In fact, I believe ministry to the new kids on the block is one of the most important ministries in the entire church. It's not babysitting. It's not childcare. It's ministry at one of the most important times in a person's life. Research backs this up.
Teaching babies and toddlers is crucial because the first years are a period of rapid brain development. 80% of the brain develops by the age of three. This early learning lays the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health.
Here are some ways you can minister to the new kids on the block.
Teach them.
Yesterday during services, I went into our nursery and ministered to a baby boy. It was his third visit to our church. I held him and read a Bible story to him. Did he say, "that was an awesome Bible story?" Of course not. But I believe that I planted a seed in his mind. It made a difference.
Yesterday, I also went into our toddler room. I taught a short lesson to our 2-3 year olds. It consisted of short stories about Jesus with pictures. I had the children point to Jesus in each picture and I told them that Jesus loves them. Again, I believe I planted a seed in their mind. It made a difference.
Pray for them and their parents.
Pray over the new kids on the block while you are rocking them. Pray over the new kids on the block while you are playing with them. Put a prayer verse in each room on the wall. Pray that prayer verse over the kids sometime during the class time.
Dedicate them.
Parent and Child Dedication is an awesome way to welcome the new kids on the block and their parents. I have an awesome parent and child dedication class and ceremony that you can get for your ministry. Hundreds of churches across the country use it.
It includes everything you need to host a parent and child dedication class and ceremony. It is available at this link.
Welcome them with a gift.
We have a wonderful group of ladies in our church that make blankets for the new kids on the block. Think of something you can give the new kids on the block. Welcome them. It will mean the world to their parents.
Invest in the parents of the new kids on the block.
What a great opportunity you have to come alongside these new parents and help them grow and flourish.
MomCo is a great program for young mothers. We use this at our church and it is a blessing to those who attend. You can get more info. about MomCo at this link.
Offer parenting seminars.
Twice a year, I teach a parenting seminar here at our church. This is a way I can invest in young parents and encourage them in their parenting journey. I also do parenting seminars at other churches. If you are interested in booking me you can get more info. at this link.
The new kids on the block are the future of your church. I often say, "If there is no crying (from the nursery), your church is dying."
In the next few years, billions of new children will be born. We have an incredible opportunity to reach them for Jesus. Let's go all out for the sake of the new kids on the block. Jesus loves each of them. Let's tell them about that.
