Children’s church is for more than the phrase that we hear all of the time, “equipping the church of tomorrow.” Yes, our children, the Lord willing, will be part of tomorrow’s church. But as we stand here today, they are a part of the church now.
When we become believers, when we humble ourselves and place Jesus in His rightful place as Lord of our lives, we are gifted with the Holy Spirit. There isn’t a limitation on God only showing Himself to adults in this way. The Holy Spirit, our Helper, is gifted to each one of us.
Children are the church of today. Just as we are. They have identity in Him.
So, the ministry work that takes place in children’s ministry—whether it’s running kids’ church, choosing Sunday school curriculum, finding games for midweek, partnering with parents, training your volunteers, or some other programming—it’s all important.
Each piece helps us make and equip disciples.
Don’t discount children in God’s kingdom, and don’t let others discount them either. Instead follow after Jesus, and let the children come.
Children’s Church Gives Kids A Unique Place
As children’s ministry leaders, you give children a unique place, tailored just for them, every single week. You give them space to learn about community and worship our Creator. You show them that they are loved, valued, and worth every ounce of effort it takes to keep our children’s ministry programs running.
You are part of a story that began at the creation of the world, and you are pointing the children in your kids’ ministry to our good God who is King.
In Ministry Spark’s article, “What Scripture Says About Children’s Ministry” by Michayla White, she shares how your role is tied to hundreds of years of a plan for an ending that hasn’t changed. And she reassures us that the Word of God is alive, and kids’ ministry was His idea.
Be encouraged. You’re not alone in this.
Discipleship in Children’s Church
As children’s ministry leaders, we get the amazing opportunity to walk alongside children as we walk alongside Jesus. As we share God’s Word, His character, pray, worship, and more with kids, they get the opportunity to hear Him and respond for themselves.
They get the opportunity to see what it means to follow Jesus.
And we get the honor of being part of their training and learning as they grow and go as His kids—as His disciples.
We also get the honor to walk alongside families and our volunteers as we build faith community together. Children’s church goes beyond being confined within the church walls, because it is about children being part of God’s Church, which includes all of us.
We know that ministry is way more impactful when parents and families (and other mentors, like volunteers) are aligned and following after God together in the day to day moments.
When we work together, and develop a strong faith community, kids see it reflected in their everyday lives.
Sunday School Curriculum and Large Group/Small Group Curriculum
As we look at the big picture of kids’ church and kids’ ministry, Sunday school curriculum or large group/small group curriculum is an important factor! The children’s ministry programs we use help set a foundation for where we want to go.
Children are the church of today.
They either align with our mission, or they don’t. They either help us connect all of the pieces, or they don’t.
We want to make sure that what we use to teach our children:
- aligns with God’s Word,
- focuses on God and His Big Story,
- values relationship,
- gives children space to ask questions, experience God, and respond,
- helps train and shepherd volunteers, and
- connects the classroom to the home with parent partnership.
All of these things are important as we look to build a true faith community, following after Jesus individually and together.
Keep Up the Good Work
As tough as it can be, keep up the good work in your kids’ church. Remember your mission. And keep beholding our Lord and King as He leads you in the good work He has prepared for you.
And remember, children sometimes have more faith in a moment than many of us have all together. Don’t discount them in God’s kingdom, and don’t let others discount them either. Instead follow after Jesus, and let the children come.
Thank you for the work you do in sharing His good news.
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.
More Ideas and Insight for Your Church
You can find more insights and ideas for family engagement in our free guide: What If We’re Failing Kids at Faith Formation? (And How Not To).
