Begin with the Right End in Mind So You Don’t End Right Before You Begin

One of the core principles in educational philosophy is to start with the end in mind—start with what you want the student to learn or how you want the student’s life to change and work back from there. In this blog post we will see how this applies to kids ministry too. We need to clarify our end goal, but that isn’t making believers or even making disciples; it’s making disciple-making disciples. That end goal should then drive all that we do. 

Imagine taking a pile of lumber and beginning to cut, nail, sand, and paint it without having a plan of what you were building. You could make the most precise of cuts. Your nailing could be out of this world. And your sanding and painting could be meticulous. But in the end, what good would it be if you just had a useless clump of expertly cut, nailed, sanded, and painted wood? 

It’s an absurd illustration, right? Who does that? No one! Instead, you start with a plan and then you work that plan. The same is true in the kitchen—you start with a recipe, or at least know what you are making, and then get after it. Or on a road trip, you know your destination before you begin. 

But when it comes to kids ministry, we may not always lead this way. We may not always have in mind the end—our goal—as we plan, lead, and conduct ministry. As a result, we may experience great ministry from week-to-week, but that ministry may not be moving our kids toward where they need to go. So what are we after? Where are we going? What is our goal? 

The knee-jerk answer might be that we are helping our kids become believers. We help kids trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. John 3:16 would be the mission verse of this ministry. This answer is fantastic because it’s true. What we do in ministry should drive each and every kid toward trusting in Christ. That’s our desire at least. But then what? If that is the goal, we reach it every time a child trusts in Christ … so we would be done. There would be nothing else left to do. But we know that is not the case, so this cannot be the goal of our ministry. 

Perhaps, then, our goal is helping kids become disciples. Trusting in Christ is not the end of the journey, but rather the beginning. We want to help kids grow in their faith and become more Christlike. Matthew 28:18-20 would be the mission verse of this ministry. This answer is even better than the first because it is more complete. It gives context to a long-term ministry to kids, one which hands them off to student ministry and then adult ministry to continue that discipleship process. You can see how this end goal frames our ministries differently than the first. The first would focus solely on evangelism; this one might begin with evangelism, but also would include ways the gospel changes us to be more like Christ. But to what purpose? If we are fully forgiven and righteous in Christ, why grow in that faith? So there has to be even more to our goal than this.  

This is important. Our goal is not just to make believers or even disciples; our goal is to help our kids become disciple-making disciples. We want our kids to trust in Christ and grow in their relationship with Him so that they might be able to help others trust in Christ and become disciples as well. This ministry is marked by evangelism of our kids, discipleship of our kids, and evangelism and discipleship training for our kids to reach and disciple others. The mission verse for this ministry would be 2 Timothy 2:2. This end goal gives the deepest and broadest context to all we do. It supplies the greater “why”—it’s not about us, it’s ultimately about God’s glory and God is greatly glorified when more people trust in Christ. That is why we exist. That is why we are left on earth after trusting in Christ rather than being whisked to heaven, so that we can do what we will not be able to do in eternity—make disciple-making disciples. 

Brian Dembowczyk is the managing editor for The Gospel Project. He served in local church ministry for over 16 years before coming to LifeWay. Brian earned an M.Div. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his family live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

When the Preschool Minister at my church asked me to teach toddlers during our second teaching hour, I was cautiously optimistic about this new opportunity. I had been teaching pre-kindergarteners for several years and was excited about the change. Of course, adding to the excitement was the fact that I would be teaching one of my grandchildren! Here are some things I’ve learned during the past year:

There will be crying. And, I’m not talking just about the parents. Seriously, if you can get through a session without at least one child crying, write a book because you obviously have made a monumental discovery. One- and two-year-olds will cry. That’s one important way in which they communicate their feelings, needs, and wants. Compassionately comfort the child, even when she may seem inconsolable. In doing so, you are conveying the message that church can be a happy place and teachers can be trusted.

Cleanliness matters. I will admit, I grow wearing of disinfecting every toy and wiping up drool from the floor. However, part of our job is to protect one- and two-year olds. We can’t completely prevent the spreading of germs, but we can minimize children’s exposure to contagions. Besides, if your entire class gets sick, they’ll miss coming to church to learn about Jesus.

