Kids are not just the church of tomorrow; they are an important part of God’s church and story of today. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that kids who are following Jesus are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” As ministry leaders, we are entrusted with the incredible responsibility of equipping the next generation for the exciting new adventures in their faith that awaits them and preparing them for each new season of growth and service.
Some of the most critical moments in a child’s spiritual adventure are when they transition to a new ministry age group—from preschool to elementary school or from elementary to middle school, for example. These milestones are more than practical shifts in their schools or ministry areas. They are opportunities to reaffirm a child’s God-given purpose and inspire them to embrace the next chapter of their faith journey as an exciting adventure (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Here are three tips for ministry leaders to keep in mind when a child moves up to a new ministry age group:
1. Elevate (and Celebrate) Kids’ Unique Purpose
Every child is designed by God for a specific purpose. Use transitions as a moment to speak life into kids’ identity and remind them of their calling and purpose in Jesus. Encourage parents and leaders to highlight how God’s work is evident in their lives. For instance, affirm their kindness, creativity, or leadership skills as reflections of their role in God’s kingdom. Encourage kids to see how their next ministry group is an exciting new frontier in their adventure with God.
2. Ensure a Smooth Transition
Transitions can feel like stepping into the unknown for many kids and their families. Be intentional to communicate with families about what kids can expect as they leave one group and move to the next group. Consider introducing the new leader to the kids while still in the previous ministry space to help children begin a relational connection before moving to a new physical space.
Communicate well with both the outgoing and incoming ministry leaders to ensure a smooth handoff. Consider sharing helpful insights, as appropriate, about the child’s spiritual growth, personality, and needs. This continuity can help kids feel valued and supported while reinforcing that they are part of a greater community embarking on this shared journey of faith.
3. Equip Kids for the Next Stage
Moving into a new ministry group is an opportunity for new challenges and growth. Equip children with age-appropriate spiritual tools, like Scripture memorization, service opportunities, or small-group discussions. These resources not only deepen children’s understanding of God’s Word but also encourage them to live out their faith in tangible ways. Help children see these tools as essential gear for the great adventure God has set before them.
As leaders, our goal is to guide children in learning to do what is good, pursuing justice, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). These foundational truths equip them to shine as lights in a broken world. By faithfully investing in each stage of children’s spiritual development, we pass the baton of faith to a new generation, confident that God will work through them for His glory.
Let’s approach our calling with joy and intentionality, knowing that the children in our care are designed with purpose. They are not random or insignificant. They are God’s workmanship, created for good works, and as they grow older, God can continue to find them useful to live out their purpose. A new adventure awaits—let’s help children embrace it!
Jeremy Carroll is the Lifeway Kids Ministry Publishing Manager for Hyfi, VBS, and Kids Discipleship resources. Before coming to Lifeway, he served in a variety of church staff positions. He continues to serve each week in the kids ministry of his church. Jeremy earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. A Middle Tennessee native, he and his family live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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