I’m often asked, “What’s the most important thing in Kid’s Ministry?” That’s a good question. Is it… Bible study groups? Discipleship? Vacation Bible School? Praise and Worship? Music? Mission’s Education? Special Events? Fellowships and Socials?
I guess it kind of depends on what perspective you’re coming from. My answer is, “none of the above…” unless they include one key ingredient, relationships!
Building relationships with parents, kids, leadership, staff… other human beings… is (in my opinion) the most important thing we do in kid’s ministry. Don’t get me wrong, all the ministry programming we do is important, but NOT more important that building relationships. Building relationships will grow your ministry. Building relationship will win you leadership. Building relationships will grow your ministry base, and in turn, grow your ministry effectiveness to boys and girls.
Bottom Line: Make relationships a priority. It’s true, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” What do you think?
We have never used Lifeway for VBS although our church has used many many of your Bible Study resources. We are thinking of trying Big Apple Adventure.
I agree with you, Bill! Interacting with my kids and building those special memories is always on my mind. Pushing the agenda of a curriculum is IMO a bad idea and will lead to many blank stares from kids who already easily bored. The relationships created are so meaningful to both me and my kids.