I have heard many reasons for why people in the church steer clear of serving in children’s ministry. Some of these reasons are things we cannot control: scheduling, serving in other areas, or simply season of life. One reason given that we as KidMin leaders CAN control is when someone thinks they will miss out on being discipled. You may not think of yourself as one who disciples adults, but I want to give you three ideas for how you can easily add this as a layer of your ministry.
- Pray Together: Share the burdens of those who serve with you. Lead in a time of prayer before the kids come. Ask for prayer requests and then follow up on those throughout the week via text and email. Let them know that you are praying for them. Also, as a team, pray for the children and families that your are serving together. This time of prayer will help prime hearts for sharing the gospel in a tender and loving way, and ultimately lead the volunteer to want to live on mission and expand God’s kingdom.
- Share your Wisdom: You may not think you have the knowledge to disciple adults—but you do. Here’s why—you know how to disciple the heart of a child. They need to know this from you! This is precisely your expertise! Share these gems of wisdom in some capacity each week—during quick moments in the classroom, by modeling a lesson, or by full-blown trainings hosted periodically. Your giftings in children’s ministry will help adults desire to grow in the Lord so that they may ultimately help a child to know Jesus.
- Develop a Relationship: Discipleship is relational. Afterall, Jesus discipled His followers by living life with them. You can do the same with those who serve with you. There are many ways to do this—go to lunch after church, have coffee during the week, know their families, and even study Scripture together. Encourage them each week and before you know it, those who serve alongside you will be stronger followers of Christ because of your leadership.
Yes, volunteers can be discipled in Kids Ministry. And dare I say, you can be the one who not only disciples children, but adult leaders as well. Now in the words of Jesus Himself—Go Make Disciples!
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 (HCSB)
Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Kids Ministry for LifeWay Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and brings a wealth of experience in children’s ministry, education, and curriculum development.
