How can you know if a church values children's ministry? Some churches say they value children's ministry but their actions tell a different story.
Let's put it to a test. Here are 7 ways you can know if a church truly does value children's ministry.
Volunteers
The church encourages people to serve in children's ministry. It is high on the list when it comes to volunteer opportunities.
The best, most gifted volunteers can be found in the church's children's ministry. The choir loft isn't full of volunteers while the children's ministry volunteer team is minuscule.
The church knows this - the success of the church rises and falls on the strength of the volunteer team that ministers to the next generation.
Facilities
When parents walk into your facilities, what are your facilities saying?
Children are important here?
We care enough about the next generation to create quality environments for them?
Our children's facilities were designed with kids in mind...not adults?
Subpar children's facilities will make your children's ministry seem worse than it is while high quality children's facilities will make your children's ministry seem better than it is.
Facilities for children matters...a lot. You can't stick kids in the basement in an environment that looks like a hospital and expect growth.
Your adult space may look great...but if your children's space isn't popping...then you will struggle to grow the ministry.
Budget
The children's ministry budget should be one of the largest budgets in the church. If a church says they care about reaching and discipling the next generation, then their budget allocations will reflect this.
Money invested in children's ministry will pay for itself many times over in families who are reached.
Show me your budget and I will tell you how much you value children's ministry.
Staffing
A church that values children's ministry will have adequate staff. I have created a staffing chart that shows how many staff you should have in your children's ministry based on attendance. If you'd like a copy of the chart, feel free to email me and I will send it to you.
Visibility
The children's ministry will have high visibility. This includes pulpit declaration, bulletin space, announcements, screen time, and an overall culture that says children's ministry is important to us.
Partnerships
The children's ministry will not be a silo. Other ministries in the church will partner with the children's ministry. There will be a partnership with student ministry. There will be a partnership with adult ministry. The children's ministry will often collaborate with other ministries to reach and disciple families.
Events
The church will invest generously to host children and family outreach events. Some examples are VBS, Easter outreach, summer camp, fall festivals / trunk or treat, Christmas events, etc.
The entire church will get behind these events and will get involved by giving, volunteering, promoting, etc.
Does your church value children's ministry? These are some good talking points as you lead children's ministry in your church. Feel free to share this article with your church leaders.
A lot is at stake...we only have a short window of time to reach and disciple children.
