Let me tell you about why I serve in Kids Ministry. Correction: let me tell you about the one really good reason I serve in Kids Ministry. I’ve been serving in Kids Ministry from the time I started following Jesus with only a few small breaks (well over 10 years at this point). From the beginning, I’ve been asked why I, as a man, serve in this area.
- I don’t serve in children’s ministry because it’s a stepping stone to something else, because it’s not really.
- I don’t serve there because it’s a ministry that constantly bleeds volunteers, though it does.
- I don’t serve there because it’s one that lacks a positive male influence, though it is.
No Instant Gratification
Let’s face it: if you’re looking for immediate results, you’re probably in the wrong place. You’re likely not going to have a bunch of kids put their faith in Jesus at the end of the lesson every week. And I know, because for a significant period in 2013 and 2014, most of my assigned weeks related to judgment and/or evangelism. My main application points were usually, “You need to believe in Jesus,” or “You need to tell others about Jesus.” Nevertheless, when I teach, my goal is to teach clearly and faithfully. I don’t sugarcoat or pretty up anything the Bible says, but I do my best to make it understandable to them. I even have some kids who provide feedback on whether or not I hit the “understandable” benchmark. (Side note: this is so very helpful.)Getting a Glimpse
I don’t often get a clear sense of what God is doing in their hearts and minds. In all honesty, I’m not sure that is something I’m supposed to know. But I do know God’s doing something. Why? Because it’s what he’s promised to do in the Scriptures. Wherever His word goes forward, it will accomplish its purpose. When Jesus tells the parable of the sower, He tells us to scatter, but doesn’t promise that we’ll be the ones to reap the harvest. But sometimes He gives you a glimpse. A few years ago, one of the girls I taught stopped me in the hall. She handed me a little card she had made. Inside it simply said, “Thank you for teaching God’s Word to us.” That, friends, is why I serve in Kids Ministry.An earlier version of this post appeared on Aaron’s blog.
I have been serving in KidMin for a little over 30 years. Like you, I serve because I “get” to tell precious young ones about Jesus. I “get” to creatively tell them the truth of God’s Word without watering it down or making it pretty. What keeps me going is God’s promise that His Word will not return void, but will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it forth.
In my 30+ years, I’ve had (that I can remember) three kids come to me and tell me that it was because of something I said at VBS or Awana that got their attention and they made a decision for Christ. There is no greater reward here on this earth. I’m in it for the L-O-N-G haul and it’s worth every minute.
Amen!
There is nothing to compare, when you see the look on a child’s face when they “get it”! I have been teaching kids for over 20 years now, before that I was a youth director/ teacher (middle school and high school). So I have seen/heard/prayed for it all. Now my youth kids are parents, even some of my children are parents. But there is nothing like having them bring their little ones to Sunday School or having them share their lives on social media. I thank God everyday for the ministry He has led me to.
Interesting. I have been considering giving up on being involved in this ministry. On reading this and the timing of reading this I will continue for a while longer.
Glad it was able to be an encouragement!
Hi,
I teach Children’s Ministry at a Bible School, and I also run all our children’s programs.
One of the main challenges we all face is working with people who do not understand the value of this ministry; what it is, as well as what it is NOT.
You put it so well, and I am glad you are doing this for the right reason.
God continue to bless you.