Fun is the language of children and it’s important that we’re speaking their language in ministry.
Children’s ministry programs come in all shapes and sizes. Weekend programs, midweek programs, and special events are all variations of children’s programs that are offered to help the Church in ministry.
As different as they are, we believe these 5 essentials should be part of every one of them.
Every children’s ministry program should be:
1. God-centered and child-focused
This means that everything we do in our ministry points to God. He is central to the story and it’s His Story that we get to be a part of. We rely on and trust the authority of His Word. And as we point to God, we do it in a way that is appropriate for the children in our ministries.
And as we do this, children can find their place in His Story!
It’s important that we provide to children is safe and age-appropriate in every way.
We rely on and trust the authority of His Word.
2. Application-oriented
If what we teach isn’t applicable, then why are we teaching it?
It’s important that what we teach can be understood and applied in practical ways in children’s everyday lives.
For example, the story of how God moved for David when Goliath was defeated is a great story. But how do we tie it back to life application as we teach children who God is? Are we sharing in a way that children understand they get to be part of God’s Big Story?
It’s so important that as we share, the point gets across and it doesn’t become about the really tall guy who played Goliath in class today. But rather, it’s about how God is still working and moving today!
3. Relational
Everything happen best in the context of relationship. Our ministries should be built on strong, positive, and ongoing relationships.
So as we work toward being more relational, we also need to be intentional about creating an environment that facilitates these relationships.
Everything happen best in the context of relationship.
4. Creative
There are creative ways to help children understand who God is as we help guide them in relationship with Him. From various learning styles, to just plain getting their energy out, children need to learn in different ways.
It’s important that the tools and children’s ministry programs we use appreciate this about children and give us creative ideas for sharing the good news of Jesus. From telling true stories from the Bible to responding in worship, children thrive when creativity is present.
And on top of this, you can lean on creative people in your church! Let them run in their gifts to help your ministry thrive.
5. Fun
It’s okay to have fun! It’s actually necessary when teaching children—especially if we want them to want to come back.
Our children’s ministry programs should be a place a child wants to come to and would be happy to invite their friends.
Fun is the language of children and it’s important that we’re speaking their language in ministry.
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.
