RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

I believe preschool ministry must be a top priority in the local church.  Here's 3 reasons why.

#1 - The early years lay a foundation for your entire life.

A recent study shows that a person's career success can be predicted as early as kindergarten.  A group of children were tracked from kindergarten through age 25.  The children who did well when they were kindergartners were far more likely to earn a college degree and have a full-time job by 25.

Those who assessed poorly in kindergarten had a much higher chance of getting arrested, binge drinking and not doing well financially as an adult.

The results confirmed once again that helping kids develop life skills in early childhood is critical for their future.  From an early age, this can determine if the child goes to prison or college and whether they end up employed or addicted.

We must lay the foundation of God and His Word in the hearts of children in their early years.

#2 - It prepares children to step across the line of faith when they get older.  We know that 85% of people who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 18.  As we teach preschoolers that God loves them and Jesus wants to be their best friend, we plant the early seeds that will grow into saving faith when they are older.

#3 - Parents can be equipped to lead their children spiritually at the most critical time.  Since the above is true, equipping the primary leader of preschoolers must be a top priority as well.  If we can help preschool parents establish their spiritual role, it will make a lifetime difference for the child.

Is preschool ministry a priority at your church?  If we're going to reach the next generation, that's where it will begin.