There are lots of things that people assume are true about children's ministry. But in reality they are simply myths. Let's look at seven of the most common myths about children's ministry.
Myth #1 - Children's ministry is only about children.
Truth: Children's ministry is about children, students who serve, parents, grandparents and volunteers. You must be able to lead teenagers and adults if you are going to succeed in children's ministry.
Myth #2 - Children are too young to invite Jesus into their life.
Truth: The Bible never says that children have to act like adults to be saved. In fact, it says the opposite. We must come to Jesus with child-like faith. Yes, there is an age of accountability for children, but it varies from child to child. God sets the age for that, not us.
Myth #3 - There is no value in having a Bible lesson in the nursery.
Truth: The early years of a person's life are so important. They are making crucial brain connections and growing at a rapid pace compared to other times in their life. Singing a Bible song over them, reading God's Word to them and praying over them, makes an impact that you may not be able to see now, but you will see down the road.
Children are learning so
much by watching, listening and interacting with adults. They are
absorbing information that will shape who they will be in the future.
Timothy is a great example of this. He was
from the Lycaonian city of Lystra in Asia Minor, born of a Jewish
mother who had become a Christian believer, and a Greek father. The
Apostle Paul met him during his second missionary journey and he became
Paul's companion and co-worker along with Silas.
From
infancy, Timothy's mother, Eunice and his grandmother Lois, poured the
Word of God into his life. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:15
"You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have
given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in
Christ Jesus."
Myth #4 - Volunteers will follow you because of your title.
Truth: People don't follow a title. They follow someone they love and respect. This respect must be earned. If you want your team to follow you, then be a servant leader.
Myth #5 - Kids should sit still and be quiet in church.
Truth: Kids are wired to move. They learn best from hands-on, interactive, fun teaching methods. They thrive when there is dialogue rather than just monologue. It's not about what you teach. It's about how you teach it.
Myth #6 - Children's ministry is only about influencing children.
Truth: The greatest influence in the life of a child is his or her parents. If you want to have a big influence in the life of a child, then you must influence their greatest influence..their parents. Your strategy to influence parents is just as, if not, more important than your strategy to influence their children.
Myth #7 - Kids have to wait until they are older to be used by God.
Truth: Throughout Scripture, we see God using children. The little boy with the lunch...David defeating Goliath...the Little Maid who helped Naaman find healing...Samuel hearing God's voice in the temple...and on we could go.
God wants to and does use children today just as He did in Scripture.
Your turn. What are some more myths about children's ministry that you have noticed? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