Curriculum materials are your friend. Some parents just want to know that their child’s physical needs will be met in a safe and secure environment at church. While that is important and something we must provide, we can exceed parents’ expectations by following a proven teaching plan. When we use and adapt a proven teaching plan, we can make sure learning is taking place. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t sign up to babysit. I volunteer every week because I want even the youngest child to know that Jesus loves him.

Not everyone will understand your intentions. We know from various studies that toddlers are capable of learning more than we think. When you bring sand or water into a classroom of children who just learned to walk last week, you may be viewed as a crazy person. However, we know that toddlers are tactile learners. They need opportunities to touch a variety of objects and materials, as you talk to them about Jesus’ experiences on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Toddlers will go off script. This past weekend, a certain one-year-old girl decided I was her best friend. She followed me around the room and let me know she was ready for a snack. After I fed her more than one mother-approved snack food, I read what was on the check-in form: ONE SNACK. Oops. I told Mom that her first-born enjoyed one, prolonged snack. Toddlers also will go off script by pooping seconds before her parents arrive, or by deciding blocks are for chewing and markers are for body art. Even though Toddlers don’t always follow your well-thought-out teaching plan, they can hear you convey God’s truth while they’re playing.

I’ve been teaching preschoolers and children at church for three decades, and I’m still learning. I am more convinced now than ever before that teaching toddlers the Bible is of utmost importance. In fact the tedious preparation, the smelly poop, and the incessant crying are definitely worth it.

Landry Holmes is the Manager of LifeWay Kids Ministry Publishing. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Landry served on church staffs before joining LifeWay Kids. He is a church leader, writer, workshop facilitator, and publisher.  Landry also teaches children at his church in Middle Tennessee. He and his wife Janetta are the parents of two adult sons and two daughters-in-law, and the grandparents of four adorable grandchildren

Rest is often the first task to fly off our to-do lists. Fall Fests, VBS planning, kids’ discipleship, volunteer recruitment, and staff meetings occupy much of our time, and they are worthy investments. Yet, if we’re not careful to prioritize rest, we’ll find ourselves flirting with burnout, experiencing exhaustion and lack of motivation that led us to ministry in the first place. Practicing regular Sabbath rest actively propels the longevity and continuity of your ministry. As you plan your ministry goals and calendar for the upcoming year, consider these three elements of rest to strengthen your ministry and personal walk with the Lord. 

Get Purposeful. 

Sunday is the busiest and least restful day for a KidMin leader, but that doesn’t mean you are not called to rest. In the midst of your official schedule, you are called to Sabbath. This type of rest is not just about sleep, vacation, or taking a break. It is an active practice of being filled with the Lord. Make room in your calendar for Sabbath rest. Plan for it and honor that time. Give yourself permission to delegate or say no to certain tasks so that your soul can be nourished and refreshed by the Lord. Look ahead to the times you know you will spend extra energy or effort, and calendar purposeful rest for yourself both before and after these events. Rest is not a sin; it is not laziness. Sabbath rest honors God and your ministry as you lead in His strength. 

Get Quiet. 

Life is loud, especially ministry life. Take time to identify and silence the distractions that pull you away from a gospel focus. Schedule regular time to get quiet before the Lord. Let a few people know where you’ll be and get alone with God. Leave your phone behind. Be still before Him without any distractions, and let the God who called you to this ministry satisfy your heart and soul as only He can. Ask Him to show you areas of your spiritual, emotional, physical, and social life that you have neglected or ignored for too long. Allow Him to fill you and remind you of what matters most.

Get Honest. 

Evaluate your ministry and your personal life. What is the most effective rhythm in your ministry that leads you towards kingdom work? Is there anything that you are giving more time and energy to that doesn’t match your vision or goals? Is there anything you need to say no to? Identify the core values of your ministry and consider how your calendar reflects these values. Invite people who know and care about you into this conversation. Ask for honest evaluation of how you are balancing your ministry responsibilities with your personal life. 

Kids ministry is rewarding work that is worth the effort, time, and sacrifice. To continue serving the kids and families God has called us to, we must consider how to Sabbath effectively and appropriately. Take time this week to consider how you can steward your time and incorporate Sabbath rest in your regular rhythms of life so that you can continue serving faithfully and joyfully to this beautiful messy life of Kids ministry. 

Kayla Stevens is the Content Editor for LifeWay Kids Discipleship. She is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and William Carey University. Kayla lives in Nashville, Tennessee and has served in Kids ministry for over 10 years.

