by Tiffany Tate, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
This article was originally published in PCJH’s Fall 2024 Pinnacle, “Faith Like a Child”
In the Western US, church attendance may not be as prominent as in other regions, so the importance of a vibrant, engaging, and dynamic children’s ministry at the local church is even more essential. As the Children’s Coordinator for PCJH since March, I am excited to explain more about the theological, social, and practical reasons for prioritizing children’s ministry by highlighting its potential to shape the future of our church, foster engagement for the whole church, and – most importantly – nurture the spiritual growth of our kids.
Why Invest in Children’s Ministries?
Children are not just the future of the church; they are also the present. A thriving children’s ministry introduces young students to the person of Jesus Christ, invites them into a personal relationship with God, and encourages a child’s God-given curiosity along the way.
When the kids at PCJH start to talk about Bible stories like Zaccheus and how God will help everyone, it is an answer to prayer. When a child’s eyes light up when connecting to a story of godly courage, like Daniel and the lions den, it is a remarkable moment. Kids know that if they are brave enough to stand up to others, they will have an angel guard then, just like Daniel did. The kids at PCJH are often just beginning to learn about the Bible, are encouraged to start asking questions, and this initial foundation – built when they are young – will help them throughout their entire lives.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This verse emphasizes the lifelong impact of early spiritual education. Investing in children’s ministry aligns with the biblical mandate to disciple and nurture the faith of young people.
Jesus Himself highlighted the significance of children in the kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This powerful declaration by Jesus underscores the value that he placed on children and youth. By prioritizing children’s ministry, we follow Jesus’ example to ensure that our church remains a nurturing place for kids who come to Jesus in innocence and openness.
How do you build a strong foundation for the church through our children’s ministry program?
The goal of children’s ministry at PCJH is to lead children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to nurture their faith through encouraging exploration and openness. This is achieved through various ways including; biblical education, moral instruction, community, and family engagement.
First, at PCJH all ages of children experience weekly biblical education. They listen to stories, principles, and teachings of the Bible on their age appropriate level. This is provided through Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, the Fun Club, and Vacation Bible Adventure programs. Also, by encouraging children to participate in worship services, partaking of communion, and engaging in overall church activities this helps them better understand the various aspects of worship.
Second, moral instruction is taught by guiding children to practice Christian values such as love, kindness, honesty, and compassion. This is reinforced through activities and discussions about their daily lives and school experiences.
Third, fostering a sense of belonging and community among the children at PCJH happens in many ways. We provide activities and service opportunities that encourage working together with other members in our church. Finally, family engagement is key to the spiritual education of their children. Our church wants to listen and develop a program to support parents, recognizing that they are the primary spiritual influencers in their children’s lives.
What areas in Children’s Ministry help to plant seeds for children to learn to find relationship with Jesus?
Children’s ministry at PCJH is developing a number of important areas that will encourage children to love learning about the Bible and become life-long Christians. By using age appropriate lessons designed by the Orange children’s curriculum the kids activities are engaging, interesting, and fun! The Bible lessons cover all the developmental stages of children and this ensures that the content is relevant and engaging for different age groups. The biblical teachings are more memorable through interactive learning that includes; crafts, games, and music.
Our PCJH Sunday school teachers are positive Christian role models for the children. The volunteers help guide their Christian faith and we are grateful for everyone who helps our kids. We also teach our kids the importance of serving others and living out their faith in practical ways through service projects.
Why is Children’s Ministry so important for children and also for the church?
- Spiritual Formation: Children’s ministry plays a crucial role in the early spiritual formation of young believers. It lays the foundation for a lifelong relationship with God, instilling in them the love for Jesus, and values and teachings of the Christian faith from a young age.
- Continuity of Faith Traditions: By educating children in the faith, PCJH continues to build on the living faith of those who have gone before us in the Christian tradition. . The investment in children’s spiritual education today nourishes their faithful discipleship within the body of Christ, that is the church.
- Community Strengthening: A strong children’s ministry strengthens the overall church community. It fosters intergenerational relationships and ensures that children feel valued and included in the life of the church.
- Moral and Ethical Development: Beyond spiritual education, children’s ministry contributes to the moral and ethical development of children. It teaches them to live out Christian values in their daily lives, shaping them into responsible and compassionate individuals.
- Support for Families: By providing resources and support to families, children’s ministry helps parents in their role as primary spiritual educators. This partnership between the church and families enhances the overall effectiveness of children’s spiritual education.
Volunteers play a crucial role in children’s ministry, providing a foundation of support that can deeply influence the spiritual and emotional development of young people. By dedicating their time, energy, and talents, volunteers create a nurturing environment where children can learn about their faith, build lasting relationships, and feel valued within their church community. These volunteers often serve as role models, demonstrating the principles of their faith through their actions and interactions, which can have a lasting impact on the children’s moral and ethical development.
Moreover, volunteers help create a safe and engaging atmosphere where children are more likely to open up and participate actively. This involvement can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with their faith, fostering a lifelong relationship with the church.. Volunteers also provide much-needed support to ministry leaders, enabling a broader range of activities and more personalized attention for each child. In essence, the dedication of volunteers in children’s ministry is vital for creating a vibrant, supportive, and spiritually enriching environment..
Children’s ministry at PCJH is a vital and dynamic aspect of its mission to nurture young believers in their faith journey. By providing a strong biblical foundation, fostering community, and supporting families, the church plays a crucial role in shaping the spiritual, moral, and social development of its youngest members. Despite challenges, the opportunities for growth and innovation are abundant, ensuring that children’s ministry continues to be a cornerstone of the church’s efforts for the next generation of faithful Christians.