RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

How important is the preschool /early childhood ministry in your church?

Many people think preschool ministry is simply "childcare" and not as important as elementary, pre-teen, or student ministry.

This reflects the view of the culture as a whole.  A recent poll by Gallup revealed the following.















But I would beg to differ.  I believe the early years of a child's life are the most critical.

This period is the foundation that shapes children'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.

Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life.

Each week we spend lots of hours and resources creating preschool classroom and chapel environments that will effectively communicate God's Word to the kids.  Even in the nursery, our leaders pray over the kids, sing songs to them, teach them, and get them acquainted with the Bible.

Please...please...please...make your preschool/early childhood ministry a top priority.  From the nursery to 5 years old - pour, pour, pour into the lives of children.  Remember....

Want to know if you're on a terrible Children's Ministry Team?  Here's 10 signs things aren't healthy.

10.  Children's Ministry is seen as "childcare." 

9.  When conflict arises, instead of being addressed in a Biblical manner, it's pushed under the rug and simmers.

8.  Kids are constantly asking, "When is the service going to be over?"

7.  You often hear, "Can you please stay over and serve another service?  We really need you for another hour."

6.  Your feedback is not received or listened to.

5.  You haven't heard the words "Thank you" in a long time.

4.  Change is resisted...especially where it's needed the most.

3.  The church calendar is so full that you find yourself at church more than you are home.

2.  You are kept in the dark due to lack of communication.

1.  Instead of being placed in your area of giftedness, you were asked to serve where there was a "need."

Your turn.  What are some other signs you're on an unhealthy Children's Ministry team?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

P.S. Do you find yourself on a terrible team?  Here's some help. 

A recent report says that 58% of parents use a tech gadget to "babysit" or occupy their child.

On average, parents say they employ this method of child care twice a week.

25% of parents say that whether they use the gadgets as makeshift babysitters depends on the situation.

Travel, boredom and family functions are the most common times when parents use a smartphone, tablet or handheld game console to keep their children busy and entertained.

27% say they supervise their children while they are using technology.  15% of parents say they never resort to technology to babysit their kids.  About half of those parents say it's because they don't want their kids to watch, play or buy inappropriate games or programs.

The majority of parents think it's fine since they grew up playing Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, and Pac Man.

What do you think?
Should parents use technology to occupy some of their child's time?
If you are a parent, do you use technology to occupy some of your child's time? 
What are the pros and cons?
Share your thoughts with us below.

Untruth #1 - It's just about CHILDREN.
Children's Ministry is not just about children.  It's also about enlisting, equipping, and empowering adult volunteers who minister to children.  It's about being a spiritual leader and shepherd for these adults.  It's also about equipping parents to be the spiritual leader of their child.  Children's Ministry is just as much about adults as it is children.

Untruth #2 - It's just CHILDCARE.
Children's Ministry is not just providing childcare so parents can attend "big church."  It's helping lay a spiritual foundation at the most critical time in a person's life.

Untruth #3 - It's just about CHANGING diapers.
Children's Ministry is about changing lives.  It's about helping kids discover a personal relationship with Jesus.

Untruth #4 - It's just about giving kids CHEERIOS.
Children's Ministry is about giving kids spiritual food from God's Word that will help them grow in their faith. 

Untruth #5 - It's just about CHOOSING an easy place to serve. 
Children's Ministry consists of the most committed, creative, and passionate people anywhere.  They are people who are called to reach the next generation.  It's definitely not the easiest place to serve, but it is one of the most rewarding.

People think...we only work on Sunday.
Reality...we work weekdays and weekends.

People think...we only lead children.
Reality...we lead adults just as much as we lead children.

People think...our favorite food is goldfish crackers.
Reality...our favorite food is anything but goldfish crackers.

People think...ministry slows down in the summer.
Reality...ministry intensifies for us in the summer.

People think...lessons, crafts, and programs just magically happen.
Reality...it takes a lot of time, effort, and planning to make it happen.

People think...we play with puppets all week.
Reality...we pray with volunteers all week.

People think...our wardrobe only consists of children's ministry t-shirts.
Reality...we have normal shirts as well, but they hang in the closet on weekends.

People think...we listen to Veggie Tale's music in the car.
Reality...we listen to U2 or _________ in the car.

People think...what we do in one hour will outweigh what parents do all week at home. 
Reality...what parents do at home far outweighs what we do at church.

People think...we are childcare.
Reality...we are ministers at the most critical time in a person's life.