Use these fun ideas to show your volunteers you appreciate them! Click links below to download PDFs.

S’more Thankful – Fall Appreciation

• Download Tags
• Supplies needed:
  • Deconstructed s’mores (graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows)
  • Cellophane bags
  • Twine or ribbon
  • Downloadable s’more tags
• Instructions:
  • Place a deconstructed s’more in a cellophane bag.
  • Secure it with twine and a tag.
  • Say thanks to volunteers this fall!

Sweet as Pie – Thanksgiving Appreciation

• Download tags
• Supplies needed:
  • Individual pie slice boxes
  • Sticker paper
  • Thanksgiving pies
  • Downloadable pie slice labels
• Instructions:
  • Print pie slice labels onto sticker paper.
  • Place sticker labels on top of each box.
  • Place one slice of pie in each box.
  • Pass out pie boxes to volunteers, or place in a stack in the break room so volunteers can select their favorite kind of Thanksgiving pie.

What is the driving force of your kids ministry on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and any time you meet the kids that attend your church?

On Sundays, my wife and I serve in our church’s kids ministry. Every month, all large group hosts from every service at my church gather together with our kids pastor, and we plan the next month of kids ministry large group. While we do spend time reading through scripts and brainstorming fun activities, we always cast a vision that communicating the gospel is our ultimate goal every single Sunday. While it might be easy to teach a moral or a behavior modification, we need to always be pointing these kids to the source of life-transformation, Jesus Christ.

Here are three tips to help always use the gospel in every area of your kids ministry:

1. Evaluate your ministry. As early as this Wednesday or Sunday, ask yourself, “How are we doing?” Take a look at all aspects of your programming (small groups, large groups, kid’s church, etc), and truly evaluate how clearly the gospel is presented. If you find the gospel is not clearly presented, make a goal to have a plan of action to improve by the next time you meet with your kids.
2. Cast vision with your volunteers. Like my kids pastor does with our large group volunteer team, meet with your leaders and clearly cast the vision for your kids ministry to focus on the gospel. Show your volunteers ways how to incorporate the gospel into every activity, game, and teaching time. For some of your volunteers, it might be the first time they have shared the gospel, so encourage them and equip them to clearly communicate the gospel with kids. This “meeting” could look like a lunch, or could simply be a short meeting before your normally scheduled time.
3. Find resources to help. You are not alone! There are tons of great resources out there to help share the gospel with kids. If your curriculum is missing the gospel in favor of teaching them a good moral, find a curriculum that clearly points kids to Jesus. One easy resource we recommend is “The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me.” We love how clearly it presents the gospel on a kids level.  (In fact, this is exactly how I phrase the gospel when I’m teaching the kids in large group at my church.)

If you are lucky, you have the kids in your ministry maybe an hour or two each week. If that’s the case, at most, you will have only 52 hours (or less!) of their attention for an entire year. How much of that time will you spend sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ this year?

Have you ever walked into a kids ministry space and wished you were still a kid? Your space will be one of the first impression that guests have of your church so make it look great! Whether you are repurposing an old space or touching up an existing one, there are a few things you can do to make the area inviting for your kids, parents, and volunteers.

Add Some Color

The first and easiest way to recreate a space is by adding a fresh coat of paint. This will renew the space and give the whole area a clean look. When choosing colors for a kids area, it can be tempting to find the brightest and boldest colors out there and splash them everywhere. Remember that while your children’s area is a place for the kids to have fun, it is also a place for learning. Using a neutral color like an eggshell or gray will give your entire ministry space cohesion. Using a color palette like the one below on accent walls in different rooms can create a fun and inviting area for your ministry and give it the fun you are looking for.

Good Directions

Part of creating a welcoming environment for your ministry area is to be sure that guests and parents can always find their way through the space. Some of the best ministry spaces I have experienced were created through clear signs and directions. Simply updating the signs around your building can give the entire area a new look and become more welcoming to guests.

Engage with the Kids in Worship

In your main children’s worship area, having a system that enables you to run sound and video can be a great asset! Putting your logo on the screen and playing music as kids walk in will enhance the experience and get the kids excited for the time ahead. During worship, having the words on the screen or using curriculum such as The Gospel Project Worship Hour will help engage the kids in worship. When teaching the kids, it is great to have visuals that reinforce your lessons to connect the worship to the gospel and help instill the lessons into the kids.

By Isaac Kierstead