RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

There are some things you don't understand about children's ministry until you're in it.  Here's a few.  Enjoy!

1. You should have bought stock in Oriental Trading.

2. You should be prepared to pray for healing for dogs, cats and goldfish.

3. A room full of preschoolers can strike terror in the heart of the bravest adult. 

4. There will always be one parent who is 45 minutes late to pick up their child.

5. You should get on the good side of the church janitor.  Trust me.  You're going to need it.

6. A toddler can cry at a decibel level that can shatter windows.

7. Vomit comes in lots of different colors and usually happens at the worst possible time.

8. Object lessons and games that are not tested ahead of time will result in an epic fail during the service.

9. Kids will sometimes reveal embarrassing family details during prayer request time.

10. The true pronunciation of baptized is bab-ba-ba-ti-zed.

11. Preteen overnight events will shorten your life by 5 years.

12. 3rd grade boys never, never, never run out of energy.

13. If it's not made of concrete, kids will break it.

14. Kids who have already attended a service will ruin the review game in the next service by shouting out the answers.

15. The standard response to any review question when a child can't remember the answer is "Jesus."

16. When one child has to go the bathroom, ten children have to go to the bathroom.

17. When you plan an event for 20...200 will show up.  When you plan an event for 200...20 will show up.

18. Electronic check-in systems wait until the busiest times to go down.

19. No matter how cool you design them, you will find some take home papers on the ground after church.

20. If you don't have a program ready for the kids, they will create one for you...and it will not be pretty.

Your turn.  Share some other funny parts of children's ministry in the comment section below.  

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....

Ready for some fun?

Nursery pager signal sent...where is mom?

Name tag printer jammed...remaining calm...kinda.

Third grade boys...never a dull moment.

Looking for volunteers...everyone is running away.

Four-year-old crying...separation anxiety showing.

Child needs bathroom break...ten friends following.

Last day of VBS...out of energy.

Lesson preparation...stoplights on way to church.

Lesson done...adult service is going over.

Choir...hiding place for AWOL kidmin volunteers.

Kid moving to middle school...parent freaking.

Take home paper...litter on the ground.

50 bags of cotton balls...Wal-Mart shopping.

Copier...not working... at worst possible time.

If you like to talk to tomatoes.

Event over...one hour ago...child remains.

Praying for healing for dogs and cats.

All-night preteen event finished...thank you Jesus.

Deep question asked by kindergartner...left speechless.

Lost and found...30 Bibles stacked up.

Can't remember child's name...he is asking.

Out of breath...worship songs have motions.

Arm is cramping...holding up a puppet.

Driving to hospital visit...tonsils getting removed.

Parents asking...did you have fun today?


On a more serious note...

Child accepting Jesus as Savior...joy overflowing.

New family walking in church door...anticipation.

Listening to child pray...music to ears.

Parents going through divorce...wiping child's tears.

Volunteer going through tough time...praying fervently.

Dedicating parents and babies today...lots of smiles.

Kids are getting it...heart skipping beat.

Listening to kids sing to Jesus...goosebumps.

Family being baptized together...tears in eyes.

Looking at kids...seeing so much potential.

Tired...weary...little appreciation...worth it all.

Add some more seven word stories in the comment section below.  God will use your words to bring a smile to someone today.