in the home!
