10 Things I Learned Sunday From Children’s Ministry
I had the opportunity to spend some time in our large group children’s worship on Sunday. They were incredible. I was so impressed with the team down there. The kids just blew me away with their excitement and love for God. Here are a few things I learned:
1. Kids Put Adults To Shame When It Comes To Worship. There’s a reason Jesus holds the innocence/passion of children so dear. They were singing at the top of their lungs. I loved it. Almost got hit with this kids dreads as he swung them around. It ruled.
2. Kids Aren’t Afraid To Let Go. As I watched them, they just enjoyed the moment- without any concern what anyone else thought. How many times do we think about doing something, only to immediately wonder what others will think? Yeah, I’m talking to you.
3. Kids Are Listening. Really Listening. When asked what kind of choices they make, they screamed “WISE CHOICES!!!” Now we might say as parents they don’t always do as they know, but they’re listening. I’ve talked to too many adults who ask what to do, and I think “Have you listened at all in the last 6-12 months as we’ve discussed God & Jesus and how to live?” Kids are listening. We could take note.
4. Kids Get Jesus And His Love. They all signed shirts for a bunch of leaders (including myself). The shirts had 80+ kids signatures and on the back it said, “A True Friend Has Your Back.” The adults & kids talked about how Jesus died for our sins and essentially had our back. The kids wanted to let us know they had our back and were praying for us and thanked God for what we do. It was so cool.
5. Kids Take Pride In Loving People. One kid after another came up after service to tell me two things: “Pastor Jason, I signed your shirt. I have your back.” and “Mr. Jason, I love what you do for my mom and dad. Thank you.” They were proud of themselves for loving others. I wonder what it would look like if every adult was just as amped on loving other people??? Hmmmm.
6. Kids Are Excited About The Volunteers In Children’s Ministry. If you want to thank someone for the change in your kid- thank God. If you want to thank who God is using to help lead your kid- thank a volunteer. Those kids LOVE the volunteers down there. They are amazing. They don’t get paid a cent. They simply love your kids and want to help them love Jesus. They are “Grade A” Amazing.
7. Kids Need Someone To Engage Them. While worshiping & teaching- they were great. But, it was due in large part to a group of loving volunteers to kept them engaged, focused, and on track. The thing is, they love it when adults show them attention. If you have kids, come home and drop what you’re doing. Take time to play, wrestle, laugh, join in their world. Engage them. You won’t regret it, I promise.
8. Kids Are A Vital Part Of God’s Church (RIGHT NOW). I’ve heard some people equate children’s ministries across the country to “day care.” I would disagree. Especially with the format our team provides for Forefront. They plan specifically to your child’s age to help them understand basic biblical concepts and ideas. They work pain staking hours to make it happen. Because your kids are important. It’s not a day care, they are vital and we love and teach like the world depends on it.
9. Kids Need To Know Their Parents Love Jesus. As a kid, my parents were involved in the church. Teaching. Leading. Building Maintenance. Whatever They Needed. Now I didn’t always listen in church, like going, or believe what I was learning as a kid. But, I watched as my parents loved Jesus. Now, they didn’t always get it right, but they modeled it. I attribute that as a major factor for me being a Christian now. Parents, show your kids you love Jesus.
10. Kids Need A Team Effort. The church is great. We’re teaching your kids about God, Jesus, love, joy, and redemption. But, we are with them for one hour a week. You have them for the other 167 hours during the week. The church doesn’t have near the influence parents do. It’s a team effort. The church is here to help, but we cannot be the only influence. If we are…
“God, please be with this rising generation. May we teach them and lead them to love and follow you. Push us to be better leaders, adults, examples, and followers of Jesus.”
Amen.
Jason *over and out*
