If you didn’t catch the first two parts of this series take the time to click back and read Part 1 and Part 2. Let’s finish up with points 4 & 5 today.
#4: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Families Matter.
God’s plan for spiritual leadership and faith development is parents. But they need our help. One of the coolest things about what we get to do as Kids Ministry leaders is our partnership with parents.
I may not be an expert in parenting, but I can be an expert in equipping, empowering, and encouraging families. I can equip parents with information that helps them to continue learning taught at church, at home. I can share apps that reinforce biblical content taught at church. I can send emails, post share squares, create facebook pages, and use other outlets to encourage parents. I can be their loudest fan, cheering them on to success.
Additionally, today’s parents insist on safe environments for their kids. We live in a nervous time heightened by a greater awareness of sexual abuse, shooters, and germs. Parents want to know that church is a safe place. Because families matter we provide clean, safe, attractive, and inviting space for kids.
Children’s Ministry Matters Because Families Matter!
#5: Children’s Ministry Matters Because the Future Matters.
Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Children aren’t just the church of the future, they are the church right now. We should be developing Great Commission, Great Commandment, Acts 1:8, missional kids who are given opportunities to be the church.
Yes, children are the church of today but they are also the church of the future. They are the future leaders of the Church. If the next pastors, missionaries, Bible study leaders, or seminary professors aren’t in our classrooms, where are they? The values we instill in kids today will equip them to lead the next generation. It’s imperative that we give kids a firm foundation so they can build the future on that foundation.
Because the future matters we:
- Model behaviors and habits that we want kids to emulate for a future generation.
- Equip boys and girls with spiritual habits that will lead them well grounded into the future.
- Equip kids to not only know the gospel, but we equip and encourage them to share the gospel.
- Don’t wait for kids to “grow up” to lead, we let them lead while they’re growing.
- Give kids the opportunity to lead and be on mission, practicing the Great Commission in the safety of our ministries.
Children’s Ministry Matters Because the Future Matters!
Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). But, with every blessing comes responsibility. We have a responsibility to teach, equip, love, and lead.
YES!!! CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MATTERS!
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.