Why So Serious?

One of the best parts of serving in Children's Ministry is simply the journey. You get to do life with kids and families. You get to celebrate with them, cry with them, eat with them, struggle with them, and even laugh with them.

As I look back over the years, I can remember a lot of funny things that have happened in Children's Ministry. I'll never forget the time when one of the boys (it's usually a boy), for some reason decided to put his head through the hole in the back of his chair....right in the middle of class. (Probably because he was being bored to death by my teaching.)

Anyways, next thing I know he has his head stuck in the chair, can't get it out, and is crying for help. Needless to say, we had to stop class as everyone turned and looked at this boy with his head stuck in his chair. We tried several different angles to get the chair off, but it wouldn't budge.

I called for help as we walked with him out of class...chair still on his head. Finally some men came and after numerous attempts, we were able to squeeze the chair off his head. At the time, it wasn't very amusing...but as I look back it was hilarious. I wish I'd had a camera.

Good chance if you're in Children's Ministry that you are a driven person. You've got your "agenda to change the world" in full swing. But we have to remind ourselves to not be so serious on the journey...to remember to...
  • Laugh with the kids. 
  • Laugh at ourselves. Someone said those who don't laugh at themselves, leave the job to others.
  • Crack a joke on a regular basis...even if it's corny.
  • See more humor in life.
  • Smile...even if circumstances don't seem to warrant a smile.

I know you've got a full plate today. So full, it's stacked up to the ceiling. There's meetings to attend, phone calls to make, problems to solve, and plans to discuss. But don't forget to smile. Laugh. Tell a joke. Laugh with others. Laugh at yourself. Recall something funny that's happened on the journey.

Why so serious?

p.s. I'd love to hear a funny story that has happened in your Children's Ministry journey. Feel free to share it in the comments section.

Posted by Dale Hudson