EmailWe all know that kids matter to God, but what else can we say about the importance of children’s ministry. Here is my attempt to spell it out in detail.
68 Reasons Why Children’s Ministry Matters:
- 14 Ways Children’s Ministry Helps Kids
- 8 Ways Children’s Ministry Helps Families
- 24 Ways Children’s Ministry Helps The Church
- 8 Ways Children’s Ministry Helps Everyone
- 14 Ways Children’s Ministry Helps Kid’s Learn
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I must admit that while some of these concepts and ideas for children’s ministry are good, some are inaccurate. For example, number 12 says children’s ministry gives children keepsakes. Research shows that most crafts go from Sunday school, to the minivan, to the garbage/recycling. Very few families actually hold onto the crafts.
We need to transform our ministry TO children to ministry WITH children. Children are human beings made in the image of God. We are fellow spiritual pilgrims who march through life, as Robert Coles said (see The Spiritual Life of Children). They deserve more that a ministry geared toward having them make a decision to accept Christ. They need a ministry that values them as human beings and gives them opportunities to explore the meaning of life and their innate spirituality WITH those around them. Let’s not limit the capabilities of children to our predetermined molds. Let us rather walk with them as they seek God and God’s kingdom.
Just for the record, I love your email newsletter, your website, and the articles. I use your website often for resources, and I love the list. My comments are in NO WAY meant to be critical. You asked for input, and hope that my contribution helps!
Christ gives kids hope for an amazing future with God who loves them in such a profound and intimate way and that one day we will see Him face to face and enjoy a feast like no has ever experienced.
Tip: Plan a feast w/them with many of kids favorite foods. Teach and discuss the future banquet and homecoming with Christ. WOW!
I’m going to use this in a volunteer training next Sunday!
This is fantastic! I am headed out of town for a week OFFLINE, I will digest this deeper when I return to civilization in a week! GOOD STUFF BROTHER!
Karl Bastians last blog post..HELP WITH STUPID MICROSOFT!
Liz – Thanks for your encouragement about the list.
I don’t know anyone over in the Oklahoma way. I think there is a job board on Kidology.org
I know you can get resumes from Southern Baptist Seminaries too, like Southwestern in Ft. Worth
Sorry I can’t be more help on that one.
Can’t improve on it.
Tony, We have a small church in NE Oklahoma and we are looking for a part time children’s minister and or a full-time children and youth (don’t know how that would work). If you know someone you could recommend, we would appreciate it. Email me if you do.
Liz
Ginger,
Thanks for the great feedback. Some of the benefits I listed hint at character development but it definitely deserves its own point.
I’ll add this when I next update the list. Thanks.
Christian’s ministering to children instills Godly character qualities. This is positive for society as a whole, AND for each individual. Traits such as honesty, kindness, love and justice are rooted in the nature of God. Society believes children should learn these character qualities, but most public instruction has removed the standard and basis root of the qualities themselves, which is the nature of God. We have the opportunity to instill in children the source of all ‘goodness’ in the universe; the heart of God.
So much can be stated on this subject, but please consider including it as a major benefit of working with children. Thank you.
Wow! What a detailed list. I’ll be signing up for your newsletter. As a children’s ministries director this was encouraging.
Janine
christianparenting.today.com
Janines last blog post..Proud Mama of Caring Boys
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