Saturday, February 23, 2008
the Hard Work and Heart Work of Children's Ministry
I thought to myself recently how things that happen in Children's Ministry to children's ministry leaders are SO unique to children's ministry experience, that I thought it might be good to find others to share in it with me. Sometimes the humor in it all is so funny that no one else could really even believe it unless they too were in children's ministry. Sometimes the responsiblity of reaching kids and families for Christ is so embattled by the circumstances, it feels overwhelming.
I had a friend once say that children's ministry is the hardest ministry in the church, and I would agree with that. Keeping track of wiggly kids with food allergies and special needs, and volunteers that come and go, parents who depend on us for the spiritual upbringing of their kids (whether or not that is good is another discussion) and then the simple business of running such a detail focused ministry can all become so burdensome.
On the other hand, children's ministry is so rewarding. The free smiles and hugs that come with each Sunday. Hearing the fervent prayer of a child. Seeing the fruit of a changed life. Experiencing the beauty of a child's tender heart. Seeing God change families through the children. The miracles of Children's Ministry are too many to count.
Does God take joy in Children's Ministry? Does He value what so many individuals pour their heart and soul into? I would say a certain "YES". Jesus left what he was doing to heal the daughter of Jairus. God spoke breath into the Shunammite's son. He allowed children to come to Him when the disciples turned them away. God called to Samuel in the night. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. Yes, God does delight in the hearts of children.
Tomorrow, delight in the hearts of the children that God brings to you. He knows the plans that He has for each of them, their families, and He has ordained you for that moment to share in a part of that plan. ¶ 11:10:00 AM
I had a friend once say that children's ministry is the hardest ministry in the church, and I would agree with that. Keeping track of wiggly kids with food allergies and special needs, and volunteers that come and go, parents who depend on us for the spiritual upbringing of their kids (whether or not that is good is another discussion) and then the simple business of running such a detail focused ministry can all become so burdensome.
On the other hand, children's ministry is so rewarding. The free smiles and hugs that come with each Sunday. Hearing the fervent prayer of a child. Seeing the fruit of a changed life. Experiencing the beauty of a child's tender heart. Seeing God change families through the children. The miracles of Children's Ministry are too many to count.
Does God take joy in Children's Ministry? Does He value what so many individuals pour their heart and soul into? I would say a certain "YES". Jesus left what he was doing to heal the daughter of Jairus. God spoke breath into the Shunammite's son. He allowed children to come to Him when the disciples turned them away. God called to Samuel in the night. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. Yes, God does delight in the hearts of children.
Tomorrow, delight in the hearts of the children that God brings to you. He knows the plans that He has for each of them, their families, and He has ordained you for that moment to share in a part of that plan. ¶ 11:10:00 AM
