This past weekend I had the opportunity to take my three year old nephew to “the greatest place on earth”…. Disney World!
We had a blast. Don’t be confused, it was hot, and it was packed… but it was so much fun. I think experiencing things like Disney through the eyes of a child is the best! Every turn brought on a new twinkle in his eye, another gasp of excitement, or another “this is so great” expression to his face. I’m so glad I was there!
After it was all over one night I asked Reed what was his favorite thing at Disney? To my surprise it wasn’t Dumbo the flying elephant, or the Train ride we took while Mom and Dad rode the roller coaster, or the race cars at the Tomorrowland Speedway, or even the incredible Light Parade… he said to me with a quick response, “The Manyarail” (Monorail). I had to smile… we spent two days at Disney World and Reed enjoyed the ride to the park better than anything in the park!
Lesson Learned: Kids Ministry is a lot like my mini vacation to Disney. We plan and execute some really great experiences for our kids (VBS, Camp, Fall Festival), and spend a lot of money to provide them. They are good times, fun, exciting, spiritually valid and definitely part of our ministry strategy… but I wonder if we sometimes forget that the process of getting to those “big events” is perhaps the most important, most valuable, and most life changing part of our ministry to kids?
It’s easy to get excited about a week of camp, a week of VBS, or a special event. The routine of our weekly ministries may sometimes lose its sparkle, lose its appeal, or somehow lose our focus. But I’m sure that weekly Bible study experiences, the weekly mission and music programs, the daily ministry opportunities, and the life interaction that happens year round… those are the things that lay spiritual foundations that result in the great experiences that happen “at the park.”
Bottom Line: Do not grow weary of your daily/weekly ministry to Kids. Remember, sometimes the ride to the park is the best part!
Consider these Bible study resources for your weekly strategy:
Thanks for this Bill. Today I’m feeling pretty useless about being “just a Sunday School teacher.”
Nancy, YOU are a great SS teacher. I’ve seen you in action and the boys and girls are having the greatest time in your class. Thanks for all you do to prepare preschoolers for a life long relationship with Jesus!