Nine Reasons to be part of a Children’s Ministry Team

Submitted by Jennifer Power

My greatest joy in this year’s Vacation Bible School was in seeing a community of people of all ages gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ and having a blast. If you do not currently serve in children’s ministry, I would like to share some reasons to consider becoming involved. If you do currently serve on a children’s ministry team (St. Paul’s or otherwise) I hope you find this post encouraging.

Here are nine reasons to be part of a children’s ministry team:

1. PARTICIPATE IN GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM WITH CASUAL FAITH

Please understand, I do NOT believe kids are the root problem leading to casual faith; rather, I believe correcting this problem does begin with the kids. Kids are teachable – so much more so than adults. If we are to bring authentic faith to life in our congregations, we must start by infusing such mindsets and habits into our the lives of our children. I have mentioned previously, models of authentic and radical faith are hard to come by – perhaps the children will be the ones to model such faith for us. What a privilege to contribute to such a purpose!

2. IN THE MIDST OF AN INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURE, COMMUNITY IS STILL BEST FOR KIDS

The phrase “it takes a village…” is not just an old saying, it is true. The task of raising children who are disciples of Jesus is one which is imparted to the entire Christian community – not just parents and school teachers. There is life and joy found in genuine community, and such a community is at its best when it is inter-generational. Our church’s key scripture for our NEXT building project is found in Psalm 78:

“My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.”

3. THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM AND MINISTRY, NOT JUST MINE

I have not yet even been here quite a year yet – this is your children’s ministry (whether you have children or not). My role is to keep the vision and oversee all programs/ministries. I am happy to serve in any capacity needed, but this ministry will be its best when the entire congregation embraces the children’s ministry as its own.

4. YOU WILL FIND A PLACE TO SERVE WHICH FITS YOUR GIFTS/TALENTS/AVAILABILITY/PASSIONS

So often, it is believed the only role in children’s ministry is teaching Sunday School, but this is just not true. Do you love to craft? Sing? Act? Cook? Work behind the scenes? Create? Paint? Instruct? Help? Greet? Pray? Give? Think and discuss? Work with babies? Work with new moms? Host play dates? Play an instrument? Organize? Work alone? Work in a group? Mentor? Plan events? Work with construction? Work with tech or social media?

Children’s Ministry has a special place for you!

5. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE UNIQUE COMMUNITY

We have a lot of fun as a children’s ministry team. You will get to know other members of the team as you serve alongside one another. There is loving support found among the adults as well as the kids. There is an exciting dynamic when working alongside other adults, teens, and kids. It is a beautiful reflection of the church (as made up of all believers).

6. THERE IS FREEDOM TO BE YOURSELF (AND MAKE MISTAKES)

Not only are there unlimited unique opportunities in children’s ministry, but children are less formal and speak their minds more freely, so it can be easier to take down your guard and be yourself with the kids. Kids are also forgiving if everything does not go just right. They love relationships and have the ability to love unconditionally in ways which are not always true of adults.

7. THE KIDS WILL CHALLENGE AND TEACH YOU

Get the ball rolling for them, and kids will ask GREAT questions which will allow you to deepen your own faith walk and remind you that faith in Jesus does not require us to have all the answers. Have you ever wondered where exactly Jesus is in bodily form right now? Or the precise mode of transportation for getting us from here to heaven? Or how God can be in the room with us if we cannot see or hear Him? Kids do, and they do not hesitate to put a voice to these questions. Their questions will challenge your own knowledge of God, and the simple example kids set in their faith walk will inspire and instruct your own life.

8. YOUR PRAYER LIFE WILL IMPROVE

There is nothing like putting everything you have into a children’s ministry project, wondering how on earth it will all come together, and watching God provide. There is nothing like listening to a child’s heartfelt prayer. There is nothing like praying for the strength to do what you never before knew you could do, undergoing God’s equipping power, and coming out the other side. There is nothing like being nervous about praying out loud with kids, praying, feeling like you blundered your way through it, and having your prayer be well-received.

If you are a part of a children’s ministry team, rest assured, your prayer life will improve!

9. YOU WILL BE A ROLE MODEL AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE TO WHOM THE KINGDOM BELONGS
   

Take good care of the trust kids extend, and you will gain lifelong friendships. You will receive hugs, smiles, and high-fives. Your name will be exclaimed loudly from across the room followed by unrestrained running and beams of pride as they share with you something special they made or received or did. You will be a role model, and not only a role model, but a role model who points kids to the greatest role model they could ever have – Jesus Christ.

Are you a current SHiNe Team Member? Know that what you do with and for these kids absolutely matters. You are participating in Kingdom work. You are shaping young disciples of Jesus Christ. You are making a difference. You are living out the Great Commission.

Have you been looking for a place to serve? We would love to find you a place in our SHiNe Children’s Ministry – stick with it, and you will never be the same. You can contact me for more information at jennifer@spldecatur.org or 217-423-6955.

Don’t reside in Central Illinois? You do not have to join our Children’s Ministry Team to be blessed in these ways – I am willing to bet your local congregation would love to add a member to their team!