Children's Ministry Matters

But Jesus called the children to him and said,“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Luke 18:15

My interest and heart for children's ministry still leads me to reading and researching the newest ideas and trends on the topic.  I was recently asked consider serving once again in children's ministry.  Though it is a volunteer position, it sparked serious, prayerful consideration on my part.  This request also sparked a renewed interest in reading up on children's ministry...getting other's perspective on such a CRITICAL and IMPORTANT ministry of the church.  It is my deepest belief that one only has to look to the children's/youth ministry to gauge the health of the church.  Although it is the primary repsonsibility for parents to teach their children of spiritual things, quality age level ministries is just as important.  Healthy children's and youth ministries attract families - and those families become excited and invite other families, thus creating new opportunities for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship. 

"Making children's ministry an investment priority is good — no, great — for the primary goal of every church: growth. Halcomb can't be emphatic enough when he says, "Churches obsessively talk about growth, growth, growth…well you'll have church growth if you do this part right." Fridsma agrees. "Many churches have experienced dynamic growth through a new, exciting children's ministry area. When an environment is created that children pull toward, they'll run ahead of their parents. They'll want to be there!" And they'll want to come back, bringing their parents with them. (Then they'll bring their friends…and their friends' parents…) "Most churches should reconsider spending $20 million on a state-of-the-art sanctuary if they can't also afford quality children's environments," Fridsma concludes. It's about reaching the children effectively that matters. "They're open to the message," he says, "with willing hearts and minds."


Children's ministry must be more than an afterthought. And the teaching must entail more than putting kids on the receiving end of the message. Children must be the investment priority — in structure, design, and format. And church for them must be an interactive experience that lets them hear, understand and apply the Truth.

(Kid Ministry Matters: Creating children's ministry spaces that make a difference.  Jan/Feb 2007)

http://www.worshipfacilities.com/go.php/editorial/4409

Children's Ministry Matters...it's not a babysitting service...it's not for the faint at heart...it's a REAL ministry, reaching REAL people with the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!!! The importance of reaching children and youth is ETERNAL!!!

In His Love, Cathy