Think children’s ministry is not important? Think again. Statistics show that most decisions for Jesus are made in the years prior to 18. So there is a need to make children’s ministry a high priority in our church and community. Children’s ministry is not something to be left to those who have no skills or aptitude for it. Children’s ministry needs to be taken seriously with the gospel message given at a level relevant to the age and experience of the child.
Youthworks takes the issue of children’s ministry seriously. This organization, which started around seven years ago, recognized the need for training people. Youthworks is committed to training people, not only by giving them a better understanding of God’s Word as they complete a diploma of theology but providing practical tips and opportunities to use what they are learning by teaching children and youth in their own church situations.
Currently in Australia, a number of part time positions are available for youth workers and children’s workers in many churches. The problem is not enough qualified people it seems, to fill them. Perhaps this is largely because for too long children’s ministry has been relegated to an unimportant role. The other alternative is that more full time positions are needed in this vital work.
In Vincentia on 19th November a Christian band from CRAM has been invited into the; local high school. This is a great opportunity for those with no contact with churches to hear a gospel presentation and first hand experience of young people committed to Christ as well as hear great music by Christian musicians. Even if it is not possible to take a Christian band into a school for a gig, you could always arrange for them to come to a local neighborhood centre or community hall and advertise the event.
Scripture Union camps and beach missions are another great initiative. In summer the coastal areas of Australia regularly host a number of beach missions, and members of my own family have been involved in several. As camping is not my scene, I am one of those behind the scenes people who pray. I was however, involved in Windana, an urban mission during vacation time. Windana was an initiative of several churches and denominations in the Seven Hills and Toongabbie area of Sydney. It runs every year during July vacation time. It came about because people saw a need and did something about it.
I’m sure if you a look around your community and neighborhood, you will find areas of children’s ministry you could become involved in. Or you might have some good ideas of ways to start an effective children’s ministry. I’d love to hear them.
Even if you feel you are not equipped to deal with this area, as I didn’t with beach missions, there is one thing all of us can do – we can pray for those involved in the work. One of the initiatives of my previous church was a prayer group for those who taught SRE. Often these involved elderly people or housebound people who would ring a prayer partner to pray for those involved in SRE lessons. Each day as volunteer teachers went into the schools they knew that behind the scenes, people were praying for them and their ministry to children.
Please pray about how God would have you involved in the work of reaching young people for Him. And then act on what He shows you.
Please visit these related blogs
How Important is Children’s Ministry?
Equipping Our Children for Spiritual Battle