RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

I serve in children's ministry because...

• God called me to minister to children and families. 
• Children are the greatest mission field.
• Children are the most receptive to God's Word.
• I can encourage and equip parents to invest in their children spiritually.
• Children's ministry was important to Jesus when He was here on earth.
• Children can serve God for a lifetime.
• I can help kids avoid the pain of sinful choices they would have made if we hadn't reached them.
• The early years lay the foundation for a person's entire life. 
• I get to serve with amazing volunteers. 
• I get to help volunteers discover their gifts and talents and use them for God's glory. 
• I get to invest in volunteers and help disciple them. 
• I get to be part of a volunteer family that serves together, does life together and grows together.
• I get to watch kids grow up and serve Jesus as adults.
• I get to help kids grow in their relationship with Jesus. 
• I get to be a big kid. 
• Kids are the future.  

 Why do you serve in children's ministry?  Share a reason(s) in the comment section below.

1. They were created to serve. (Ephesians 2:10)

2. Jesus modeled serving for us. (Mark 10:45)

3. Kids are the greatest mission field. (Matthew 9:37)

4. God blesses people who serve in children's ministry. (Matthew 10:42)

5. Jesus ministered to children. (Mark 10:13-15)

6. Easier to build boys than repair men.

7. Serving will help them get connected to other people.  Service creates community.

8. God uses children to reach parents.

9.  Serving bring glory to God. (1 Peter 4:11)

10. Kids are the most receptive to the Gospel.

11. Serving is a key component of spiritual growth.  Growing Christians are serving Christians.

12. Kids need godly role models.

13. Kids can serve God for a lifetime when we disciple them.

14. We are called to pass on the faith to the next generation. (Psalm 78)

15. Serving helps kids and families discover new life in Christ.

16. Serving kids brings glory to God. (Matthew 5:14-16)

17. When you serve kids, you are serving Jesus. (Matthew 25:40)

18. God has given them gifts to be used for the furtherance of His kingdom.

19.  It keeps you young at heart.

20. It's a blast!

Dear Pastor,

The church is made up of many different ministries.  All of them are vitally important.

I want to share with you why I believe Children's Ministry is one of the most vital.

• Children's Ministry was a priority for Jesus.  The disciples didn't think it should be, but Jesus did.  He made time to minister to children.  

• Children are the greatest mission field.  Stats show that 85% of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18.  We must invest our time and resources where we will see the biggest harvest.

• Children's ministry can be a major growth engine for your church.  When you reach children, you reach parents.  We can have the greatest worship and messages, but if the children are not connecting, mom and dad won't stick around for long.  There's a reason people stand in line for hours waiting for their kids to see Santa.

• One of the best investments you can make for your church is a great children's facility.  It will pay for itself many times over by the families it brings.

• Children's Ministry is not childcare.  It is ministry at the most critical time in a person's life.  The early years are the most formative.

• Staff your Children's Ministry well.  There is no "slow" time for Children's Ministry.  Summer is our busiest time and we go from that right into the fall.  A good ratio is one full-time person for every 100-125 kids.  Your Children's Ministry staff is one of your most valuable partners in ministry.  Take good care of them.

•  If your Children's Ministry space is at capacity, your church will stop growing.  It doesn't matter how much space you have in the auditorium.  A full Children's Ministry space is a lid for the entire church.

• Student Ministry is vitally important, but don't let Children's Ministry get lost in it's shadow.   Remember, students can drive themselves to church.  Children are brought by their parents. If you want to reach families, reach kids.

• Children are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of today.  A healthy family is made up of grandparents, parents, and children.  Involve them in the life of the entire church.  Give them opportunities to lead worship, greet, pray, read Scripture, serve, and more.

• Make the Children's Ministry budget one of your largest budget items.  God will pour out His financial blessings on a church that invests in reaching and discipling children.

Thank you for taking time to listen.  We're you're biggest fan.  We're here to serve you.  Our heart is to stand by your side and help you reach families for Christ. 

Dale Hudson