Does Children’s Ministry Matter? Part 1

The quick answer, YES!!!

Children’s ministry matters and, in case you’re wondering, children’s ministry is the most important ministry in your church!!! (Did you really expect me to say anything else?)

I’ve often been asked to give a defense for children’s ministry. The question sometimes comes as blunt as the title of this post. So, I want to take the opportunity to officially answer. For me, if I can focus on these five things and not be consumed with the noise that often gets my attention, I’m a better KidMin leader. I hope it’s helpful to you, too.

#1: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Children Matter.

Here’s the thing. KidMin leaders get this, but not everyone else gets this. And guess what, they find themselves in pretty good company because Jesus’ disciples didn’t get this either.

When parents brought their children to Jesus for him to bless, the disciples tried to prevent them from having that encounter. But what did Jesus do? The Bible says that He was indignant (pretty angry) with His disciples and said one of my favorite passages in all the Bible, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14).

Jesus made sure all of history knew His position on children. Jesus made time to minister to them and modeled for us that children matter.

Because children matter we need to advocate for them.

• Do the kids in your church have the very best space or have they been relegated to the “leftover” space no one else wants?
• Is Kids Ministry represented on your church’s calendar? Are there opportunities to love on and lean into kids?
• Does your church’s budget reflect that the church cares about kids? I believe that God will pour out His blessings on a church that invests in reaching and discipling children.
• What about worship? Is your church’s commitment to children reflected in congregational worship? Are their worship needs being met and cultivated?
• Is your KidMin leadership the “cream of the crop” or the “bottom of the barrel?”

These are just a few questions that can answer the question, does children’s ministry matter at your church.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because CHILDREN MATTER!

Join me tomorrow for the next part of this series.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.