Can nursery volunteers make a huge impact in children's lives? At first glance, you might not think so. Babies can't recite a memory verse back to you, sing a worship song or tell you what they learned from the lesson. But there is much more going on that can't be seen.
YES...nursery volunteers can make a huge impact in children's lives. In fact, I believe that nursery volunteers have one of the most important roles in children's ministry. The early years of a child's life are the most critical. It's the foundation that shapes a person's life. Research confirms that the first five years are particularly
important for the development of a child's brain, and the first three
years are the most critical in shaping a child's brain architecture. Early experiences provide the base for the brain's organizational
development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact
on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional
abilities.
Nursery volunteers can model the compassion and love of Jesus by doing this. And when this happens, babies will begin to instinctively know that church is a safe place where they will find comfort, love and security.
Nursery volunteers can make a huge impact by planting early seeds of the Gospel in a baby's heart. Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. Whispering to a baby "Jesus loves you," showing a baby a Bible and saying "this is the Bible...it is God's Word" and playing worship lullabies makes an impact that is lasting. It is planting seeds of faith that will grow into a saving knowledge of Jesus when they are older.
Nursery volunteers can make a huge impact by praying over a baby. When a volunteer prays over a baby, heaven listens and responds. You can be intentional about this by providing prayer promises that volunteers can pray over the children. This should be a simple prayer that is whispered over the baby while holding him or her.
Nursery volunteers can make a huge impact by encouraging a baby's parents. Young parents are looking for support and encouragement. Speak words of encouragement and blessing when they drop off and pick up their child. Let them know you are praying for them and their child and are there to partner with them. Encourage them to participate in baby dedication. When you influence a baby's parents, you influence the future of the baby.
If you serve in the nursery, be encouraged. You are making a huge impact. You are a living example of the old song that reflects the heart of Jesus so well.
Jesus loves the little children...all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
If you know someone that serves in the nursery, pass this along to them and thank them for their heart for the next generation. Let them know they are making a huge impact.
