One family left as the father accepted a position as a bi-vocational youth pastor at a nearby church.

Another family is preparing to leave as they become missionaries overseas.

Another women just moved to attend seminary.

All of these families had children and served faithfully under me in ministry. So I’m not only loosing children in the ministry, but key leadership.

There is also another family that is relocating. All of this translates into about a 25% drop in those participating in our children’s ministry.

Yes, it can be discouraging, but how can I “complain” when those who have served under me in this ministry are moving on to serve in other areas for the Kingdom. Really, I can’t complain, but I rejoice in that! Yet it still leaves a void in the ministry.

During this time, I am looking at encouraging others to participate in children’s ministry who normally would not. It is giving e a chance to expose others to how I interact and how God is working in children’s ministry. Through this, I pray that a “buzz” is generated about how God is working in children’s ministry drawing others to serve.

My biggest struggle though is not in the declining number of children, rather in the commitment of adults willing to serve and keeping those who are serving motivated and understanding that even if one child attends, that they are important to teach and we should still give our all. Also the need to maintain and follow policies about protecting the children and general things.

As others have noted, I am hopeful to use this time to build a solid core group so that as the cycle reverses and we begin to increase, we will have that solid foundation to support it.

While it can be discouraging to see decreasing numbers, it can be a time of excitement to see what God is preparing to do!